Andrew Billings was not a good FA move? The Bears went from 31st in the NFL [in 2022] on defensive rushing yards to #1 [in 2023]. That's an astounding improvement and Billings was most of the reason for that.
Yeah Billings got a 2 year extension for good reason. Nose tackles don’t get the love they deserve. I love Billings, seems like a great dude in the locker room. Happy to see him finally have a home after being bounced around the league for so long
@@kghostthegreat well lucky for you, Aaron Jones seems to be covered in baby oil whenever our #1 run defense plays against him. Also you notice how much the Bears players were slipping and sliding around Lambeau compared to the Packers? Amateur hour whenever we play GB, never seems like they’re prepared like a professional team. Edit: I really went off on a tangent there
@@NPaulBears All the players hate playing on turf, then find out that grass can make for a slippery surface. I remember even saying that Jones needed to change his cleats after he lost traction.
Hey Connor: Dexter had 20 pressures after week 10. 3rd among rookies. We had 2 firsts in the last 5 years (Mack & fields trades). Couldn’t take the risk, Wright played with one shoulder all season. As far as Jaylon he said on the score they’re going to get something done. Poles in his press conference Wednesday said Jaylon’s going nowhere.
Unfortunately this is just the reality of analysts not being able to truly cover all teams. We all know Dexter came into his own as a pass rusher from the DT spot but because his name isn't big enough they cant know everyone. Same thing with Billings
While that’s all good and true, Kobie Turner had 9 sacks and 16 QB hits as a rookie NT/DT drafted a round later. Hopefully Dexter can continue to grow next year building on the last half of 2023.
@@robdaniel3211 there’s a lot of Aaron Donald inflation going on there. He elevates those around him. Plus Dexter played a losing team with a lot of run game close out scripts. Vs leading and getting more opportunities to rush the passer. I’ll agree Turner is the better player at the moment but I don’t think it’s near as much as the number reflect. My point was more about passing on Carter. Bears only 1st round pick on the roster was JF1 and they couldn’t take a risk on Carter. He’s well insulated with talent, leadership, and former teammates in PHI (5 off the top of my head).
I’ve said it before, I think you two are making the best NFL content on RUclips right now. I am a Bears fan, so this episode was especially interesting to me. I love the info you gave about the potential OC hires, I didn’t know much about them before listening to you guys. I agree with you assessments on Eberflus and Poles. I’m surprised you both seem to be solidly on the side of trading Fields as the most likely option. The analytics you gave are interesting. 3.4 seconds before throwing is a stat I haven’t heard but I understand the importance. You mentioned early in the video the idea of trading down with the 9th pick so I was really interested to see what a trade down from 9 could look like.
Glad to not be gaslit, don't see how anyone can watch Fields play over the last 2 years and say yeah this is my guy. Caleb and Drake are better prospects and have better chances at becoming more than what Fields is right now which is honestly about QB 20-25. Anyone advocating to build around Fields and trade the pick just seems to be risk averse, without realizing he is riskier than taking a QB with the #1 pick. Trading the number one pick is risky considering the early projections into next year's QB draft class is looking more like the Kenny Pickett year with no true QB worth a top 10 pick. If you keep Fields and he continues his marginal improvements & becomes QB 15-20 you've got yourself a Daniel Jones situation with a QB that everyone knows is not a top QB but the team has no choice but to pay because they have no alternative options. The reality is you will have to take risks to improve your QB situation in the NFL whether you are taking an unproven QB #1 overall (Burrow vs Young), trading for a veteran QB ( Stafford vs Wilson), or you're signing the rare starter in free agency ( Brady vs Carr) there will always be examples of successful and unsuccessful cases. Seems to me a lot of Bears fans/Fields enthusiast are punting on the pick with delusions of grandeur that Fields is going to take an incredible 4th year leap or they'll manage to be in position for a "generational/flawless" QB prospect in the near future.
First off, gaslit is the exact term I’ve been using for anyone who has tried to convince us that Fields has been good or great. It genuinely makes me feel crazy listening to people who are supposed to be “experts” tell us that he’s too good to move on from when every available piece of evidence shows that, when compared to the rest of the NFL, he’s a bottom tier QB. I also agree that the overwhelming support for Fields appears to be coming from a place of fear: fear of Justin moving on and becoming great (there’s no historical evidence that shows this should be a concern), or fear that Caleb or Maye will bust (a natural part of the game). This fan base needs to at least acknowledge the real risks involved with keeping a 4th year QB on his third OC that will soon inhibit the Bears’ ability to acquire proven talent in FA. Also, until they understand the risks involved in assuming we will hit on every draft pick we get for moving down, we won’t be able to have a real discussion about what the best option is moving forward because too many people think there’s no other path to success other than keeping Fields. Finally, how difficult do fans think it will be to make up for Fields’s production? He has never thrown for 3k yards or had a league average completion percentage. His production is simply easy to replicate and could be accomplished by any competent starter. Fans are overstating his impact and overestimating what “good leadership qualities” does for your team when the ability on the field is still so far below what the standard should be.
Fields is who the Lamar haters say Lamar is. He's going to get paid because GMs who live in the zone where they make the playoffs every other year don't get fired. Fields will keep you in that sweet spot where the Saints have been for 5+ years of not bad enough to get a high draft pick while never being good enough to scare the good teams.
Fields is already top 20. We can either go young at QB or trade the pick and continue building for the future by getting a younger team overall. I don't see why not trade the pick and have Fields for at least 2 more years. Can always draft a QB day 2 to compete
You don't have to think Fields is going to the HOF, you just have to think he can be an average to above average threat at QB. AND that you can add a bunch of star players by trading down. The Bears can continue to build a roster the way that teams like San Francisco and KC did, without a clear star QB, and take some swings once the roster is more complete. They can do like the Eagles and plug different guys in. The Bengals approach of taking your future HOF QB at #1 can work, but that's not how most good teams do it.
@@jackpabich763idk if you actually listened to them talk about Fields, but they explain what I already said which is that there’s zero evidence of Fields being “top 20”. The only starting QB that’s a worse passer is Zach Wilson.
Poles had to spend a ton to hit the 3 year average 90% salary cap cash floor. That had a lot to do with the huge money spent on Edmunds, especially when you look at the way that deal was structured.
Yep, a perfect deal to spend a bunch of money when needed to buy if the player doesn’t live up to it, can get out after 2 years coinciding with potentially paying JF.
I love how poles has front loaded majority of his contracts. If he can stay in front of the salary cap as long as he can, this roster will get good quick.
Well that isn't a great argument for the signing, the money could have been used elsewhere such as resigning Jaylon. Not a big deal though in part cause of the front loading and it was a high floor high ceiling move that hasn't panned out, they're too pessimistic Poles is pretty firmly in the green at least as far as roster management.
So what if you got Shane Waldron and then maybe Dan Mullen as QB coach who could then move up to offensive coordinator if Waldron becomes a head coach. Would allow Mullen to adjust to the NFL and keep some continuity on offense.
Great mock offseason for fixing the bears!! IMO you did free agency right except a vet Center which won't be too expensive. Rookie QB and rookie C is probably asking for trouble. But I agree with the strategy of - retain Jaylon, top tier DT, mid range Edge, budget WR3.. then add a league average C which there are 3 or 4 available. For the draft, the Bears are by far the most fun because there is a million options and I'm glad you guys covered a bunch. Totally agree with 1st rd QB & Edge, 2nd rd WR, 3rd rd C or FS. I hadn't thought of trading back out of 1, then moving back up for Nabers so I'll have mess around with that myself. Great job overall!
