Why the NFC North could be a problem for the Bears in 2024

The NFC North is shaping up to be a top division in 2024, which will challenge an ascending Bears team this season.

Every year, there are a few divisions in the NFL that are just better than the others from top to bottom. In 2024, there is a chance that the NFC North will be in that division.

Last season, the NFC North had a good showing, as well. The AFC North is the only other NFL division that didn’t have a single team with fewer than seven wins (the Cincinnati Bengals were one win away from making it where all four teams had 10 wins).

The Detroit Lions (12-5) and Green Bay Packers (9-8) both made the playoffs in 2023. They also each won a postseason game. It was a great year for them both. Detroit made it the farthest, eventually losing in the NFC championship game to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings each went 7-10. The Vikings had the tie-breaker, so they came in third place while the Bears had another last-place finish. It wound up working out for the Bears, who got a higher draft pick.

Coming into this 2024 season, all four teams are going to be thinking about making it to the playoffs. The Vikings aren’t going to have Kirk Cousins anymore but they are almost certainly thinking about drafting their next franchise QB. We already saw what the Packers and Lions were able to do with Jordan Love and Jared Goff, respectively.

As for the Bears, they are 99.99% going to draft Caleb Williams and have him as their franchise QB going forward. If he’s good, the team will be even more improved than they were last year.

Although the expectations will be high for the Bears this season, someone has to come in last. That could be the biggest hurdle for them to climb this year with a good young team. They have proven that they can overcome the Vikings and the Lions, but they haven’t beaten the Packers in five years. If they can’t get over that hump, it might be another tough year. They absolutely cannot let the division be their biggest weakness.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Kirk Herbstreit: ‘Get ready because the Bears are coming’

Analyst Kirk Herbstreit believes the Bears are going to be a very good team in short order.

The Chicago Bears are one of the most intriguing teams this offseason. They have already made some big moves via trade and free agenc,y but now it’s time to start thinking about the 2024 NFL draft.

If they do well with their four selections (all in the first four rounds), they could be a very good team next year and beyond. They are going to begin the draft on night one with Caleb Williams as the number one overall pick and then they will make another selection at number nine.

Ryan Poles has been a master at this since taking over as general manager in 2022, but this is the offseason that he can define his legacy. If Poles does well, he will be known as a top GM in franchise history. If he doesn’t, he will be just another in a long list of disappointments.

One popular football commenter, Kirk Herbstreit, seems to think that the Bears are going to be a very good team in short order.

“You better get on the Chicago Bears right now,” Herbstreit said Monday on the Pat McAfee Show. “Get ready because the Bears are coming.”

One of the biggest takeaways from his segment were his comments on head coach Matt Eberflus. Herbstreit sees the players on this team playing hard for the head coach despite the narrative that surrounds him. That is something that could help them win in the near future.

Herbstreit also had high praise for Chicago’s defense following the trade for edge rusher Montez Sweat, which means that a new quarterback playing well could mean good things for the team as a whole. If the defense is supplemented by a good offense, they will in turn win more football games.

It’s refreshing to see the media’s positive praise about the Bears. While Chicago still has work to do, they aren’t a laughing stock right now, which is different than the last couple of years. If Chicago becomes a top team, they could be a big focus in overall NFL conversation because of how important they are to the league.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Bears GM Ryan Poles calls out RGIII’s comments about Caleb Williams

Ryan Poles didn’t like RGIII suggesting Caleb Williams refuse to play for the Bears.

The Chicago Bears (most likely) are going to draft Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The hope is the former Heisman Trophy winner develops into the franchise quarterback Chicago has been yearning for.

Earlier this month, former NFL quarterback and current analyst Robert Griffin III insinuated Williams should refuse to play for Chicago, ala Eli Manning many years ago.

RGIII made some good points about the Bears organization not being able to develop a quarterback in the past, but this feels different with general manager Ryan Poles and his staff in place. It also wasn’t a very classy thing to say as the current Bears deserve to try their hands at selecting a potential generational talent. They made a blockbuster trade last offseason to put themselves in this position, and now they get to benefit.

On Tuesday, Poles appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he was asked about RGIII’s comments. And, just like Bears fans, Poles didn’t take kindly to them.

“It pisses me off a little bit to be honest with you because we were brought in to break a cycle,” Poles said. “I really believe we are about to break that cycle.”

Poles, Matt Eberflus, and the rest of the staff have things feeling differently. Now, it is time for them to try their hand at developing their own quarterback that they scouted and selected. It is good to hear that Poles doesn’t like hearing these comments because he has nothing to do with the “old Bears.” It’s time for change, and he is the beacon of said change.

