Chicago Bears Offseason Thread (the tank must payoff)

[jersey cubs fan]

Trading Fields and/or drafting a QB would make my head explode.

I’m not in favor of it, but that would be interesting. What would a QB needy team give up for fields? If they fall in love with the best qb in this class it wouldn’t be insane to take him. Use your free agent money on the roster and acquire more draft capital with Fields. That buys Poles another season, but if Fields wins big in 2023 the Bears will need to not only contend with a rookie QB, but be really good in 2024, or else he’s out and may not work in the nfl again.

[SpongeWorthy]

 

more brilliant talent evaluation from the brain trust

[bukie]

Just gonna keep posting all reasonable #1 trade offers from other team's fans.

 

I'd be pretty disappointed if that was all they got for the #1 overall pick. Effectively, in that trade, DJ Moore would have to be worth the equivalence of another 1st round pick. The gap in value between 1 and 9 is immense.

[bjam12]

 

more brilliant talent evaluation from the brain trust

 

This is what worries me. He was cut because he's a 5'9 corner. They are focused on length and speed. I'm afraid they are going to mess this draft up because they are so focused on specific traits.

[WrigleyField 22]

 

more brilliant talent evaluation from the brain trust

 

This is what worries me. He was cut because he's a 5'9 corner. They are focused on length and speed. I'm afraid they are going to mess this draft up because they are so focused on specific traits.

Yea, one of those things where you don't want to overstate one move, but also uncovering hidden gems is a big point of a tank since you're allowed to just throw horsefeathers up and see if it sticks. To just throw one away is a a bad look for Poles and/or coaching staff.

[Have a seat, Neifi]

My $0.02 is that I don't think the Bears will seriously entertain drafting a QB and/or trading Fields, but (1) might leak stories to that effect to try and raise the price of the #1 overall pick in a potential trade, and (2) owe it to themselves to seriously scout Young, Stroud, et al. as part of their diligence and in preparation for facing those guys once they're in the league.

 

Reasonable minds might differ as to whether, purely in a vacuum, Young is a better QB prospect than Fields coming out of college. IDK. But regardless of where you or the Bears might rank Young vs. Fields, I just can't see any way the Bears draft a QB given the horrible situation Fields was put in this year coupled with the production (albeit, mostly rushing) he was able to generate. He's also one of those guys who always says the right things and is popular with teammates, fans, etc., so tossing him aside may cause collateral damage with other players, fans, and agents. At the end of the day, unless they truly think Young is *that* guy--i.e., a generational-type prospect, I think they'll keep Fields and use our draft capital elsewhere.

[WrigleyField 22]

My $0.02 is that I don't think the Bears will seriously entertain drafting a QB and/or trading Fields, but (1) might leak stories to that effect to try and raise the price of the #1 overall pick in a potential trade, and (2) owe it to themselves to seriously scout Young, Stroud, et al. as part of their diligence and in preparation for facing those guys once they're in the league.

 

Reasonable minds might differ as to whether, purely in a vacuum, Young is a better QB prospect than Fields coming out of college. IDK. But regardless of where you or the Bears might rank Young vs. Fields, I just can't see any way the Bears draft a QB given the horrible situation Fields was put in this year coupled with the production (albeit, mostly rushing) he was able to generate. He's also one of those guys who always says the right things and is popular with teammates, fans, etc., so tossing him aside may cause collateral damage with other players, fans, and agents. At the end of the day, unless they truly think Young is *that* guy--i.e., a generational-type prospect, I think they'll keep Fields and use our draft capital elsewhere.

Some high profile things like pro day visits are sure occur because there's probably a half dozen other prospects at Ohio State and Bama anyways. That alone is gonna cause a ruckus when one photo shows up of Poles being impressed by a Young throw.

 

I'd even say some combine meetings with some of these guys is normal due diligence and a reasonable, if obvious, smoke screen to your fellow league execs.

 

But I don't expect it to be seriously entertained or resourced. They don't need all the detailed digging on these guys. You know probably 80% of what you can know and except for a once in a generation situation, you know every guy carries tons of risk. I don't think either is that once in a generation guy. Digging for that other 20% is only done if you're first considering a move, and you're digging about their soft skills, not the talent.

