Chicago Bears 2024 Mock Offseason: Big Game Hunting

The latest Chicago Bears mock offseason sees some changes to the approach. GM Ryan Poles has two big questions to answer at head coach and quarterback. He can keep Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields for another year, replace one of them, or replace both. People will have their opinions on which direction to take. The fact is seven games remain to go in the season. A lot can still happen.

Still, based on the evidence available, what the Bears should do is clear. That is what this mock will focus on, as well as how Poles might go about accomplishing his objectives.

Big swings encompass this Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason

Trades:

1st round pick in 2025 and 2nd in 2026 to the Rams for head coach Sean McVay

The Bears have tried for many years to get the head coaching position right. Each swing they’ve made has come up empty. It is evident George McCaskey doesn’t have what it takes to evaluate the job properly. So, the organization decides to take a page from the Cubs’ playbook, headhunting one of the best coaches in the game. It looks like the Rams are headed for a lengthy rebuild as Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald get closer to retirement. Chicago makes a lucrative offer to L.A. for the rights to McVay’s contract.

QB Justin Fields to the Falcons for 2nd in 2024 and 4th in 2025

It’s a sad way to see things end, but the Bears need a fresh start, and so does Fields. They send him home to Georgia, where he can win the job on a talented Falcons offense. In return, they get some extra draft currency to continue building the roster while giving their new head coach a free hand to pick his own quarterback.

Cuts:

• OL Cody Whitehair – $9.15 million saved

Re-signings/Extensions:

• CB Jaylon Johnson – 4-year extension for $72 million
• K Cairo Santos – 3-year extension for $10.5 million
• C Lucas Patrick – 1-year deal for $1.21 million
• WR Equanimeous St. Brown – 1-year deal for $1.125 million
• CB Josh Blackwell – ERFA deal for $915,000
• CB Greg Stroman – 1-year deal for $1.125 million
• LB Dylan Cole – 1-year deal for $1.125 million
• LS Patrick Scales – 1-year deal for $1.21 million

Free Agency:

• DT Justin Madubuike – 4-year deal for $92 million
• WR Van Jefferson – 1-year deal for $2 million
• EDGE Carl Lawson – 1-year deal for $3 million
• TE Hunter Henry – 1-year deal for $5 million

Madubuike finally gives the Bears a legitimate pass rush presence on the inside, while Lawson should make for at least a solid rotational pass rusher. Jefferson worked with McVay in Los Angeles for years. He knows the offense well and has been productive in it. Henry is still a solid player even going into his 30s and should replace Robert Tonyan as Cole Kmet’s primary backup.

The Draft:

Trade: #1 pick to the Cardinals for 2nd in 2024, 1st in 2025, and 2nd in 2025

1st Round via ARI – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

McVay learned in Los Angeles that it’s not all about the quarterback. Great teams are driven by star power. The more blue-chip talent you have, the better your chances of competing for a Super Bowl. So this Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason bucks convention by going for the best overall prospect rather than the quarterback. Harrison Jr. is the best receiver prospect to emerge from college since Julio Jones over a decade ago. He’s big, fast, and a vicious route-runner. Instant impact player.

1st Round – Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Another thing the new Bears coach learned in L.A. was the value of a great left tackle. After the Rams lost Andrew Whitworth to retirement, their offense kind of fell apart. So McVay makes sure to go after the best possible option for his new offensive line. Fashanu has every tool you can wish for: size, strength, quick feet, long arms, and violent hands. He’s been a top-tier pass protector for two seasons. With all due respect to Braxton Jones, Fashanu has All-Pro potential.

Trade: 2nd in 2024 and 3rd in 2025 to the Eagles for #32 pick

1st Round via PHI – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

People have talked about Caleb Williams and Drake Maye without letup for months. It’s been easy to overlook how terrific Nix has been during his two years at Oregon. He’s completing well over 70% of his passes with 58 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has size, mobility, arm strength, and demonstrates the crucial knack for throwing with good timing and rhythm. McVay’s offense would fit him like a glove. Trading up into the 1st round to get him enables the Bears to secure a 5th-year option.

2nd Round via ATL – Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

There is no such thing as enough pass rushers. Having Montez Sweat and Carl Lawson is fine. Failing to add another in this Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason would still be a failure. Teams will nitpick Trice for his average length and lack of superior bend. They’ll conveniently overlook his frightening power, relentless motor, and sneaky quickness, which has made him a headache for blockers for two years.

3rd Round – Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

Finding stability at center has been a constant issue for this team. They finally make a significant investment here. Frazier is strong, tough, experienced, and intelligent. His wrestling background enables him to understand anchors and angles. His solid athleticism also makes him a good fit for the wide-zone scheme.

4th Round – Rod Moore, S, Michigan

Eddie Jackson may survive another year, but the Bears have to start thinking about finding a long-term replacement at free safety. Moore has the necessary range and ball skills for the position, demonstrating good awareness and communication ability. He’s also a tenacious run defender despite his lighter frame.

4th Round via PHI – Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State

No team ever goes bad by constantly investing in the offensive line. Beebe may fall down some boards because he’s not a premier athlete. He makes up for that with his power, technique, and nasty disposition. His style of play is something Poles will gravitate towards right away.

5th Round – Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

Size and contact balance aren’t core strengths for Shipley, which might hurt his chances for a feature role in the NFL. Don’t get it twisted, though. His speed, quickness, agility, and vision enable him to gash defenses on the regular almost every time he touches the ball.