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Following a disappointing 7-10 season in 2023, the Chicago Bears are approaching the beginning of a brand new period.
After buying and selling quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears will select his substitute with the No. 1 decide in April, pairing him with recent, thrilling new weapons. That, together with an enhancing and underrated protection, has Chicago followers feeling optimistic concerning the future.
Whereas all the joy may be warranted, a number of members of the staff have to step up in the event that they hope to be part of the longer term. With that in thoughts, listed here are three members of the Bears on the most well liked seats in 2024.
Defensive finish DeMarcus Walker
Walker did not have the worst 12 months in 2023, his first with the Bears. Nevertheless, a season faraway from recording a career-high seven sacks with the Tennessee Titans, the 29-year-old fell in need of expectations.
After inking a three-year, $21M ($15.6) deal final offseason, Walker recorded solely 3.5 sacks in 12 video games. In the meantime, he earned a 59.1 grade from Professional Soccer Focus, fiftieth amongst ends that performed a minimum of 50 p.c of their staff’s snaps.
There’s hope that Walker will come round, particularly since he posted 31 hurries and 12 QB hits final season. But when he fails to complete once more in 2024, he could also be changed, maybe by an edge rusher chosen No. 9 general in April’s NFL Draft.
Huge receiver Velus Jones Jr.
Jones remains to be on the Bears roster after two largely uneventful seasons, however for a way lengthy stays to be seen. The previous third-round decide has already been pushed additional down the depth chart with the latest acquisition of star Keenan Allen, and an in-coming rookie is prone to do the identical.
Chosen 71st general within the 2022 draft, Jones has amassed extra dashing yards (154) than receiving yards (127) over 26 profession video games. In the meantime, his offensive snap share has dropped from 22 p.c in his rookie 12 months to solely 11 p.c in 2023.
The writing seems to be on the wall for Jones, and he may want a powerful coaching camp and a breakout 12 months to safe a roster spot. Past that, it is onerous to think about a major function for the third-year wideout transferring ahead.
Head coach Matt Eberflus
With the Bears solely weeks away from choosing a quarterback with the No. 1 decide within the NFL Draft, many are underneath the impression that Eberflus’ job is secure in the interim. Although, make no mistake, Caleb Williams or not, the top coach is on the recent seat.
Following two shedding seasons, an absence of tangible progress in 2024 will seemingly end in Eberflus’s firing. The staff’s offseason strikes do not appear to be a staff readying for a couple of rebuild years. A visit to the NFC Championship might not be the bar, however higher than seven wins may be.
Final season, the protection took a major leap behind Eberflus. Nevertheless, the offense lagged, resulting in Fields’ and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s departure.
Now, the Bears will get their QB, together with shiny new toys in 1,000-yard rusher D’Andre Swift and veteran wideout Allen. New OC Shane Waldron will mould the offense, however failure may fall on Eberflus’ shoulders this time.
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