The most wildest thing out of this would be if CW doesn’t turn into that talent people are putting on him in the NFL. But at least the rookie contract clock got reset.
Great analysis. I would have included a draft with Washington trade. Harrison and Turner in first round. You get your 2nd round pick back plus 1st pick next year. Cunningham 3rd rounder. You fill in your picks after 1st rounders above and I’d love to see the grade. Keep up good work.
Most realistic if the Bears keep Fields is trading down with Washington or the Patriots in order to pick up a 2nd and an extra first at least and still get MHJ. No need to take MHJ with the first pick. He'll be there at 2 or 3 and you get extra capital. That would've given you the best graded mock.
You aren’t getting a first for trading down 1 spot. Idk why people keep saying this nonsense. The only team dumb enough to overpay to move up 1 spot, is the bears lol.
@lucrative6477 They either offer that or they don't get Caleb it's that simple. Considering what other teams have given up in the past to get their QB it's actually pretty cheap. It's not really about how many spots you're moving up when it comes to the #1 pick. Do you think Washington or NE would rather be at 8 or 10 and give up three 1st round picks instead? No.
@@lucrative6477 Not sure if any team has ever traded up from 2 or 3 to 1 by offering a future 1st, but why would the Bears accept a trade down to 2 or 3 for only like a 2nd rd pick or even two 2nd rd picks when they could get an even bigger haul then last year--probably three 1st round picks and two 2nd rd picks--by moving down to the 8 to 12 range? Bottom line is that you have to overpay for the #1 pick if you want the "generational" QB. The best offer is the one that will be accepted and multiple teams bidding drives up the price.
Name me No.1 or 2 selected QBs that won a title that was drafted since 2010 😅 Current top10 QBs include: • Mahomes (taken 11th overall) • Lamar (taken 32nd) • Hurts (taken in the 2nd Rd) • Dak (taken in the 4th Rd) • Brock Purdy (taken dead last / 262nd overall) I haven’t even mentioned Flacco or Love
Well playing the odds I'd say we're due for one 😅regardless with the same logic name a Chicago QB that could've led his team to a deep playoff run in the last 40 years. That doesn't mean we shouldn't draft one
In the past 15 years? Eli Manning Peyton Manning Matt Stafford Carson Wentz got the Eagles to the playoffs but was injured You also have to take into account Tom Brady slammed the door on 4 teams but they had Goff and Matt Ran who was taken 3rd. Tom Brady skews a lot of the superbowl numbers. If it wasn't for him a lot more QBs would have championships.
They are keeping Fields , can’t believe after listening to an hour long press conference where they did everything but say it aloud , yet still people don’t listen and or hear what they wanna hear , see what they wanna see. Such is society today. Cognitive dissonance
Burrow Goff Newton Stafford Eli Peyton- all 1 overall picks, all went to the Super Bowl. Burrow lost to Stafford Newton lost to Peyton Goff lost to Brady 😶
Chargers fan here, you guys do not want Kellen Moore as your offensive playcaller. Here’s why. I too, was misled into thinking Kellen was this young, intuitive, new-wave legend. All of Chargers-world fell into this trap. But there were several Cowboys people warning us that his offensive playcalling ability was suspect. “Situationally, he’s not great. His run game suffers at the hands of errant decision-making. Struggles to elevate players not named WR1 or RB1.” We heard it all but threw their opinion away because Dak Prescott is definitely not as good as Justin Herbert is. Boy were we wrong… Kellen Moore could not solve the run game for the Chargers, something that’s plagued them really ever since LT was let go. His obsession with “run the ball on first down” was annoying at best. On first down runs, Kellen’s offense averaged 1.8ypc. Aside from the stats, his situational awareness seemed almost inexistent at times. I recall the game against the Titans where they were in a 3rd and inches situation inside their own 30. Kellen Moore decided to call a toss to Ekeler 4-5 yards behind the LOS which ended up in a loss of 3 and a possession. When you need less than a foot to extend your drive, why in the hell are you running an HB toss 4-5 yards behind the LOS…? Put your big boy pants on and play smashmouth football. As for Kellen’s passing game, nothing special. He failed to use the Chargers receivers correctly. QJ isn’t a contested catch type of guy, yet Kellen used him as such. Never truly gave the rookie WR a shot at making plays happen and putting him in the best situation to succeed. Before Mike Williams tore his ACL, he was being completely misused. I’m talking screens, bubbles and swings to a player who does not possess the necessary ability to have success in those situations. Moving onto the OL play, Corey Linsley is an integral piece to that unit, BUT that does not mean it should crumble and fail miserably just because it loses their center. You have all-pro guys like Rashawn Slater at LT, a first round pick in his 2nd year, Zion Johnson, at LG, Jamari Salyer at RG who played impressively well at LT last year after Slater tore his bicep, and an average RT in Pipkins (phew). Because they lost Linsley, and I don’t mean to belittle him at all he’s the best center the Chargers had since Nick Hardwick, your entire OL should not go to sh*t, for lack of better terms. That is a massive issue Kellen failed to wiggle around. All in all, it was one of the most disappointing things in recent team history, the job he did with this offense. This was supposed to be the year everything came together, and Kellen’s ability as an OC did not distract from the porous job Brandon Staley did on the other side. It only added onto the storm… beware ye those who may hire Captain Kellen and his skeletons!
My favorite scenario is landing Chris Jones in FA and pairing him with Sweat and Dallas Turner. What a dream D-line. I would have liked scenario three on a trade down with New England and still getting extra draft picks and MHJ.
As a Bears fan, I would be THRILLED with the first or last mock draft... THRILLED. Not a fan of taking Bowers no matter how good of a prospect he is, just kinda seemed to muck up the whole draft by taking him.
In todays league having a dynamic TE (especially if you have a good WR 1) only elevated your pass, and potentially run game. Why wouldn’t you want a guy like that
@@kghostthegreat Simple, we just resigned Kmet, we only have ONE good WR and we desperately need help in other positions before TE, specifically WR, OL and Edge Rusher. I'm not saying I would never take Bowers, I'm saying we absolutely need more help elsewhere before TE.
I almost didn’t watch this show because everybody has an opinion and acts like it’s the only one that makes sense, but once again you guys didn’t disappoint. Not 1, not 2, but 3 different scenarios. This is why you guys are the best in the biz,
I feel like the Poles and Flus are big traits guys and are confident in their ability to develop players. I wouldn't be surprised if they trade down with that number 9 pick and take Chop Robinson because of his first step, and explosiveness.
I am genuinely asking a question… does his time to throw stat include him escaping sacks? I’ve asked this question a million times and nobody can answer the question, and 1 statement, does that make a difference when the past 2 full seasons the only consistently open player is Moore because for a portion of last season WR2&3 was EQ ST.Brown and Dante pettis
It should include that to my knowledge. It could mean a few things (lots of PA, people not open, etc) but the problem I think they have is Fields has been known to hold the ball long back to college. When you look at other stats like pocket time on PFR, it kinda shows a similar story that Justin holds on to the ball longer than most QBs. I want to cut some slack that he’s a good enough runner to be able to hold on longer, but I do think that’s a legit concern if you aren’t bought in fully that Justin is the guy (which truthfully I’m not atm).
