Category: Latest Bears News

Bears dubbed the most improved team heading into 2024

The Bears made improvements across the board that will help them be competitive in 2024 and beyond.

The Chicago Bears have been one of the most exciting teams this offseason, where they’ve made improvements across the board that will help them be competitive in 2024 and beyond.

It starts at the top with the addition of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who comes into an ideal situation for a No. 1 pick QB perhaps ever. He has an arsenal of weapons, including the new additions of receivers Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett, to pair with receiver DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet.

Chicago also has a potential top-10 defense returning most of its starters, including All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson and Pro Bowl edge rusher Montez Sweat, and ready to take the next step.

NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha compiled a list of teams that most improved this offseason, and the Bears landed at the top of the list.

The Bears came into this offseason with high expectations and they delivered in all ways possible. They traded quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh instead of giving him one more year to prove himself. They added more veteran help on offense — running back D’Andre Swift, wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Gerald Everett — and signed blossoming star cornerback Jaylon Johnson to an extension. Of course, the home run came in the draft. By taking quarterback Caleb Williams first overall and wide receiver Rome Odunze eight picks later, the Bears now have an offense that could become the most exciting in franchise history. This is a team that saw its defense grow considerably in the second half of last season. If Williams can make an immediate impact — which he needs to do — the playoffs are a real possibility for this bunch.

Since general manager Ryan Poles took over two and half years ago, he’s helped rebuild this roster into a contender heading into Year 3. That included arguably the best trade in franchise history, when the Bears traded the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers for a haul that turned into receiver DJ Moore, tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and quarterback Caleb Williams — and they still have a 2025 second-rounder on the way.

While the Bears finished with the worst record in the NFC North a season ago, they’re a team that’s poised to go from worst to potential contender as soon as this season because of their offseason additions.

Report: TE Marcedes Lewis intends to re-sign with Bears

Marcedes Lewis intends to re-sign with the Bears, according to Jay Glazer.

The Chicago Bears are expected to re-sign veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, according to FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer.

Lewis, 40, is meeting with Chicago on Monday with the intention of re-signing with the team. This would mark Lewis’ 19th NFL season since he was drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Bears signed Lewis to a one-year deal last offseason to serve as the third tight end behind Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan. While Lewis only totaled four catches for 29 yards and a touchdown, he continued to show why he’s one of the league’s best blocking tight ends.

Lewis joins a tight end room that consists of Kmet and Gerald Everett, who signed a two-year deal with Chicago this offseason. Kmet is coming off a career year with the Bears, where he hauled in 73 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns. Everett had 51 catches for 411 yards and three touchdowns with the Los Angeles Chargers last season.

Kmet and Everett will be the main contributors at tight end, but Lewis will once again serve a key role as a blocker in Shane Waldron’s offense with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams taking over.

Bears’ Teven Jenkins, Nate Davis make PFF’s list of top NFL guards

PFF believes the Bears have two top-32 guards in Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis.

The Chicago Bears have spent the past few years overhauling their offensive line, which is even more important now with a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams on the roster.

While there are still some question marks, Chicago has a solid tackle duo in Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright. And their interior linemen are also getting some recognition from the media.

Bears guard Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis were ranked among the top 32 guards in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, making Chicago one of 10 teams to have their starting duo on the list.

Jenkins landed at 16th on the list. PFF noted that he’s been slowed down by injuries, as he’s yet to play an entire season in the NFL. Since becoming a second-round pick in 2021, it took a while for him to play with regularity. Making the switch from tackle to guard has helped him reinvent himself with the Bears. Now, he’s looking to prove he’s worthy of an extension in a contract year.

Injuries have slowed Jenkins since he was drafted by the Bears in 2021, with the former second-round pick playing in no more than 13 games in a season since his rookie year. Despite that, Jenkins has shown real potential, earning an 80.7 PFF overall grade in 2022 and a 72.6 mark in 2023.

Jenkins allowed just 17 quarterback pressures in 12 games in 2023, and his 71.7 run-blocking grade ranked 11th among guards. His game is predicated on violence upon contact, and it’ll continue to be that way as he asserts himself as one of the better guards in the NFL.

Davis landed at 26th on the list. He’s entering his second season with the Bears, and the hope is it goes better than his first. Davis was hurt a fair amount and he didn’t perform the way we came to expect as a member of the Tennessee Titans. PFF mentioned that a return to form (and health) in 2024 would mean he is one of the better guards in the league.

Davis has been injury-prone in his five NFL seasons in the NFL, and he featured in just 11 games in his first season with the Chicago Bears. The former Titan wasn’t able to put his best foot forward in 2023, earning a 52.9 PFF overall grade — the second-lowest mark of his career. But Davis was a consistently strong run-blocker in the three seasons preceding 2023, earning a 71.8 run-blocking grade from 2020 to 2022.

