With the offseason in full swing, the Bears have plenty of needs to address if they hope to turn around a disappointing 2019 season, where they went 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
As far as the Bears’ biggest offseason needs, NFL.com believes the Bears need to address the quarterback position, as well as offensive line, secondary and even tight end.
I know GM Ryan Pace said in the direct aftermath of a massively disappointing 2019 season that he’s sticking with Mitchell Trubisky as his QB1, but he has to find someone at the position who can help his team win games in the event that his prized former No. 2 overall pick continues to sputter. It’s not listed here, but tight end help should be a priority, as well.
While the Bears remain publicly committed to Mitchell Trubisky as their starting quarterback in 2020, things can certainly change between now, training camp and the start of the season.
The Bears are likely to target a veteran quarterback in free agency, although they could also bring in a young prospect to develop behind Trubisky.
Chicago would serve well to invest in the offensive line, even as they remain strapped for the 2020 season with tackles Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie. The Bears have an out with both Leno and Massie following the 2020 season, and if that’s the goal they need to have replacements in place.
Tight end is another important offseason need, especially considering the embarrassing production (if you could call it that) by that group in 2019. While Trey Burton is expected back — as his dead money hit of $7.5 million would be too great — the same can’t be said for Adam Shaheen. The Bears have shown interest in several tight ends in this pre-draft process, which only indicates that tight end is a big priority this offseason.
Then there’s the defense, which has far fewer needs. Although defensive back is certainly at the top of that list. With cornerback Prince Amukamara likely to become a cap-casualty — as Chicago could save $9 million by cutting him — and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix likely to hit the free agent market, the Bears need to find replacements opposite Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson.
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