Fixing the Bears is easy. You draft Caleb #1 and you take Odunze at #9. You trade Fields for a 2nd or possibly a 1rst rounder in the draft and you take the best DE available. Can you imagine trading JF to Pittsburgh for their 1rst rounder? I can see it.
You guys made horrible trade down choices. The main 2 teams I’d Trade Down With Is Washington Commanders & New England Patriots. Just Like I traded down with the Panthers last year. Based off what I got from the panthers giving them Bryce Young. Caleb Williams will be in for A massive haul probably in NFL history. Adam Peter just got signed as the Washington Commanders GM & they have the most Cap Space in the NFL also when he was on the 49ers he traded 4 future first rounders for Trey Lance so I believe the Commanders will do anything to move up to get there franchise QB & same with the New England Patriots by the way they still have not decided who their new GM is so The #1 pick for Caleb Williams will be up for grabs. I said in my press conference that the 1st pick on the NFL draft is for SELL. If continuity wasn’t A factor I believe Matt & Luke would’ve been fired so I could bring in A new regime of coaches for my players & I would just solely focus on resetting the rookie QB clock. Why would I point out the fact that the #1 overall pick is for SELL in the press conference if I knew I was already sure about resetting the QB ROOKIE CLOCK ? WE ARE LOOKING FOR A RANSOM OF DRAFT CAPITAL FOR OUR TEAM & IF TEAMS DON’T OFFER WHAT I WANT TO SEE THEN I’LL TAKE THE BEST QB ON THE BOARD AT #1. Regardless until then… THE 1st PICK IS FOR SELL!
I think if you keep Fields, you can still leverage the possibility of getting Williams to another team and still secure MHJ Please don’t ever leave. Y’all are the best.
Feel like yall might be mistaken with this being a “make or break” year for Poles. Hes only had 2 off seasons and one of those was a total tear down. He inherited a team with no first round pick and a ton of big bad contracts from the Pace era when he was desperately trying to recapture that 2018 magic. Hes only made 1 first round pick in his tenure (about to make 2 more) so I don’t get the sense that his seat is even remotely hot. Only huge screwup he’s had in a lot of Bears fans minds’ is the Claypool trade. The secondary is basically all his picks and it might be the best unit on the defense when healthy. Hes done a good job
@@patrickhiggins8269 Roquan wasn’t that bad, they got an ascending player at safety in Brisker and they got Edmunds AND Edwards for almost that same money that JUST Roquan would’ve been.
Relationship with Jaylon is still good. They were far apart on numbers, Poles gave Jaylon the ok to shop himself around. The market wasn't as solid as he hoped. Both sides seem optimistic they'll get a deal done. Poles said Jaylon isn't going anywhere. Worst case they tag him.
Love the idea of Waldron and his O-Line coach but the tricky thing is… the bears retained their O-Line coach. I’m sure they could figure it out. Brisker, Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson all tremendous draft picks for value. Terrel Smith ain’t a bad pick either Linebacker play came together at a high level after the Sweat trade
You guys are undervaluing the 1st pick. The bears traded from 1 to 9 last year got a first this year, dj moore, a 2nd in 2023, a second in 2025. That is 2 firsts, 2 seconds, and DJ. This year, in theory, the pick will be worth more.
Just the fact they have to pay fields of they keep him is more than enough evidence for me that they are going to go with Caleb. I really don't see them keeping Fields. He basically landed on their lap because of that trade. They need to take him. Dude is crazy talented
@edgarorozco3513 They don't have to pay Fields very much. They can keep him for potentially 3 more seasons at below average QB salary. And they can move on at any time if they decide he's not it. Just because they don't draft a QB this year does not mean they can't draft one next year. The Chiefs drafted Mahomes when they had Alex Smith and the 27th pick in the draft. If the Bears trade out of #1 and the team struggles in 2024, they'll be in a position to trade up and take a QB if necessary. I'm not saying they should keep Fields, I'm just saying the idea that he's due for an imminent fat contract isn't true. Now if they don't pick up his 5th year option and then he goes and balls out in year 4, then they're slightly screwed, because they have to tag him.a year early and then pay him the next year. So if they're going to keep him for year 4, I think they have to pick up his 5th year option.
So who at QB in 2025 then? I see people saying what you say but NOBODY mentions who is this great QB in 2025. Also: if the Bears get say pick #9 again next year and whomever you trade #1 to does what Houston did this year and nets you say pick #17, you’re not moving to the top of the 2025 draft with picks 9 and 17.
@@robdaniel3211 You might not move up to #1 but most good QBs aren't picked at #1 anyway. Burrow was, Goff was, Mayfield was, but Mahomes, Allen, Rodgers, Prescott, Love, Jackson, Flacco, Hurts, Purdy were all picked outside the top 5. You've got a better chance at #1, but good teams have a chance to draft and develop QBs without needing a top top pick. That's the key though: good teams. Good teams can be patient, bad teams are desperate for a miracle. The Bears aren't yet a *good* team (no one thinks they're a threat to win the SB next season no matter what they do), but they can definitely get there if they get a big haul of picks and players for #1.
As a fan of the Bears, stumbled across this video and channel and am so happy i have! Loved the video and will look forward to the videos to come. On the video itself, i've always been a Fields guy, so since the discussions have begun i've always said trade down or take Harrison at 1 so love that you guys showed both the options thank you! Am very excited for this offseason and look forward to whatever the Bears decide to do, i have faith in Poles and expect at least a 10 win team next season.
You should get a call from area code 312. If nothing else to congratulate your efforts. And so do we. Great in-depth analysis with the good humor you two create. 👍🏻
Let's go with the positive scenario regarding the OC. I would welcome that situation b/c that means the Bears FINALLY got something right regarding the QB (whether it's Fields or Caleb/Drake)! I've been a Bears fan my whole life (30 years) and the fact that we've never had a QB throw for more than 4K yards in a season is just disgusting. That being said, I would like an OC in the Waldron/Moore/Kingsbury archetype. A guy who's had experience developing talent, prior play-calling experience, some innovation when it comes to scheme, and an offensive identity. Just looking at Nagy and Getsy, it was clear to me that these guys had no idea what they wanted to offense to be and we're just smashing buttons. In regards to Justin's injury history and running the ball. This past season, he did not get a single roughing the passer or late hit call in his favor despite improving on his decision-making (e.g., sliding, running out of bounds). The last QB that comes to mind with this lack of flags in his favor is Cam Newton and we saw how injuries derailed his career. It's fair to say Justin deserves a healthy portion of the blame but holy shit where are the refs protecting a QB when he slides? Last point I want to say about Fields, when he was drafted he had top 5/10 potential. At a minimum I think he's a starting QB in the NFL somewhere (ATL, LV, PIT), but the Bears have screwed him up so bad in his 3 years unfortunately he'll max out as top 12 guy. Slight annoyance but it's probably just me, why are the Bears the only team discussed when it comes to passing on Jalen Carter? The Lions could have had him and instead decided to trade back with Arizona to pick Jahmyr Gibbs (do you remember the draft day reactions?). The Raiders could have had him and instead selected Tyree Wilson who finished the season with 11 pressures and only played 44% of his defense's snaps. Both Jaylon Johnson and Ryan Poles have stated recently that they expect a deal to happen and it will be in Chicago. In regards to edge guys, how many of them do we realistically expect to hit the market? I see so many of them either being tagged or resigned other than maybe Bryce Huff or Chase Young. You guys alluded to this but I don't think it's unrealistic they trade back from #9 especially if QB4 is still available and say DEN or LV want to move up. Goes without saying but depends on who's available (i.e., Dallas Turner, Rome Odunze) and if they think one will be available at the later pick
I could only imagine what some of these “mediocre” nfl qbs could do behind an o line that gives them 3.4 secs to throw. Daniel jones gets half of that lol.
