Chicago Bears fans are dying for success after just two playoff appearances in the last 13 seasons. The last decade or so has been rough, to say the least, but there's a sense of optimism heading into an offseason where the Bears not only hold the first overall pick at the 2024 NFL Draft but also have over $49.1 million in cap space, per Spotrac.
Unsurprisingly, Bears fans have fantasized about names that the team could add when free agency opens in March. While it's fun to imagine new faces making their way to the Windy City, Spotrac also lists 16 free agents that general manager Ryan Poles must decide if he wants to keep.
While some players are expendable, Chicago can't afford to let these three Bears hit free agency this offseason.
Bears Can't Afford to Lose CB Jaylon Johnson
The Bears don't have a more important free agent that they must re-sign than Jaylon Johnson.
The fourth-year cornerback was phenomenal during the 2023 season. Starting in all 14 of his appearances, Johnson only allowed a 55.2% completion rate and 50.9 passer rating on 58 targets while also tallying 31 solo tackles, 10 defended passes, and a personal-best four interceptions. His efforts earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro second-team honors for the first time in his career.
The former Utah defender's incredible campaign doesn't end there, though. Johnson finished his fourth season as Pro Football Focus' top-graded cornerback when it comes to both coverage (91.0) and overall defense (90.8). For comparison, he finished with grades of 65.2 and 62.9, respectively, in 2022.
With his being one of the NFL's top-four CBs, the Bears can't afford to let Johnson walk next month. No matter how much he asks for, it's clear that he's worth every penny.
Bears Can't Let TE Marcedes Lewis Hit Free Agency
After five seasons with the rival Green Bay Packers, veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis joined the Bears on a one-year deal last offseason. While nobody expected much from him, the 39-year-old wound up exceeding expectations.
Lewis' stat line was modest (4 receptions, 29 yards, 1 touchdown in 17 games), but where he made a real impact was as a blocker. Lewis' 73.6 pass-block grade ranks fifth-best among TEs on PFF after recording four blocks with only one pressure allowed all season. Was his workload the biggest? No, but he still proved that he's more than effective when given an opportunity.
Lewis isn't the Bears' most pressing free agent to re-sign, however, there's no denying his impact on the team. Whether it's Justin Fields, Caleb Williams, or someone else under center next season, having the ex-UCLA TE on the roster will make their life easier.
Considering how Lewis recently told Sports Illustrated's Gene Chamberlain that he's open to returning for a 19th season, re-signing him is a total no-brainer.
Bears Can't Lose DT Justin Jones to Free Agency
Justin Jones was a key reason why the Bears had the best run defense in the country last season.
The former 2018 third-rounder was a versatile threat throughout his sixth NFL season. Showcasing his ability to do a little bit of everything, Jones racked up 29 solo tackles, 10 lost yardage tackles, 4.5 sacks, and four broken-up passes across 17 starts. He also had a career year as a pass rusher, registering new personal bests when it comes to pressures (36) and QB hits (13).
With how important the defensive line was to any success they saw last season, the Bears can't afford to take a step back by losing Jones. He isn't the biggest name or the best defender, but he does the little things right in head coach Matt Eberflus' system.
Having nearly $50 million to play with this offseason, there's no excuse for the Bears not to bring Jones back unless they know they're getting a clear-cut upgrade elsewhere.