Bears' Risky Offseason Moves: Potential Backfires Ahead
The Chicago Bears have been busy reshaping their roster during the 2024 offseason, aligning it with the vision of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. However, not all of their moves are guaranteed to yield positive results.
Following their decision to forego selecting CJ Stroud in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bears find themselves with a fresh opportunity to address their quarterback situation. But as they make pivotal decisions, questions arise about potential backfires in Poles' strategy, whether in player acquisitions or departures. Let's delve into three moves that could pose challenges for the Bears in the upcoming season:
1. D'Andre Swift's Signing at RBDespite having promising talents like Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson in their running back roster, Ryan Poles opted to invest in D'Andre Swift with a lucrative contract. However, this decision overlooks other viable options available in the market, such as Josh Jacobs. The discrepancy in cost between Swift and Jacobs, coupled with Jacobs' proven prowess as an All-Pro, raises concerns about the Bears' long-term investment in Swift.
2. Kevin Byard's Selection Over Other SafetiesAmidst a deep pool of free-agent safeties, the Bears chose to part ways with Eddie Jackson and brought in Kevin Byard, an experienced player but on the downside of his career. With younger options like Xavier McKinney and Julian Blackmon available, the decision to commit to Byard raises doubts, especially considering his recent departures from two teams within a year.
3. Trading Justin Fields to the SteelersArguably the most significant move of the offseason, the Bears traded former first-round pick Justin Fields to the Steelers. While Fields showcased potential in his previous season, the Bears opted for this trade, banking on their chance to correct past mistakes. However, Fields' potential success with the Steelers, coupled with uncertainties surrounding the Bears' current quarterback situation, could result in backlash against Poles' decision-making.
As the Bears navigate these pivotal offseason moves, only time will tell whether they pay off or backfire. Stay tuned for further developments as the NFL season approaches.
| POLL | ||
5 AVRIL | 101 ANSWERS Bears' Risky Offseason Moves: Potential Backfires Ahead Do you believe the Chicago Bears' offseason moves will lead to success in the upcoming season? | ||
| Yes | 77 | 76.2 % |
| No | 24 | 23.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