@@TheMattTrakker yep, I don't think NY has a clue about O-line protection. Chicago needs a couple more good guards and another good receiver. Also, Getsey's schemes sucked NY has a good scheme.
Daniel Jones was an unrestricted free agent since the Giants did not pick up his 5th year contract. If the Bears pick up the fifth year contract, then Justin Fields contract numbers I think are $6 mil for this year and $22 mil or so for the 5th year and maybe estimated 35 mil for the transition franchise tag if it were a 6th year. Justin Fields strikes me a smart guy who knows that his ceiling number for his salary is fixed which is why probably he's not asking for $40 million/year. But draw your own conclusions. #MathDon'tLie
The issue is that if the Bears don't pick a QB, the leverage goes back to Justin. The Bears are signaling they are all in on Justin. And guess who's Justin's agent. It's DeShaun Jackson's and he's not giving the Bears a discount. Justin will also want stability after ll the uncertainty the last 2 years. That's the reality of the situation. Justin is asking for $40mn+ if the Beas pass on a QB. And if you're putting a transistional tag on Fields in 2 years on your alleged franchise QB, that's not a good thing. Extending a franchise QB should be a no brainer. It's best to reset the QB rookie clock and trade Justin.
@@piteusx8440 First of all, if Justin wants security over the last two years, the Bears can decide to pick up the 5th year option. That's why I disagree with you and and stating that it's a no brainer Justin's not asking for $40 mil/year, especially when he's not even making $40 total the next two years. Second, I agree that the transition tag can be an issue (see Lamar Jackson's contract issue) but if Justin actually performs well - PAY THE MAN HIS MONEY! That's what you do, you pay QBs who perform. If not, find some other QB after 2 years. Third, given that the Bears actually need a 2nd #1 WR (like the 49ers, Eagles, Bengals, and most of the playoff teams with multiple weapons on offense) wouldn't it be better to actually reset the currently non-existent 2nd #1 WR position and draft Marvin Harrison Jr.?
I think the strategy behind paying the LBs was that Poles wants to draft young guys at the more valuable positions (OT, DL, DB, probably QB, WR this year) and pay more for elite players at less important positions like LB, TE, IOL. It’s definitely a unique way to construct a roster but it seems smart if you realize what he’s going for. Then down the road you ideally have more money to start extending your draft picks at the important positions since the guys you are paying are playing positions that warrant cheaper contracts (ex: $18M gets you an elite LB instead of an average OT)
Couple of points, the Bears have a history of keeping really good coordinators even if the head coach gets fired. So Eberflus on the hotseat shouldn't affect hires as much. Secondly, the Bears have also been willing to pay great coordinators quite a bit extra like they did with Vik Fangio. If they are worth it, coaches here get paid.
Thanks for covering the Bears options. Here's another option that I can see the Bears go with in the draft and FA whereby they will obtain 3 2nd round picks ... Trade Fields to Falcons (comp received includes 2024 2nd round pick) Trade #1 pick to Washington (comp received includes 2024 2nd round pick and DT Allen) Pick up RB Josh Jacobs in FA Draft: 1st Round: #2) Drake Maye Trade #9 pick to Raiders (comp received includes swap 2024 1st round pick to #13 and a second round pick) #13) Chop Robinson 2nd Round: #36) Jackson Powers Johnson (from Washington) #43) Cooper Beebe (from Atlanta) #44) Xavier Legette (from Las Vegas) 3rd Round: #75) Calen Bullock For context, Bears would not resign Mooney, Jackson, Foreman, Whitehair
I've got to seriously disagree with the Daniel Jones contract as being "that's just the league" at this point. Sometimes, bad contracts get signed, but the rest of the league doesn't have to immediately follow suit. Desean Jackson got a fully guaranteed contract with the Browns. Is that the new normal? No, it isn't. Just because Daniel Jones had the Giants over the barrel in negotiations doesn't mean his contract is the new norm for an "average" QB. And Derrick Carr? He's better than Daniel Jones, hands down. Our most recent example of how the league views average QBs that haven't proven their worth yet is Jordan Love and his contract. Or perhaps Geno Smith's after he bounced back with a good year. If Justin is seriously starting with the Daniel Jones contract as his low end demand, then obviously the Bears won't be keeping him. That's just a ridiculous ask, and then you guys will be right in that the Bears won't have a choice but to draft a rookie QB. If Justin is more reasonable with his extension demand, then this becomes a big debate as to what the Bears should do.
I’m not a bears fan but I actually think that Kliff Kingsberry makes sense. You mentioned that if they coach well maybe they are gone the year after that. Kingsberry is NEVER going to get another HC job and I think that is an underrated benefit for picking him. Waldron might only stay 1 year but Kliff will be there as long as you want him. Idk it kinda makes sense.
You guys nailed IT!!! Option 3 is the more realistic direction Da Bears go after. I enjoyed this podcast very much! Great Job gentlemen. You guys clearly understand the Bears state of affairs here. Cheers 🍻🐻⬇️
I loved all of this. I do think if they trade the pick, they also get a 2nd round pick, not just a 3rd. But that Caleb draft made me like this 🥲 so good❤
Honestly... I'd be curious to see where Fields lands in terms of interior pressure per dropback percentage when talking about his performance and average time to throw.
I love the 3rd mock draft where we take caleb. I wanted fields to work out so bad but his improvements have been very little. Especially after a year where we added good pieces around him to take a bigger step than what he’s shown. Just no justification to keep fields who is a bottom third qb and have the looming contract where we have the very very rare opportunity to draft a very regarded prospect with a pick that isn’t even from the Bears.
Unlike the Lions (who were in a similar situation to y’all last year, although the team was slightly better), I think y’all actually pull the trigger and get a QB. As a Packers fan though, I know the pattern this usually goes in, and I want our division to be competitive.
Thanks for doing the Bears, Jaylon Johnson loves the Bears. He talks on a radio show every now and then, "tag no tag its all money" a deal is going to get done. Poles came out and said as much yesterday. They invited him to find a trade but nobody bought because it was a different world. Now JJ has played like a top cornerback for an entire season. Eddie Jackson has come out and said he'd restructure. Whitehair might not have a spot at the end of a bench but Eddie at the right price is fine Take Caleb or take the money, any WR there is crazy, can get Nabers and a 1st before you pick up the phone The Eberflus lame duck season retread of the Matt Nagy lame duck season, of the John Fox lame duck season with a 1st rd qb is.... questionable. They better get lucky on the OC. I liked the free agency ideas. I think somehow both of you are right more or less on your Fields analysis. Bears would be very interested to see how this next season with Fields plays out but its a unique opportunity at 1OA. Trevors take that maybe he can carve out a starting job feels a bit pessimistic at least for the next few years.
