Bears' 3 Biggest Priorities to Start the Offseason

The Chicago Bears haven't found much success under head coach Matt Eberflus. They have gone 10-24 over the past two seasons, failing to reach the postseason in each year. The pressure is building on Eberflus, so this is an important offseason for the Windy City.

The Bears are loaded with cap space and own six draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, all coming in the first five rounds. Chicago currently has $70 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. Look for them to be aggressive throughout the offseason, as general manager Ryan Poles will have his hands full.

1. Add Another Force to Bolster the Defensive Line

The Chicago Bears made a meaningful addition at last year's trade deadline when they acquired defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders. Sweat immediately became the team's best edge rusher, leading the team in sacks (6) with 25 total tackles in nine games.

Chicago struggled outside of Sweat to consistently generate pressure. They finished the season ranked 31st in team sacks (30). To be a good team in the NFL, you need to get after the quarterback. Look for Chicago to attack this need in free agency.

There are two options that the Bears should look at. The first one is Chris Jones. Who knows if Kansas City will let him walk, but if they do, Chicago should pounce. Jones is an absolute game wrecker along the interior.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection wins with power and quickness, consistently getting into the backfield. He's recorded 75.5 sacks and 12 forced fumbles in his career. He could dramatically improve Chicago's front seven.

Another intriguing option is Chase Young. Young and Sweat played together with the Commanders from 2020-2023. Young is a speedy pass-rusher off the edge. The Ohio State product has the moves to get past offensive linemen. In 2023, Young finished with 7.5 sacks between the Commanders and the San Francisco 49ers.