8 New Year’s resolutions for the Bears in 2023
2022 was a tough year for the Chicago Bears, as the team was rebuilding under Ryan Poles. But the fact that the Bears appear to have found their franchise QB in Justin Fields certainly helped ease the pain — and gives fans optimism for 2023 and beyond.
There are plenty of things that the Bears need to address this offseason to better their football team for the upcoming season — which starts with building around Fields. But for Chicago to get back on track, they’re going to need to do several things this offseason.
Here are our New Year’s resolutions for the Bears in 2023:
Justin Fields, a No. Receiver No.
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Young quarterbacks who have made a significant step forward are those whose teams have gotten them a No. 1 receiver. And no one needs a top wideout more than Fields, who’s been playing with arguably the worst receiving corp. in the league. Darnell Moyno has been his top choice, and Chicago traded for Chase Claypool prior to the trade deadline. Both of them could be reliable targets for the Bears in 2023. The Bears must make a play for a true game-changer at receiver, and you want them to do so. There aren’t any set to hit free agency, but there could be several that could be on the trade block.
Retool the offensive line
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Justin Fields has been named the Bears’ quarterback. Now they must provide him with better protection at the front. Fields was one of the most-sacked NFL quarterbacks in his first two seasons. There are a lot of problems with the offensive line this offseason. There should be competition at every position this offseason, where Teven Jenkins feels like a safe bet to return at right guard, where he’s thrived this season. All positions, from guard to center to tackle, should be open for competition. But it doesn’t help that two of the top free agent options are now off the board The Bears signed extensions for Jack Conklin and Elgton Jenkins. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. are two of the intriguing names that will be available on open market. However, the NFL draft will offer opportunities to strengthen this offensive line.
To make this defense work, find a dominant three technique
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Matt Eberflus has described the three-technique role in this defense as “the engine that makes everything go.” The Bears need a true game wrecker in that position, and there are a number of options in both free agency and the NFL draft. Chicago has been linked to Georgia’s Jalen Carter, arguably the top prospect in the draft. He’s certainly a young, generational talent that Eberflus could build his defense around. But there are also options in free agency, including Washington’s Da’ron Payne and Philadelphia’s Javon Hargrave, who would both fit the bill as that dominant 3-tech along the interior.
Edge rusher concerns addressed
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Chicago’s pass rush has been the worst in the NFL this season, as they have a league-low 18 sacks in 15 games. Ryan Poles must find a replacement for Robert Quinn and Khalil Mack, who were traded during the calendar year. Assuming the Bears stay put with their projected top-two selection, they could certainly elect to take a generational edge rusher in Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., who’s been compared to Mack. Chicago also has plenty of salary cap space to work with, where there are options like Indianapolis’ Yannick Ngakoue and New Orleans’ Marcus Davenport.
The right person is the Bears’ President/CEO
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Ted Phillips, Bears President/CEO, announced his resignation after the 2022 season. This means that the team still has a significant role to play. ESPN reported that Big Ten Commissioner Ted Phillips will be retiring after the 2022 season. Kevin Warren has emerged as a favorite for the job, and he’s already interviewed with the Bears. While Warren doesn’t have extensive football knowledge like Phillips, he certainly knows more than Phillips. Warren has 21 years’ experience in the NFL, including stints with the Lions and Vikings. He also served as the Big Ten commissioner. With the Bears gearing up to make headway on their new Arlington Heights stadium, Warren would make a lot of sense as he played an integral role in the building of Minnesota’s U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016.
Get moving on the Arlington Heights stadium
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Speaking of the Bears’ new stadium project, things are expected to really hit the ground running in 2023. Ted Phillips, Bears President/CEO previously stated that the team expected to close on land by 2022 or early 2023. Things should move quickly once the sale is completed. The team has already revealed conceptual plans for Arlington Heights, which include more than a new stadium. The Bears have a lease with Soldier Field that expires after 2033, but they could opt out in 2026 for an $84 million penalty and make the move to Arlington Heights.
Take a stand for the Packers
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Until the Bears make good on this, it’s always going to be a resolution. Chicago has lost eight games in a row since the beginning of 2019. They have to get back on winning side of the rivalry with Packers. Justin Fields, who is arguably the best quarterback of the division, will be leaving Green Bay. This team should build around him. Fields promised the Bears would get back on the right side of this rivalry “sooner rather than later,” and hopefully 2023 is the start of that.
In 2023, you can compete for the playoffs
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We’ve seen plenty of examples of teams going from worst to first, and the Bears have been among them. While no one’s expecting the Bears to be Super Bowl contenders next season, there’s no reason why they can’t be in the mix for the postseason just one season after a rough 2022. Chicago has their franchise QB in Justin Fields; they’re slated to have north of $120 million in salary cap space; and they’re projected to have a top-two draft pick. We’ve seen how this Matt Eberflus-led team has competed all season, despite the roster deficiencies. This team is a lot of work and never quits. Imagine what this team could achieve with more talent.
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