This is a very unbiased viewpoint but the only thing is it’s coming from an outside perspective. Fields is not perfect and he definitely makes mistakes that you can’t blame anybody for. At the same time his play is team dependent. When the offensive line is healthy he plays good. When he throws to Moore or Kmet his stats are good. When throwing to other players his numbers drop. There are a lot of pinpoint passes being dropped also. I can definitely see Fields getting traded but I can also see him staying. One thing is certain, even Fields supporters agree next season if he stays he has to play well or he’s gone and it’s not even a debate
Great show boys! Love it. I feel like Odunze will be there at 9, but it is interesting to see what happens when he is not. Would be fine with Mitchell in the 2nd round too. I know you can’t do a million versions, but would like to see what happens when you trade down from 9 in the Caleb scenario like you mentioned. When I do it on the sim, I can grab a 2nd rounder and still end up with either Verse or Latu. Which is ideal.
Could’ve made the second fields draft adding drake London and a 2 instead of a 1 like the dj Moore trade. I think I like that better than trading up for nabers
You guys forgot about dexter, kyler Gordon, Braxton Jones, and their strong safety, also he hurt his shoulder in week 8 or so. His arm was dead and still played through it. Play solid enough, Edmond and Edward’s were good 2nd half of the year. Their also is the back up QB and undrafted linebacker and halon Jones to new some I drafted depth. Not all are rock stars yet. But depth improved with high upside potential
Poles had to do almost a complete roster teardown. I think he's done a good job. He's taken chances on players for acceptable risk while slowly building a core. You can quibble with the player evaluation but the overall process has been fine in my opinion. I dont see how this off-season is his job on the line, they're still building and are about to have a rookie qb, they arent ready to compete. Nobody should expect them to be ready to compete. Unless he just goes out here and starts doing absolutely crazy shit out of nowhere i dont really know what else you couldve asked from a GM, outside of disagreeing with the player eval as i said before.
Mentioned Chris Jones addition. Think that Daron Payne in a pick swap is more than viable. Commanders entering rebuild. Caleb from DC. Who knows what the Bears think of Caleb vs. Maye, but if they were indifferent on QB options, getting Payne included on a 1 to 2 pick swap would be pretty reasonable
Did the mock simulator with the same Justin Fields trade to the Falcons for the 2nd round 43 pick. This is what I got: 1. Caleb 2. Rome Odunze 3. Chop Robinson (Edge) 4. Zach Frazier (C). OMG
Gentlemen, I loved this episode so much. I do want to know however if you would consider maybe a Broncos episode. I understand it doesn’t fit all of the criteria for a fixing your franchise show, however, there will be a lot of change in Denver and I think you guys could have lots of fun with it, from the roster to the draft.
What about Klint Kubiak for OC? I dont like him as much as most of the options you mentioned but the Bears have said they are planning to interview him
It's important to note that the money spent on the LB's was necessary for Eberflus and the defensive scheme he likes to run.... most of his draft picks have worked out alright based on where they were selected, expectations, and notable development and improvement since being drafted (excluding Velus Jones).... his free agent and trade decisions again were okay given the players and contracts given to them.... (excluding Chase Claypool). As a Bears fan I don't mind giving him a 3rd year... but this is FOR SURE the offseason he is going to hang his hat and career on.
Andrew Billings was not a good FA move? The Bears went from 31st in the NFL [in 2022] on defensive rushing yards to #1 [in 2023]. That's an astounding improvement and Billings was most of the reason for that.
I really like Billings. Him, Gervon Dexter, and Sweat have been awesome additions to the d-line
Yeah Billings got a 2 year extension for good reason. Nose tackles don’t get the love they deserve. I love Billings, seems like a great dude in the locker room. Happy to see him finally have a home after being bounced around the league for so long
@@NPaulBearsyeah I agree, as a packers fan it seems like no one seems to care about run defense until their team gets gashed
@@kghostthegreat well lucky for you, Aaron Jones seems to be covered in baby oil whenever our #1 run defense plays against him. Also you notice how much the Bears players were slipping and sliding around Lambeau compared to the Packers? Amateur hour whenever we play GB, never seems like they’re prepared like a professional team. Edit: I really went off on a tangent there
@@NPaulBears All the players hate playing on turf, then find out that grass can make for a slippery surface. I remember even saying that Jones needed to change his cleats after he lost traction.
Hey Connor:
Dexter had 20 pressures after week 10. 3rd among rookies. We had 2 firsts in the last 5 years (Mack & fields trades). Couldn’t take the risk, Wright played with one shoulder all season. As far as Jaylon he said on the score they’re going to get something done. Poles in his press conference Wednesday said Jaylon’s going nowhere.
and our offense would have been a disaster without darnell
Unfortunately this is just the reality of analysts not being able to truly cover all teams. We all know Dexter came into his own as a pass rusher from the DT spot but because his name isn't big enough they cant know everyone. Same thing with Billings
While that’s all good and true, Kobie Turner had 9 sacks and 16 QB hits as a rookie NT/DT drafted a round later. Hopefully Dexter can continue to grow next year building on the last half of 2023.
@@robdaniel3211 there’s a lot of Aaron Donald inflation going on there. He elevates those around him. Plus Dexter played a losing team with a lot of run game close out scripts. Vs leading and getting more opportunities to rush the passer. I’ll agree Turner is the better player at the moment but I don’t think it’s near as much as the number reflect. My point was more about passing on Carter. Bears only 1st round pick on the roster was JF1 and they couldn’t take a risk on Carter. He’s well insulated with talent, leadership, and former teammates in PHI (5 off the top of my head).
y’all should do the seahawks now that pete carroll is no longer the coach
That’s the best idea I’ve heard all week
Second. Talented young team in Seattle, with zero direction. Especially at Quarterback
👀👀👀👀
penix time
You thought little Bryce Young's college style would translate to the NFL, think crying Californian Caleb can handle the Chicago media?!
For what it’s worth, Poles said in his end of season presser that JJ: “isn’t going anywhere”
He said same about ro
@@moloutfi201difference is jaylon still wants to be here. Roquan clearly wanted out
GOOD
You guys are worried about passing on Carter, I’d recommend watching Gervon Dexter at the back half of the season. He has looked pretty good so far.
*Gator Great Gervon Dexter. I’ll check out his second half stuff. Obviously a uniquely built IDL. Liked him as a run defender
Love the Curtis Samuel FA pickup. Him and DJ Moore are great friends and also ads that slightly more dynamic playmaker in the short game
The last draft was EPIC! Well Done! 🐻⬇️
If you add the 1st pick acquired the Bears won the 2023 draft going away. That's why I completely trust Poles.
I’ve said it before, I think you two are making the best NFL content on RUclips right now. I am a Bears fan, so this episode was especially interesting to me. I love the info you gave about the potential OC hires, I didn’t know much about them before listening to you guys. I agree with you assessments on Eberflus and Poles. I’m surprised you both seem to be solidly on the side of trading Fields as the most likely option. The analytics you gave are interesting. 3.4 seconds before throwing is a stat I haven’t heard but I understand the importance.
You mentioned early in the video the idea of trading down with the 9th pick so I was really interested to see what a trade down from 9 could look like.
This means a ton! Thank you 🙏
You guys kill it every time but as a Bears fan I was waiting for this one!
Justin, Nabers, DJ, and Kmet would go crazy. Would love Dallas turner to be picked at 9 and loved the idea of trading back up with a pick for Nabers.
Been waiting for this one for so long, going to enjoy listening. Thanks Trevor and Connor.
