The 2024 NFL offseason is quickly approaching. It's kind of sad to think we've already played 14 games; only three remain. And maybe even less than that by the time you read this post.
As a result, general managers across the league, including Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles, are constructing their offseason wish lists. Some of those lists are longer than others, and for the Bears, there are a few must-haves at the top.
Some of those must-haves aren't necessarily players or coaches, either. Instead, they're simply answers. And if Poles makes the 'nice list,' he may get them by the time the 2023 regular season ends.
Here's my take on what should be high on the Chicago Bears' holiday wish list.
An answer at quarterback
Whether it's Justin Fields or Caleb Williams (or Drake Maye), the biggest wish on Poles' list is for an answer that provides stability at quarterback for the Chicago Bears.
Fields has had a solid season that, by most data points, has been an improvement over 2022. Sure, he still holds the ball too long and has a fumbling problem, but he's proven again in 2023 that he's one of the NFL's rare playmakers.
As exciting and addicting Fields' wow plays are, though, they still aren't enough to have the Chicago Bears sold on him as the franchise quarterback after nearly three seasons in the league.
Caleb Williams, meanwhile, offers a more talented passer's skill set, a sale-rack version of Fields' running ability, and a resume of success in college that's impressive enough to make him the slamdunk No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears own that pick entering Week 16, which is why there's pressure on Justin Fields to deliver way above-average performances over the final three games to convince Poles that he's his guy for the next several years.
It may take some time for Ryan Poles to know which direction he'll go in at quarterback, but it's the most important decision he'll make ... probably ever ... as general manager.
A reliable head coach
Much like at quarterback, Poles should have visions of a reliable head coach dancing in his head.
Maybe that'll be Matt Eberflus. I like 'Flus' and think his messaging and overall process are encouraging. His in-game playcalling and inability to protect fourth-quarter leads has been a problem, however.
If Eberflus closed out any of the Broncos, Lions, or Browns games (all of which Chicago had two-score leads in the fourth quarter), the Bears would almost be in control of their playoff destiny right now.
Eberflus is only in his second year on the job and inherited the worst roster (by far) in the NFL in 2022. The fact he has the Chicago Bears this competitive this quickly deserves credit, and I think he'll be back in 2024.
Another playmaking wide receiver
The Bears' roster could use plenty of help this offseason, but I think the biggest need (again) is at wide receiver. Unlike years past, however, Chicago doesn't need a WR1. They already have one with DJ Moore. Instead, they need to add a viable running mate for him. Darnell Mooney ain't it.
Justin Fields + Marvin Harrison Jr + DJ Moore? 👀 pic.twitter.com/LtNOb8QMb2
— PFF (@PFF) December 18, 2023
The 2024 NFL Draft will give Ryan Poles a golden opportunity to select a generational receiver in Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. It's a debate that will burn down Bears Twitter: Keep Justin Fields and draft Harrison or move on from Fields and select one of the top quarterback prospects.
Even if the Bears decide to draft a quarterback and move on from Fields, a player like Tee Higgins should rank high on the team's free-agent priorities.
A Jaylon Johnson contract extension
Maybe this should rank higher. There's no doubt the Chicago Bears want Johnson back in 2024, but the contract numbers have to make sense for both the team and the player. They haven't so far, so we could be staring at the Bears using the franchise tag on Johnson before free agency kicks off.
The Bears can't let Jaylon Johnson walk. He's one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, and aside from Montez Sweat, he might be Chicago's best all-around defensive player.
Jaylon Johnson: 2nd most valuable CB in the NFL this season, per PFF WAR 🧪 pic.twitter.com/MLXR3L0fAS
— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) December 14, 2023
The Bears are building something special on defense, and Johnson is a big part of it. He combines wth Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson to give Chicago one of the top young cornerback trios in the NFC.
Johnson ranks No. 9 on Pro Football Focus' list of the Top 100 free agents of 2024; re-signing him would be a huge win for the Chicago Bears.
Another sack artist
Montez Sweat has been an absolute freak since joining the Bears. He has seven sacks since Week 12, which ranks first in the NFL during that span of time.
But it's painfully obvious that Chicago needs to add a pass-rusher opposite him to take some pressure off. Perhaps they'll do that with their second first-round pick in April. Maybe they'll use free agency to sign a stud like Danielle Hunter or Brian Burns.
The good news is Poles has plenty of options to make this wish come true.
A competent center
Center has plagued the Chicago Bears over the last two seasons, and while the position hasn't been the focal point of terrible play the last couple of weeks, an upgrade is still needed.
Maybe Poles will swing on Connor Williams, the Miami Dolphins center who's slated to be the top center available in free agency. However, he tore his ACL in Week 14, which puts his availability at the start of the 2024 season in doubt.
The top center in the 2024 NFL Draft, Georgia's Sedrick Van Pran, won't last until the third round, when the Chicago Bears' next pick comes after two first-rounders. Remember: They traded their second-round pick for Montez Sweat.
I don't think Ryan Poles can hit a home run at center this offseason, but if he nails a solid double, it's a win.
A do-it-all running back
The quarterback debate has distracted Chicago Bears fans from what I consider to be a problem on this roster right now. The Bears don't have a dynamic running back, and I think it's hamstrung the offense quite a bit.
D'Onta Foreman is a good running back in spurts, but he can't be counted on for a full season. Khalil Herbert remains a quality change of pace back, but it doesn't feel like he's a guy who will be in Chicago beyond his first contract. Rookie Roschon Johnson has upside but is pretty pedestrian as an athlete in space.
Perhaps the Chicago Bears will kick the tires on Saquon Barkley in free agency? Josh Jacobs? Tony Pollard?
Jacobs might make the most sense. He'll be 26 next season, and any contract he signs won't be for longer than two or three years.
What do you think, Bears fans? What should be on Ryan Poles' Chicago Bears Wish List? Sign up to become a premium Bears Talker and leave your thoughts in the comments section. As an added bonus, you'll get an ad-free experience. Bear Down!