[raw]

I think Lovie would be a good hire as an asst head coach and defensive consultant. He’s been around forever. They are basically trying to emulate his defense. He’s legit the best coach this organization has had in my lifetime. His greatest ability was getting the most out of his guys. There are going to be a ton of new highly paid faces on this team and Eberflus’s staff has a credibility weakness. He’s not really a threat to take over Eberflus’s job, but it would address the fact that this coaching staff did not do a good job this year, without a bunch of heads rolling.

Obviously it's been 10 years, but I'm trying to remember a case of a former HC coming back into that org in an assistant role.

 

Wade Phillips in DEN; that was nearly 20 years after. Any others?

It would be unique, but Lovie is a unique guy. Two names that came up when thinking about long term coaches that left an organization were Shanahan and Holmgren, both of whom moved on to establish themselves as major figures in their next stop. Lovie coached two years at Tampa then came back home* to coach in college, which not a lot of established NFL coaches have done.

 

He’s in his mid 60s and his head coaching opportunities are probably behind him. Does he want to be a full blown defensive coordinator again? John Fox has become a defensive assistant in his late 60s, albeit not to an organization he had previous ties to, but that particular wrinkle doesn’t strike me as an obstacle.

 

2000s era bears coaches wouldn’t have wanted Ditka coming back as a voice in the room, but Lovie isn’t that type of coach.

 

I 100% want this. I don't remember if there is anyone with coaching experience on the staff, but I'd love Lovie in a consulting role. Like you said, this is his defense. He never really had issue identifying guys who could play in his scheme. He was Ryan Poles' coach. And it's probably the last chance he gets to ever be involved in coaching for the rest of his career. It makes a ton of sense.

[raw]

 

more brilliant talent evaluation from the brain trust

 

I'm not about to sweat about a 6th round pick not making it. The Bears mistakenly pigeonholed him into a nickel spot, but he's actually had his success this year on the outside. But you can't fault them for putting him in the slot as he's a 5'9", 175lb CB. He couldn't cut it in the slot, which is why he was cut. Kudos to him. But let's see if they keep him out there against a presumably well-versed in the offense, Chase Claypool at any point next year.

[raw]

My $0.02 is that I don't think the Bears will seriously entertain drafting a QB and/or trading Fields, but (1) might leak stories to that effect to try and raise the price of the #1 overall pick in a potential trade, and (2) owe it to themselves to seriously scout Young, Stroud, et al. as part of their diligence and in preparation for facing those guys once they're in the league.

 

Reasonable minds might differ as to whether, purely in a vacuum, Young is a better QB prospect than Fields coming out of college. IDK. But regardless of where you or the Bears might rank Young vs. Fields, I just can't see any way the Bears draft a QB given the horrible situation Fields was put in this year coupled with the production (albeit, mostly rushing) he was able to generate. He's also one of those guys who always says the right things and is popular with teammates, fans, etc., so tossing him aside may cause collateral damage with other players, fans, and agents. At the end of the day, unless they truly think Young is *that* guy--i.e., a generational-type prospect, I think they'll keep Fields and use our draft capital elsewhere.

 

Young is not a better prospect than Fields. If he was 4" and 25lbs bigger, maybe. But whether he goes 1st and Fields went 11th, Fields is the better prospect of the two. But I agree, they do have to do their due diligence on every possible scenario.

[UMFan83]

Just gonna keep posting all reasonable #1 trade offers from other team's fans.

 

I'd be pretty disappointed if that was all they got for the #1 overall pick. Effectively, in that trade, DJ Moore would have to be worth the equivalence of another 1st round pick. The gap in value between 1 and 9 is immense.

 

I don’t mind that trade if you are dead set on giving Fields ample weapons. Moore might be the best possible WR that the bears can acquire. That said I’d rather do that trade but with the Colts/Pittman

[Hairyducked Idiot]

What I want from this offseason is to give fields the most absurdly overpowered surrounding cast they can. I want fans of divisional rivals saying that fields is overrated because any QB could succeed with that surrounding cast. I want us to go entire games without calling a single designed run for him because we don't need to expose him to hits just to generate offense.

