3 Offseason Needs the Bears Can't Ignore in 2024

3. Address the Center Position

The past couple of seasons have been abysmal for the Bears at the center position. This past season we saw Cody Whitehair start the year at the position, but eventually get benched for Lucas Patrick after plenty of snapping issues in a game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Per Pro Football Focus, Cody Whitehair graded out at 45.0 and Lucas Patrick at 50.5. It doesn't matter who is lining up at quarterback with those numbers, they would struggle.

It is still very early in the offseason, but the overwhelming thoughts currently are that the Bears will draft a quarterback first overall. If that is the case, the need for a quality center becomes even more important as the last thing you want your rookie quarterback to deal with pressure directly in his face immediately.

Outside of center, the Bears' offensive line is not all that bad. Darnell Wright had a very solid rookie year at right tackle, Teven Jenkins should be in line for a contract extension after his strong play at both guard spots, and Braxton Jones has been solid at left tackle. If the Bears are able to address the center position, they can arguably have one of the better units in football.

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