Glad to not be gaslit, don't see how anyone can watch Fields play over the last 2 years and say yeah this is my guy. Caleb and Drake are better prospects and have better chances at becoming more than what Fields is right now which is honestly about QB 20-25. Anyone advocating to build around Fields and trade the pick just seems to be risk averse, without realizing he is riskier than taking a QB with the #1 pick. Trading the number one pick is risky considering the early projections into next year's QB draft class is looking more like the Kenny Pickett year with no true QB worth a top 10 pick. If you keep Fields and he continues his marginal improvements & becomes QB 15-20 you've got yourself a Daniel Jones situation with a QB that everyone knows is not a top QB but the team has no choice but to pay because they have no alternative options. The reality is you will have to take risks to improve your QB situation in the NFL whether you are taking an unproven QB #1 overall (Burrow vs Young), trading for a veteran QB ( Stafford vs Wilson), or you're signing the rare starter in free agency ( Brady vs Carr) there will always be examples of successful and unsuccessful cases. Seems to me a lot of Bears fans/Fields enthusiast are punting on the pick with delusions of grandeur that Fields is going to take an incredible 4th year leap or they'll manage to be in position for a "generational/flawless" QB prospect in the near future.
First off, gaslit is the exact term I’ve been using for anyone who has tried to convince us that Fields has been good or great. It genuinely makes me feel crazy listening to people who are supposed to be “experts” tell us that he’s too good to move on from when every available piece of evidence shows that, when compared to the rest of the NFL, he’s a bottom tier QB. I also agree that the overwhelming support for Fields appears to be coming from a place of fear: fear of Justin moving on and becoming great (there’s no historical evidence that shows this should be a concern), or fear that Caleb or Maye will bust (a natural part of the game). This fan base needs to at least acknowledge the real risks involved with keeping a 4th year QB on his third OC that will soon inhibit the Bears’ ability to acquire proven talent in FA. Also, until they understand the risks involved in assuming we will hit on every draft pick we get for moving down, we won’t be able to have a real discussion about what the best option is moving forward because too many people think there’s no other path to success other than keeping Fields.
Finally, how difficult do fans think it will be to make up for Fields’s production? He has never thrown for 3k yards or had a league average completion percentage. His production is simply easy to replicate and could be accomplished by any competent starter. Fans are overstating his impact and overestimating what “good leadership qualities” does for your team when the ability on the field is still so far below what the standard should be.
Fields is who the Lamar haters say Lamar is. He's going to get paid because GMs who live in the zone where they make the playoffs every other year don't get fired. Fields will keep you in that sweet spot where the Saints have been for 5+ years of not bad enough to get a high draft pick while never being good enough to scare the good teams.
Fields is already top 20. We can either go young at QB or trade the pick and continue building for the future by getting a younger team overall. I don't see why not trade the pick and have Fields for at least 2 more years. Can always draft a QB day 2 to compete
You don't have to think Fields is going to the HOF, you just have to think he can be an average to above average threat at QB. AND that you can add a bunch of star players by trading down.
The Bears can continue to build a roster the way that teams like San Francisco and KC did, without a clear star QB, and take some swings once the roster is more complete. They can do like the Eagles and plug different guys in.
The Bengals approach of taking your future HOF QB at #1 can work, but that's not how most good teams do it.
@@jackpabich763idk if you actually listened to them talk about Fields, but they explain what I already said which is that there’s zero evidence of Fields being “top 20”. The only starting QB that’s a worse passer is Zach Wilson.
Poles had to spend a ton to hit the 3 year average 90% salary cap cash floor. That had a lot to do with the huge money spent on Edmunds, especially when you look at the way that deal was structured.
I assume the contract front-loaded then?
@@tomfountain6462 exactly. Even though it's a 4 year deal he can get out of after 2
Yep, a perfect deal to spend a bunch of money when needed to buy if the player doesn’t live up to it, can get out after 2 years coinciding with potentially paying JF.
I love how poles has front loaded majority of his contracts. If he can stay in front of the salary cap as long as he can, this roster will get good quick.
Well that isn't a great argument for the signing, the money could have been used elsewhere such as resigning Jaylon. Not a big deal though in part cause of the front loading and it was a high floor high ceiling move that hasn't panned out, they're too pessimistic Poles is pretty firmly in the green at least as far as roster management.
I think best scenario available for the "keep fields" truthers, is to trade down to either 2 or 3.
So what if you got Shane Waldron and then maybe Dan Mullen as QB coach who could then move up to offensive coordinator if Waldron becomes a head coach. Would allow Mullen to adjust to the NFL and keep some continuity on offense.
You guys do have a great show. Enjoy the info and your connection. Good stuff bucket✌🏼
As a Bears fan, I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for exploring the different scenarios
I think the only coach I can remember who was close to be fired and has recovered well is Zac Taylor who went to the Super Bowl the next season
Great mock offseason for fixing the bears!!
IMO you did free agency right except a vet Center which won't be too expensive. Rookie QB and rookie C is probably asking for trouble. But I agree with the strategy of - retain Jaylon, top tier DT, mid range Edge, budget WR3.. then add a league average C which there are 3 or 4 available.
For the draft, the Bears are by far the most fun because there is a million options and I'm glad you guys covered a bunch. Totally agree with 1st rd QB & Edge, 2nd rd WR, 3rd rd C or FS. I hadn't thought of trading back out of 1, then moving back up for Nabers so I'll have mess around with that myself.
Great job overall!
The most wildest thing out of this would be if CW doesn’t turn into that talent people are putting on him in the NFL. But at least the rookie contract clock got reset.
Great analysis. I would have included a draft with Washington trade. Harrison and Turner in first round. You get your 2nd round pick back plus 1st pick next year. Cunningham 3rd rounder. You fill in your picks after 1st rounders above and I’d love to see the grade. Keep up good work.
Explain
Best Bears offseason walkthrough I could ask for. Thanks dudes.
The moment everyone’s been waiting for
I think you guys gave a good, fair assessment of the Bears’ situation. I really enjoyed watching it as a Bears fan!
Best podcast! dont end boyzz!
Arizona Cardinals next!
Next position group edge or IDL!
Not addressing center in FA is insane if you are taking rookie QB
Who? It's not good out there for family centers
Who the fuck you wanna take there? There are good C in draft
Most realistic if the Bears keep Fields is trading down with Washington or the Patriots in order to pick up a 2nd and an extra first at least and still get MHJ. No need to take MHJ with the first pick. He'll be there at 2 or 3 and you get extra capital. That would've given you the best graded mock.
If I was trading down I’d move further for more assets. There are 3 stud WRs so why not…..
You aren’t getting a first for trading down 1 spot. Idk why people keep saying this nonsense. The only team dumb enough to overpay to move up 1 spot, is the bears lol.
@lucrative6477 They either offer that or they don't get Caleb it's that simple. Considering what other teams have given up in the past to get their QB it's actually pretty cheap. It's not really about how many spots you're moving up when it comes to the #1 pick. Do you think Washington or NE would rather be at 8 or 10 and give up three 1st round picks instead? No.
@@lucrative6477 Not sure if any team has ever traded up from 2 or 3 to 1 by offering a future 1st, but why would the Bears accept a trade down to 2 or 3 for only like a 2nd rd pick or even two 2nd rd picks when they could get an even bigger haul then last year--probably three 1st round picks and two 2nd rd picks--by moving down to the 8 to 12 range? Bottom line is that you have to overpay for the #1 pick if you want the "generational" QB. The best offer is the one that will be accepted and multiple teams bidding drives up the price.