Poles believes in what this organization is doing. The confidence radiates off him in a way that we’ve never seen from a Bears executive. Poles is going to go out there, draft Williams, and attempt to bring success to an organization and fanbase that desperately wants it.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Former Bears RB D’Onta Foreman signs with Browns

Former Bears running back D’Onta Foreman has found a new home with the Browns.

Former Chicago Bears running back D’Onta Foreman has signed with the Cleveland Browns, according to numerous NFL insiders.

Foreman, who’s spent time with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Carolina Panthers, played for the Bears in 2023. He served as a key reserve in running back committee, but also stepped into a starting role due to injuries to Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.

In nine games, including eight starts, Foreman totaled 109 rushes for 425 yards and four touchdowns. He added 11 receptions for 77 yards and a score. Foreman wasn’t the number one guy on the team by any means, as evidenced by him being a healthy scratch in the final stretch, but he accepted his role and executed it.

Now, with D’Andre Swift joining the room with Herbert and Johnson, the expectation is Foreman wouldn’t return. Now, he’s found a new home with the Browns.

It will be interesting to see how Foreman fits in that running back room with Nick Chub and Jerome Ford. He is their third back right now but we’ll see what that means for him and his production.

Chubb was injured for most of the season after suffering a gruesome injury, so Foreman might be needed early on. Hopefully, he finds success with his new NFL team.

How Keenan Allen trade impacts Bears’ draft plans

The Bears made a splash trading for receiver Keenan Allen. Here’s why the move shouldn’t impact their draft plans.

The Chicago Bears now have one of the NFL’s best wide receiver tandems with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, who were both acquired via trade over the past two offseasons.

Receiver was one of the team’s biggest remaining needs this offseason, and general manager Ryan Poles addressed it in a huge way.

So how does the Allen trade impact Chicago’s plans in the 2024 NFL draft?

Well, it shouldn’t necessarily change their plans so much as it serves as insurance. The dropoff after Moore and Allen on the depth chart is large. If one of the “big three” — Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., Washington’s Rome Odunze and LSU’s Malik Nabers — were to fall to the Bears at No. 9, they should absolutely draft him.

Harrison is a lock to go in the top five. Now, with the loss of Allen, the Chargers should be in the market for a receiver at No. 5. The third one could fall to pick No. 9, but it’s less likely.

But this is a loaded receiver class where there will be other top options on Day 2. Chicago should not be out on any of them just because they traded for Allen. He’s 31 years old and not a long-term answer. 

With that said, getting a WR2 is no longer the biggest need on the offense either. If there is a player at a different position that they like more than the top available receiver, they should do that at ninth overall. It is a matter of where they are in the draft and who is on the board.

Poles is a smart guy. He isn’t going to make poor draft choices because of the “win now” trades that he’s made. At this point, it is hard to question any plan that he may have.

Highlights of new Bears S Jonathan Owens

The Bears have signed safety Jonathan Owens. Here are some highlights of Chicago’s newest defensive back.

The Chicago Bears signed veteran safety Jonathan Owens to a two-year deal on Tuesday.

Owens comes to Chicago after spending one year with the Green Bay Packers, where he had a pretty good year. He totaled 84 tackles, including two for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups.

Before his one-year stint in Green Bay, he spent the first four years of his career with the Houston Texans.

This is a fun move for some people who know he’s the husband of Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles. She is one of the greatest American Olympians of all time, and now her husband is coming to Chicago.

In terms of football, Owens is going to be a great addition to the = Bears secondary. With some of the things they are doing on the defensive side of the ball, it is clear that they are going to have a very strong unit in 2024. Getting him out of Green Bay is a plus, as well.

These are some of the best Owens highlights:

Owens joins a safety room also featuring Jaquan Brisker, newly-signed Kevin Byard and Elijah Hicks.

Bears should consider signing All-Pro safety Justin Simmons

The Broncos released All-Pro Justin Simmons, who joins a loaded free-agent safety class. Will the Bears target him?

The Chicago Bears are trying hard to become a powerhouse in the NFL. They are rebuilding from scratch under general manager Ryan Poles, who inherited a mess from the regime before him. Part of their recent climb is the good play of their defense, which has made strides over the last two years.

Now, they have a chance to make more upgrades during a franchise-altering offseason. A lot of people are focused on what they are doing with their offense, and rightfully so. However, there should be plenty of attention on the defense this offseason.

There have been some big veteran salary cap casualties ahead of free agency, but the most surprising has been the Denver Broncos cutting ties with All-Pro safety Justin Simmons. They cleared up $14.5 million in salary cap space. Now, Simmons will be a hot commodity in what’s turning out to be a loaded safety group for free agency.

