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A perfect 3-step offseason plan for the Bears

By Jakob Ashlin

Sep 25, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks (13) signals first down after a catch in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks (13) signals first down after a catch in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a wealth of assets, the Chicago Bears are positioned to have a big offseason.

The Chicago Bears are in a great position to improve their roster. They have a whopping $98.84 million in cap space, and they have the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

If they play their cards right, the Bears can parlay their assets into a contending roster for years to come.

Let’s break down the Bears’ perfect offseason plan in three steps.

Bears perfect offseason plan step 1: Focus on defense in free agency

The Bears will be flush with cash during free agency, and it is imperative that they invest in the defensive side of the football. Last season, the Bears’ defense gave up a league-high 27.2 points per game.

After trading away Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith, and Robert Quinn, they are missing an elite defender. They should target the top defensive free agents on the market. Two good options are cornerback Jamel Dean and edge rusher Marcus Davenport.

Dean has flown under the radar. In 2021, he was targeted 66 times and allowed a completion percentage of only 48.5 percent, which was the fourth-best mark in the NFL. In addition, he gave up a passer rating of 50.0, which was the fifth-best mark in the league.

In 2022, Dean had another fantastic season. He was targeted 65 times and allowed a completion percentage of 55.4 percent.

At age 26, Dean remains in the middle of his prime. Spotrac projects his market value to be $16.5 million per season.

Meanwhile, Davenport would give the Bears a much-needed pass rusher. The Bears were last in the NFL in sacks last season (20). In 2021, Davenport recorded nine sacks in 11 games.

2022 was complicated for Davenport. Early in the season, he dealt with a shoulder injury. In November, he dealt with a calf injury. Davenport finished the year with only 0.5 sacks in 15 games, but that does not tell the whole story. He was not fully healthy, and he played in only 50 percent of the Saints’ defensive snaps. There are still some encouraging statistics. He racked up 34 pressures, and his 75.0 PFF pass-rush grade was tied for the 24th-highest among edge defenders. He is primed for a bounce-back season.

Like Dean, Davenport is also 26 years old. Spotrac projects his market value to be $23.2 million per season.

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