Name me No.1 or 2 selected QBs that won a title that was drafted since 2010 😅
Current top10 QBs include:
• Mahomes (taken 11th overall)
• Lamar (taken 32nd)
• Hurts (taken in the 2nd Rd)
• Dak (taken in the 4th Rd)
• Brock Purdy (taken dead last / 262nd overall)
I haven’t even mentioned Flacco or Love
Well playing the odds I'd say we're due for one 😅regardless with the same logic name a Chicago QB that could've led his team to a deep playoff run in the last 40 years. That doesn't mean we shouldn't draft one
In the past 15 years?
Eli Manning
Peyton Manning
Matt Stafford
Carson Wentz got the Eagles to the playoffs but was injured
You also have to take into account Tom Brady slammed the door on 4 teams but they had Goff and Matt Ran who was taken 3rd. Tom Brady skews a lot of the superbowl numbers. If it wasn't for him a lot more QBs would have championships.
They didn’t win a title but both Burrow and Cam Newton made it to the Super Bowl.
They are keeping Fields , can’t believe after listening to an hour long press conference where they did everything but say it aloud , yet still people don’t listen and or hear what they wanna hear , see what they wanna see. Such is society today. Cognitive dissonance
Burrow Goff Newton Stafford Eli Peyton- all 1 overall picks, all went to the Super Bowl.
Burrow lost to Stafford
Newton lost to Peyton
Goff lost to Brady
😶
Chargers fan here, you guys do not want Kellen Moore as your offensive playcaller. Here’s why.
I too, was misled into thinking Kellen was this young, intuitive, new-wave legend. All of Chargers-world fell into this trap. But there were several Cowboys people warning us that his offensive playcalling ability was suspect. “Situationally, he’s not great. His run game suffers at the hands of errant decision-making. Struggles to elevate players not named WR1 or RB1.”
We heard it all but threw their opinion away because Dak Prescott is definitely not as good as Justin Herbert is. Boy were we wrong… Kellen Moore could not solve the run game for the Chargers, something that’s plagued them really ever since LT was let go. His obsession with “run the ball on first down” was annoying at best. On first down runs, Kellen’s offense averaged 1.8ypc. Aside from the stats, his situational awareness seemed almost inexistent at times. I recall the game against the Titans where they were in a 3rd and inches situation inside their own 30. Kellen Moore decided to call a toss to Ekeler 4-5 yards behind the LOS which ended up in a loss of 3 and a possession. When you need less than a foot to extend your drive, why in the hell are you running an HB toss 4-5 yards behind the LOS…? Put your big boy pants on and play smashmouth football. As for Kellen’s passing game, nothing special. He failed to use the Chargers receivers correctly. QJ isn’t a contested catch type of guy, yet Kellen used him as such. Never truly gave the rookie WR a shot at making plays happen and putting him in the best situation to succeed. Before Mike Williams tore his ACL, he was being completely misused. I’m talking screens, bubbles and swings to a player who does not possess the necessary ability to have success in those situations. Moving onto the OL play, Corey Linsley is an integral piece to that unit, BUT that does not mean it should crumble and fail miserably just because it loses their center. You have all-pro guys like Rashawn Slater at LT, a first round pick in his 2nd year, Zion Johnson, at LG, Jamari Salyer at RG who played impressively well at LT last year after Slater tore his bicep, and an average RT in Pipkins (phew). Because they lost Linsley, and I don’t mean to belittle him at all he’s the best center the Chargers had since Nick Hardwick, your entire OL should not go to sh*t, for lack of better terms. That is a massive issue Kellen failed to wiggle around.
All in all, it was one of the most disappointing things in recent team history, the job he did with this offense. This was supposed to be the year everything came together, and Kellen’s ability as an OC did not distract from the porous job Brandon Staley did on the other side. It only added onto the storm… beware ye those who may hire Captain Kellen and his skeletons!
My favorite scenario is landing Chris Jones in FA and pairing him with Sweat and Dallas Turner. What a dream D-line. I would have liked scenario three on a trade down with New England and still getting extra draft picks and MHJ.
As a Bears fan, I would be THRILLED with the first or last mock draft... THRILLED. Not a fan of taking Bowers no matter how good of a prospect he is, just kinda seemed to muck up the whole draft by taking him.
I love Bowers but we have pretty decent TE now so there are more pressing needs at other positions
I agree!
In todays league having a dynamic TE (especially if you have a good WR 1) only elevated your pass, and potentially run game. Why wouldn’t you want a guy like that
You are a 🤡 and know nothing about football. Run a 2 TE set and give Caleb Williams a middle of the field threat in bowers
@@kghostthegreat Simple, we just resigned Kmet, we only have ONE good WR and we desperately need help in other positions before TE, specifically WR, OL and Edge Rusher. I'm not saying I would never take Bowers, I'm saying we absolutely need more help elsewhere before TE.
I almost didn’t watch this show because everybody has an opinion and acts like it’s the only one that makes sense, but once again you guys didn’t disappoint. Not 1, not 2, but 3 different scenarios. This is why you guys are the best in the biz,
“They’re drafts are certified cheeks 🍑” took me out😂😂💀
Thank you for doing both sides! Haven’t even watched it yet. Appreciate it!
3 sides 🤯
My thoughts exactly, Stack Defense in FA and Draft on the offensive side. If you draft QB1, you MUST get him weapons and protection quickly
I feel like the Poles and Flus are big traits guys and are confident in their ability to develop players. I wouldn't be surprised if they trade down with that number 9 pick and take Chop Robinson because of his first step, and explosiveness.
Great minds think alike 💯
Turner is better
I am genuinely asking a question… does his time to throw stat include him escaping sacks? I’ve asked this question a million times and nobody can answer the question, and 1 statement, does that make a difference when the past 2 full seasons the only consistently open player is Moore because for a portion of last season WR2&3 was EQ ST.Brown and Dante pettis
It should include that to my knowledge. It could mean a few things (lots of PA, people not open, etc) but the problem I think they have is Fields has been known to hold the ball long back to college. When you look at other stats like pocket time on PFR, it kinda shows a similar story that Justin holds on to the ball longer than most QBs.
I want to cut some slack that he’s a good enough runner to be able to hold on longer, but I do think that’s a legit concern if you aren’t bought in fully that Justin is the guy (which truthfully I’m not atm).
Fixing the Bears is easy. You draft Caleb #1 and you take Odunze at #9. You trade Fields for a 2nd or possibly a 1rst rounder in the draft and you take the best DE available. Can you imagine trading JF to Pittsburgh for their 1rst rounder? I can see it.