The former All-Pro safety would be a great addition for the Bears secondary, which is already pretty good at cornerback and with third-year safety Jaquan Brisker. Following Eddie Jackson’s release earlier this offseason, Chicago has a hole to fill at that free safety position.

Since making his NFL debut in 206, no player has had more interceptions than Simmons with 30. He has been truly one of the best. A player like that would do wonders for everyone around him. The secondary and linebackers are already good and they are going to improve the pass rush through the draft and free agency. Doing all of that plus adding a ball hawk like Simmons would be very wise.

Bears expected to target these positions in free agency

The Bears have several needs to address this offseason, and it sounds like offense could be a focal point in free agency.

Free agency is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears have some big needs to address — edge rusher, safety, wide receiver, tight end and center. And it sounds like Chicago could look to reinforce the offense.

According to The Athletic, the Bears are expected to target wide receiver and running back in free agency.

One of the deepest and best positions in this year’s draft is wide receiver. But it’s a potential target position for the Bears in free agency, according to several league sources at the combine.

Another position one league source brought up was running back, and a belief from outside the building that the offense could benefit greatly from a dynamic back.

The Bears may not be able to draft one of the big three wide receivers in this draft because of their positioning, but it would be nice to have Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers. If they are unable to get one as expected, free agency could be the route for them.

Mike Evans (extension), Michael Pittman Jr. (franchise tag) and Tee Higgins (franchise tag) are already off the board. But some other targets could include Calvin Ridley, Marquise Brown, Gabe Davis and Tyler Boyd.

As for running back, it’s a loaded free agent group featuring Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, D’Andre Swift, Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs. The Bears could have a much-improved offense if they added a couple of these guys this offseason.

Chicago will  likely select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They already have DJ Moore and Cole Kmet in place, so adding a good receiver and/or running back to the mix would help Williams hit the ground running in the league.

This is an offensive league and the Bears need to start trending in that direction. General manager Ryan Poles controls the draft with that top selection, and he has a good amount of money to spend in free agency. If he does this right, they could be a very good football team soon.

Adam Schefter would be ‘very surprised’ if Bears don’t draft Caleb Williams

Adam Schefter reinforced his belief that the Bears will draft Caleb Williams at No. 1.

What are the Chicago Bears going to do at the quarterback position? Will they select a QB with the first overall pick? Will they keep Justin Fields? It is going to define the career and legacy of general manager Ryan Poles.

Everyone has an opinion. But when insiders like ESPN’s Adam Schefter speak, people listen. Schefter has been on the Caleb Williams to Chicago train for awhile now, and that’s only solidifying.

Schefter appeared on The Pat McAfee Show Monday and reinforced that belief that the Bears will draft Williams with the No. 1 pick.

“I’ve said all along that I’d be very surprised if the Bears didn’t go Caleb Williams at one,” Schefter said.

Speaking about how he thinks the Bears are going to select Williams led to him talking about the market for Justin Fields. It isn’t as big of a market as people may have thought when the offseason first started. At this point, the Bears need to take the best offer for Fields before they make this first overall selection.

“I don’t think the market for Justin Fields is as robust as the Bears and he had thought,” Schefter said.

Schefter isn’t always right when he makes claims like this, but this is in line with numerous reports coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine. The Bears need to hit on this quarterback decision, otherwise they are going to continue being a mediocre football team for the next decade.

Jackson Powers-Johnson would love to play for the Bears

The Bears have a huge need at center, and Jackson Powers-Johnson welcomed the idea of playing in Chicago.

The Chicago Bears are in the market for a new center, and it’s one of their top needs this offseason. It’s been an issue for them over the last few years, and it’s time to fix it. No matter what, they should spend some of their money on a good one in free agency.

They could also consider drafting one to develop under a veteran that they sign in free agency. This could be the key to having long-term success at that vital position.

Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson is someone that they might consider. He’s one of the top centers in this 2024 draft class, and he was asked if there’s a possibility of playing for the Bears.

“I sure hope so,” he said, confirming that he met with Chicago during the NFL Scouting Combine.

Powers-Johnson, a projected first-round selection, is already calling them “da Bears” and commenting on deep-dish pizza which means he is already picturing himself living with Chicago culture. Hopefully, someone showed him Tavern Style, too.

If the Bears end up with Powers-Johnson, they’d be getting someone who can help them for the long-haul. He’d certainly be in play for them if they opt to trade back from the No. 9 pick into the middle of the first round. It’s worth considering, especially since it genuinely seems like he’d want to be a Bear.