 

I don't care if we run out the same practice squad defense we finished the season with

[WrigleyField 22]

Obviously it's been 10 years, but I'm trying to remember a case of a former HC coming back into that org in an assistant role.

 

Wade Phillips in DEN; that was nearly 20 years after. Any others?

It would be unique, but Lovie is a unique guy. Two names that came up when thinking about long term coaches that left an organization were Shanahan and Holmgren, both of whom moved on to establish themselves as major figures in their next stop. Lovie coached two years at Tampa then came back home* to coach in college, which not a lot of established NFL coaches have done.

 

He’s in his mid 60s and his head coaching opportunities are probably behind him. Does he want to be a full blown defensive coordinator again? John Fox has become a defensive assistant in his late 60s, albeit not to an organization he had previous ties to, but that particular wrinkle doesn’t strike me as an obstacle.

 

2000s era bears coaches wouldn’t have wanted Ditka coming back as a voice in the room, but Lovie isn’t that type of coach.

 

I 100% want this. I don't remember if there is anyone with coaching experience on the staff, but I'd love Lovie in a consulting role. Like you said, this is his defense. He never really had issue identifying guys who could play in his scheme. He was Ryan Poles' coach. And it's probably the last chance he gets to ever be involved in coaching for the rest of his career. It makes a ton of sense.

Seeing some rumors he didn't connect well with players. Of course the dirt gets aired when a guy is fired, so grain of salt, but it does seem like his best role is more advisory in nature.

 

On the other hand I really don't like the idea of them being "all-in" on Tampa 2 legacy systems. Personal attachment to Lovie aside, I want to see them being real critical of where their D scheme was lacking and adjust to the needs of the league.

[WrigleyField 22]

Just gonna keep posting all reasonable #1 trade offers from other team's fans.

 

I'd be pretty disappointed if that was all they got for the #1 overall pick. Effectively, in that trade, DJ Moore would have to be worth the equivalence of another 1st round pick. The gap in value between 1 and 9 is immense.

 

I don’t mind that trade if you are dead set on giving Fields ample weapons. Moore might be the best possible WR that the bears can acquire. That said I’d rather do that trade but with the Colts/Pittman

Like Pittman better or just like staying in the top 4 more?

[raw]

It would be unique, but Lovie is a unique guy. Two names that came up when thinking about long term coaches that left an organization were Shanahan and Holmgren, both of whom moved on to establish themselves as major figures in their next stop. Lovie coached two years at Tampa then came back home* to coach in college, which not a lot of established NFL coaches have done.

 

He’s in his mid 60s and his head coaching opportunities are probably behind him. Does he want to be a full blown defensive coordinator again? John Fox has become a defensive assistant in his late 60s, albeit not to an organization he had previous ties to, but that particular wrinkle doesn’t strike me as an obstacle.

 

2000s era bears coaches wouldn’t have wanted Ditka coming back as a voice in the room, but Lovie isn’t that type of coach.

 

I 100% want this. I don't remember if there is anyone with coaching experience on the staff, but I'd love Lovie in a consulting role. Like you said, this is his defense. He never really had issue identifying guys who could play in his scheme. He was Ryan Poles' coach. And it's probably the last chance he gets to ever be involved in coaching for the rest of his career. It makes a ton of sense.

Seeing some rumors he didn't connect well with players. Of course the dirt gets aired when a guy is fired, so grain of salt, but it does seem like his best role is more advisory in nature.

 

On the other hand I really don't like the idea of them being "all-in" on Tampa 2 legacy systems. Personal attachment to Lovie aside, I want to see them being real critical of where their D scheme was lacking and adjust to the needs of the league.

 

I mean, Eberflus is all-in regardless. If the HC is all-in, might as well get the best guy at the Tampa 2 to join him.

 

That being said, I don't necessarily love the Tampa 2 at this point either. I do wonder if Flus would be willing to go in a different direction being that he did take on a CEO role instead of running the D. I know they didn't have much talent, but I wouldn't cry if Alan Williams didn't come back as DC. And I've always loved the idea of combining 2 different philosophies.

[UMFan83]

I'd be pretty disappointed if that was all they got for the #1 overall pick. Effectively, in that trade, DJ Moore would have to be worth the equivalence of another 1st round pick. The gap in value between 1 and 9 is immense.

