3 Chicago Bears who have become cornerstone players for 2023

After Week 15, the Chicago Bears fell to 3-11 on the season. Losers of seven in a row, the Bears are essentially looking towards the future, as are the fans.

The game against Philly wasn’t all for naught, though, as some of the highlights include a few things we’re going to love seeing for years to come.

Justin Fields was a star. Kyler Gordon had a fumble recovery and interception. Some of the youth really shined on Sunday.

It was one of those games that made you think, “You know, the future of this team is indeed bright.” There are three particular players who have proven they are now franchise cornerstones going beyond this season and into 2023.

Braxton Jones has become a Chicago Bears franchise cornerstone

Dating back to the 2022 offseason, the offensive line has been one of the biggest concerns for the Bears and their fan base. General manager Ryan Poles didn’t make any sexy moves to try and fix the line last spring, but one of the best moves of the offseason came when the team drafted Braxton Jones in the fifth round this year.

Going into Week 15, Jones had become the highest-graded rookie offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus, and the number three overall graded offensive tackle in terms of run-blocking.

For a highly-drafted rookie, Jones’ season would already be remarkable. But the fact is, he was found late. This was arguably Poles’ best pick of the draft, and it came in the fifth round.

The Bears have their franchise left tackle, and didn’t have to spend a first-round pick, nor did they hand out a hefty free agent contract to do so.