A healthy season could see Davis reaffirm his status as a solid guard in the NFL.

Having a solid offensive line is crucial in the NFL, especially with a rookie quarterback under center. With the group that the Bears have, this offensive line could take a big leap forward as some of these guys develop. If they ever find a star at center, it may be one of the top groups in the league.

Normally, Chicago is void of any players on these kinds of lists. The fact that most of them feature multiple Bears players is an encouraging thing. We’ll see what this translates to on the field once the season starts. One thing is for sure, Williams would appreciate a great offensive line. If that happened, he’d have a much easier time hitting the ground running in the NFL.

Bears defense aiming for more takeaways in 2024 season

Kyler Gordon said the Bears defense has set a standard when it comes to taking the ball away in 2024.

The Chicago Bears defense has the potential to be one of the best units in the league heading into the 2024 season.

Following a rough start to the 2023 season, the defense rebounded as one of the better groups in the NFL in the back half of the year. Chicago finished with the league’s best run defense and had the fifth-most takeaways (28).

Now, the Bears are looking to build on that success as they return most of their starters from a season ago, including All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson and Pro Bowl edge rusher Montez Sweat, and enter Year 3 in Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

Cornerback Kyler Gordon said the defense has a specific goal they’re targeting heading into the 2024 season: More takeaways.

“I feel like the biggest thing for me and what we all talk about is takeaways, more takeaways,” Gordon said during minicamp. “We have the goal of 20 and 20 — 20 interceptions and 20 fumbles. However we gotta get it, we’re gonna get it. That’s just kind of the standard that we’re putting ourselves to, that we all hold each other to.”

It certainly feels like an attainable goal after Chicago tied for the most interceptions in the NFL (22) last season. But they only had six fumble recoveries, which is something they’ll be looking to improve.

The defense has already received high praise from their offensive teammates, where wide receiver Keenan Allen, quarterback Caleb Williams and guard Teven Jenkins have referred to them as a top 5 defense in the NFL. Despite the praise, Gordon wants to show it on the field.

“I’m all about proving it,” he said. “You can say a lot of things. I would say that I definitely feel a lot from the defense as far as chemistry, energy and just the type of timing that we’re on. For all of us to be on the same page and a step further than last year, I picture a lot of things for us in the future. I’m just excited.”

Bears great Steve McMichael won’t travel to Canton for Hall of Fame induction

Bears legend Steve McMichael unfortunately won’t be in Canton for his Hall of Fame ceremony.

While the hope was Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael would be able to attend his Hall of Fame induction this August despite having ALS, that unfortunately won’t be the case, according to his longtime spokeswoman Betsy Shepherd.

“Steve McMichael will not be able to travel to Canton, Ohio, for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction due to complications of ALS he has so valiantly fought the last three years,” Shepherd said in a statement Friday night. “The Hall of Fame is making plans for presenting his honor at his home.”

McMichael spent 13 seasons with the Bears and won Super Bowl XX in the 1985 season. McMichael was a two-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. His 92.5 career sacks rank second in franchise history, behind only Richard Dent (124.5).

McMichael chose Jarrett Payton, the son of Bears great Walter Payton, to introduce him at the induction ceremony.

McMichael is one of three former Bears players who were elected the Hall of Fame this year, alongside return specialist Devin Hester and edge rusher Julius Peppers.

Chicago will face the Houston Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 1, ahead of the induction ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Rich Eisen thinks the Bears may be a Super Bowl contender in 2024

Rich Eisen believes the best-case scenario for the Bears is that rookie QB Caleb Williams leads them to a Super Bowl in 2024.

The Chicago Bears have made massive improvements to their roster over the last 18 months. They went from being a rebuilding team to a team trying to turn the corner in a short amount of time. Great decision-making and a little bit of luck made things quicker.

General manager Ryan Poles has added a lot of talent to both sides of the ball. The defense started to take a turn in the middle of last season and a lot of great players have been added on offense, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The 2024 season should be the time that they take a much-needed step forward.

But NFL Network’s Rich Eisen is taking it a step forward with loftier expectations. Eisen mentioned C.J. Stroud and what he did for the Houston Texans in 2023, but he believes that Williams can take the Bears even further in Year 1.

“I’m saying the best case scenario for the Bears is (Williams) takes them to the Super Bowl,” Eisen said.

The Bears haven’t been in a Super Bowl since 2006, and they haven’t won a playoff game since 2010. It’s been a while since they’ve had a run of sustained success, but they are hoping that Williams can help them attain that goal.

If Eisen is correct and Williams can lead them there, it will be great for the city of Chicago, which has been hoping for a run like that for a long time. There is hype surrounding this team, but they can’t let it get to them. There is a lot of work to be done, but knowing that they have a high ceiling is great for the organization.

