Chicago Bears: 3 mistakes Pace must avoid as free agency begins

As we draw near to the start of the new league year, there are some moves the Chicago Bears can’t afford to make.

In just a little over two weeks, the new league year will begin and the Chicago Bears’ offseason will officially kickoff. Although technically teams can begin to contact players and begin the negotiation process on March 16th, the year doesn’t officially begin until March 18th, meaning no deals can become official until then. As that date approaches, there are some mistakes that the Bears simply can’t afford to make.

But first, let’s take inventory of where the team is as they prepare for this offseason. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Coming off an electric 2018 season, the team was supposed to take the next step in 2019 and compete for a Super Bowl. It didn’t happen, unfortunately, and now the team has more questions regarding their roster than one could have imagined just 12 months ago.

This offseason was supposed to be about fine-tuning rather than major overhauling, but the reality is because of what transpired in 2019, there are some significant holes and weaknesses that must be addressed if they want any chance of being a playoff team come 2020.

They have to figure out who will take over for recently released cornerback Prince Amukamara and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, as well as identify replacements for safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and guard Kyle Long. While those are important decisions for Pace, we identify three mistakes he can’t afford to make this offseason.