 

I don’t mind that trade if you are dead set on giving Fields ample weapons. Moore might be the best possible WR that the bears can acquire. That said I’d rather do that trade but with the Colts/Pittman

Like Pittman better or just like staying in the top 4 more?

 

Like staying in the top 4 more. I like Pittman as a WR though, just a little less than Moore.

[minnesotacubsfan]

I'd be pretty disappointed if that was all they got for the #1 overall pick. Effectively, in that trade, DJ Moore would have to be worth the equivalence of another 1st round pick. The gap in value between 1 and 9 is immense.

 

I don’t mind that trade if you are dead set on giving Fields ample weapons. Moore might be the best possible WR that the bears can acquire. That said I’d rather do that trade but with the Colts/Pittman

Like Pittman better or just like staying in the top 4 more?

I'd say both; you should be able to get that trade from Indy and get Pittman instead

[raw]

Just gonna keep posting all reasonable #1 trade offers from other team's fans.

 

I'd be pretty disappointed if that was all they got for the #1 overall pick. Effectively, in that trade, DJ Moore would have to be worth the equivalence of another 1st round pick. The gap in value between 1 and 9 is immense.

 

I don’t mind that trade if you are dead set on giving Fields ample weapons. Moore might be the best possible WR that the bears can acquire. That said I’d rather do that trade but with the Colts/Pittman

 

I'd like another midround pick in this trade. I may prefer Pittman as well, but the difference here is that Pittman you would have to pay in a year. Just like you have to pay Mooney and Claypool by next offseason. Obviously, that's fine, and that gives you a chance to see a direct competition for a new contract with guys all in the same offense. But that also means you are going to probably lose 2 of them. A guy like DJ Moore is already under contract, so it allows you to sign 1 of Mooney/Claypool and still have Moore, so you aren't back in the same position in 2024 of not having enough at WR.

 

Plus, again the Bears have to hit a spending floor. 20Mil to DJ Moore helps that or else you'd have to sign at least 1 of these WRs (2 of which you haven't seen much of in the offense, 1 who's injured) in order to spend that cash.

[WrigleyField 22]

Ideally Poles isn't left trying to fill a major leadership vacuum right before what's gonna be a busy offseason

 

[WrigleyField 22]

Make that 2 requests for Ian already

 

 

What other GM spots are open?

[raw]

Well, let's hope Cunningham does NOT get plucked this hiring cycle. The Bears only get compensatory picks (two 3rd rounders in consecutive years) after Cunningham has been in the position for 2 years. So, they'd lose him for nothing if he gets hired this offseason.

[jersey cubs fan]

He might be highly qualified and has a history of working with quality teams, but you might have a hard time selling the fan base on a guy coming from this bears organization.

[raw]

He might be highly qualified and has a history of working with quality teams, but you might have a hard time selling the fan base on a guy coming from this bears organization.

 

Absolutely. Only bright spots in the organization right now are players he had no hand in acquiring. I'd certainly wait until the Bears actually show they can build something before giving Cunningham a shot with my team.

[WrigleyField 22]

Will hopefully be a quiet GM cycle. Seems like the past 2 were busy. Perhaps Houston ends up as the 3rd. Not sure any of the playoff guys are at risk if they disappoint. None jump out, at least at GM. Tampa maybe? Chargers?

 

Any teams that we'll get a late Tuesday call on... Rams or Colts as a late Tuesday surprise?

[gflore34]

No built-in excuses this time Poles, no cap limitations, no lack of draft capital, nothing, I do not believe it unreasonable to expect a dramatically improved roster and team next season. Absolutely no reason at all they shouldn't win at least 8 games next season, it's not a pipe dream or unrealistic. If Poles can't put together a competent NFL team next season, he should be fired, plain and simple. I'd like to think the McCasky' are of the same mindset, well, they should be but, they're probably not.

 

With that said, it appears to me one can address the OL, DL and perhaps, RB in FA then, DL/E and WR on day 1 of the draft. Ideally, I'd like to see Poles swing a deal to trade down and still be in a position to draft Will Anderson. Guessing that would be with a QB needy team, would have been perfect if Indianapolis was at #3. Don't see the Cardinals being a team in need of a QB, I believe they'll draft Anderson.