Looking back on the Bears’ all-time trade in franchise history

The Bears trade of the No. 1 pick in 2023 has set them up for success in the long term.

The Chicago Bears did an incredible thing for their franchise just last year. General manager Ryan Poles pulled the trigger on a trade that redefined the franchise moving forward that will help them build a winner.

After earning the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, as the worst team in the league, they opted to forgo selecting a quarterback and ride with Justin Fields. The result? One of the best trades in NFL history.

The Bears traded the top selection to the Carolina Panthers for a haul that has turned into wide receiver DJ Moore, right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, quarterback Caleb Williams and a 2025 second-round selection still on the way.

While the trade isn’t finalized yet — with that second rounder to be — it’s already one of the greatest trades in franchise history.

For one, Moore became their No. 1 receiver immediately. Even with inconsistent quarterback play from Justin Fields in 2023, Moore stood out as one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

Wright, selected at 10th overall in 2023, was one of the Bears’ best offensive linemen and looks the part of a franchise right tackle. It won’t be long until he is helping the Bears have one of the best offensive lines as a result.

Stevenson, selected at 56th overall in 2023, started immediately as a rookie and emerged as a playmaker in the secondary. With one year under his belt, Stevenson will look to build off a strong finish in his first season.

Carolina was the worst team in the NFL last season, which led to the Bears getting the No. 1 pick and selecting quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago has never had a star quarterback that is considered elite. Williams may end up being that guy.

Getting Moore, Wright and Stevenson out of that trade is very good right off the bat. Add in Williams’ potential and you could be talking about one of the greatest trades ever made in NFL history.

As for Carolina, they selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who struggled during his rookie year. C.J. Stroud, who was selected second overall by the Houston Texans, looks like the much better player. That is going to be a painful comparison for a long time if Young doesn’t take a step. That isn’t Chicago’s problem though as they got the best of the deal by far.

Bears announce 2024 open training camp dates

The Bears have announced their 2024 open training camp dates, which includes nine public practices starting July 26.

The Chicago Bears have announced their 2024 training camp schedule, where they will welcome fans back to camp for nine open practices.

Chicago’s first practice is set for Tuesday, July 23, which is a private community invite day. The Bears’ first open practice will be held on Friday, July 26.

This will mark the fifth time the Bears will hold training camp at Halas Hall after 18 years practicing at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. Training camp was closed to the public in 2020, but fans have been in attendance the previous three summers.

Here are the nine open practice dates:

  • Friday, July 26
  • Saturday, July 27
  • Tuesday, July 30
  • Sunday, August 4
  • Tuesday, August 6
  • Wednesday, August 7
  • Tuesday, August 13
  • Wednesday, August 14
  • Thursday, August 15 (joint practice with Bengals)

All open practice sessions are free but require a ticket for entry. Tickets go on sale July 9.

Bears 2024 minicamp Day 3: Braxton Jones, Nate Davis among those not practicing

The Bears wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday with a handful of players not participating in team activities.

Mandatory minicamp is officially over for the Chicago Bears as they completed their third and final practice of the week. The Bears had a shorter and lighter practice on Thursday before the veterans break before the summer. A handful of players did not take part in team activities on the field, however.

Offensive tackles Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie and wide receivers Tyler Scott and Dante Pettis missed practice for a second day in a row. Guard Nate Davis was also not participating for the second time this week. Others who were out include cornerback Kyler Gordon, defensive end Austin Booker, and wide receiver Collin Johnson. Bear Report’s Zack Pearson indicates Jones and Gordon were not present at all, while the others were not participating.

Though there were quite a few players not available, head coach Matt Eberflus continued to say it was just precautionary. The Bears veterans won’t be back on the field until sometime in mid-July, while the rookies will take part in one more organized team activity (OTA) next week.

Bears to conduct join practice with Bengals this summer

The Bears will host the Bengals for a joint practice this summer at Halas Hall ahead of their preseason matchup.

The Chicago Bears will conduct a join practice with the  Cincinnati Bengals this summer at Halas Hall.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced the single joint practice with the Bengals will be on Aug. 15 in Lake Forest, Ill., ahead of a preseason matchup between the two teams on Saturday, Aug. 17, at Soldier Field.

“We are looking forward to hosting the Bengals here at Halas Hall for a practice prior to our preseason game,” Eberflus said. “We have a great respect for their organization, led by Coach Taylor. I’m excited about having the opportunity for us to compete, as well as the challenge that the practice presents to our team, as we get ready for the season.”

Last year, the Bears had joint practices with the Colts in Indianapolis. Now, Chicago will host Joe Burrow and the Bengals at Halas Hall.