Bears should take a hard look at Dan Mullen..
the guy really does know football and can win games with creative play calling
You guys made horrible trade down choices. The main 2 teams I’d Trade Down With Is Washington Commanders & New England Patriots. Just Like I traded down with the Panthers last year. Based off what I got from the panthers giving them Bryce Young. Caleb Williams will be in for A massive haul probably in NFL history. Adam Peter just got signed as the Washington Commanders GM & they have the most Cap Space in the NFL also when he was on the 49ers he traded 4 future first rounders for Trey Lance so I believe the Commanders will do anything to move up to get there franchise QB & same with the New England Patriots by the way they still have not decided who their new GM is so The #1 pick for Caleb Williams will be up for grabs. I said in my press conference that the 1st pick on the NFL draft is for SELL. If continuity wasn’t A factor I believe Matt & Luke would’ve been fired so I could bring in A new regime of coaches for my players & I would just solely focus on resetting the rookie QB clock. Why would I point out the fact that the #1 overall pick is for SELL in the press conference if I knew I was already sure about resetting the QB ROOKIE CLOCK ? WE ARE LOOKING FOR A RANSOM OF DRAFT CAPITAL FOR OUR TEAM & IF TEAMS DON’T OFFER WHAT I WANT TO SEE THEN I’LL TAKE THE BEST QB ON THE BOARD AT #1. Regardless until then… THE 1st PICK IS FOR SELL!
I agree 100% @RyanPoles. #FLEECESEASON
#FLEECESEASON
#FLEECESEASON
#FLEECESEASON #BEARDOWN 🐻⬇️ #DRAFTMHJATALLCOST
great cast guys thanx
I think if you keep Fields, you can still leverage the possibility of getting Williams to another team and still secure MHJ
Please don’t ever leave. Y’all are the best.
Fields is azzzzz 4th best QB in the division
You know what’s at stake here Connor. Don’t disappoint me 😂😂. Fr tho can’t wait to dive in.
Feel like yall might be mistaken with this being a “make or break” year for Poles. Hes only had 2 off seasons and one of those was a total tear down. He inherited a team with no first round pick and a ton of big bad contracts from the Pace era when he was desperately trying to recapture that 2018 magic. Hes only made 1 first round pick in his tenure (about to make 2 more) so I don’t get the sense that his seat is even remotely hot. Only huge screwup he’s had in a lot of Bears fans minds’ is the Claypool trade. The secondary is basically all his picks and it might be the best unit on the defense when healthy. Hes done a good job
Roquan trade was bad too. He was worth keeping.
@@patrickhiggins8269 Roquan wasn’t that bad, they got an ascending player at safety in Brisker and they got Edmunds AND Edwards for almost that same money that JUST Roquan would’ve been.
Seeing Zach Frazier ranked at 87 then and now 34 is something else! I'm curious what a current draft would look like with updated position rankings
Relationship with Jaylon is still good. They were far apart on numbers, Poles gave Jaylon the ok to shop himself around. The market wasn't as solid as he hoped. Both sides seem optimistic they'll get a deal done. Poles said Jaylon isn't going anywhere. Worst case they tag him.
Good to hear. They need to keep him
Also, Poles extended Billings' contract midway through the season.
Love the idea of Waldron and his O-Line coach but the tricky thing is… the bears retained their O-Line coach. I’m sure they could figure it out.
Brisker, Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson all tremendous draft picks for value.
Terrel Smith ain’t a bad pick either
Linebacker play came together at a high level after the Sweat trade
Explain
@@rogernguy explain what
You guys are undervaluing the 1st pick. The bears traded from 1 to 9 last year got a first this year, dj moore, a 2nd in 2023, a second in 2025. That is 2 firsts, 2 seconds, and DJ. This year, in theory, the pick will be worth more.
Love Fields, but Caleb Williams is different
Just the fact they have to pay fields of they keep him is more than enough evidence for me that they are going to go with Caleb. I really don't see them keeping Fields. He basically landed on their lap because of that trade. They need to take him. Dude is crazy talented
@edgarorozco3513 They don't have to pay Fields very much. They can keep him for potentially 3 more seasons at below average QB salary. And they can move on at any time if they decide he's not it.
Just because they don't draft a QB this year does not mean they can't draft one next year. The Chiefs drafted Mahomes when they had Alex Smith and the 27th pick in the draft. If the Bears trade out of #1 and the team struggles in 2024, they'll be in a position to trade up and take a QB if necessary.
I'm not saying they should keep Fields, I'm just saying the idea that he's due for an imminent fat contract isn't true.
Now if they don't pick up his 5th year option and then he goes and balls out in year 4, then they're slightly screwed, because they have to tag him.a year early and then pay him the next year. So if they're going to keep him for year 4, I think they have to pick up his 5th year option.
So who at QB in 2025 then? I see people saying what you say but NOBODY mentions who is this great QB in 2025. Also: if the Bears get say pick #9 again next year and whomever you trade #1 to does what Houston did this year and nets you say pick #17, you’re not moving to the top of the 2025 draft with picks 9 and 17.
@@robdaniel3211 You might not move up to #1 but most good QBs aren't picked at #1 anyway. Burrow was, Goff was, Mayfield was, but Mahomes, Allen, Rodgers, Prescott, Love, Jackson, Flacco, Hurts, Purdy were all picked outside the top 5.
You've got a better chance at #1, but good teams have a chance to draft and develop QBs without needing a top top pick. That's the key though: good teams. Good teams can be patient, bad teams are desperate for a miracle.
The Bears aren't yet a *good* team (no one thinks they're a threat to win the SB next season no matter what they do), but they can definitely get there if they get a big haul of picks and players for #1.
As a fan of the Bears, stumbled across this video and channel and am so happy i have! Loved the video and will look forward to the videos to come.
On the video itself, i've always been a Fields guy, so since the discussions have begun i've always said trade down or take Harrison at 1 so love that you guys showed both the options thank you! Am very excited for this offseason and look forward to whatever the Bears decide to do, i have faith in Poles and expect at least a 10 win team next season.
It is expected Jaylon Johnson will sign confirmed by himself and Poles
A rookie center and rookie Qb can result in online breakdowns, pressures and sacks. Overall a fun show.
You should get a call from area code 312.
If nothing else to congratulate your efforts.
And so do we.
Great in-depth analysis with the good humor you two create.
👍🏻
There are so many avenues the bears could take, that as a fan, I’m just ready to sit back and enjoy the ride
Let's go with the positive scenario regarding the OC. I would welcome that situation b/c that means the Bears FINALLY got something right regarding the QB (whether it's Fields or Caleb/Drake)! I've been a Bears fan my whole life (30 years) and the fact that we've never had a QB throw for more than 4K yards in a season is just disgusting.
That being said, I would like an OC in the Waldron/Moore/Kingsbury archetype. A guy who's had experience developing talent, prior play-calling experience, some innovation when it comes to scheme, and an offensive identity. Just looking at Nagy and Getsy, it was clear to me that these guys had no idea what they wanted to offense to be and we're just smashing buttons.
In regards to Justin's injury history and running the ball. This past season, he did not get a single roughing the passer or late hit call in his favor despite improving on his decision-making (e.g., sliding, running out of bounds). The last QB that comes to mind with this lack of flags in his favor is Cam Newton and we saw how injuries derailed his career. It's fair to say Justin deserves a healthy portion of the blame but holy shit where are the refs protecting a QB when he slides? Last point I want to say about Fields, when he was drafted he had top 5/10 potential. At a minimum I think he's a starting QB in the NFL somewhere (ATL, LV, PIT), but the Bears have screwed him up so bad in his 3 years unfortunately he'll max out as top 12 guy.
Slight annoyance but it's probably just me, why are the Bears the only team discussed when it comes to passing on Jalen Carter? The Lions could have had him and instead decided to trade back with Arizona to pick Jahmyr Gibbs (do you remember the draft day reactions?). The Raiders could have had him and instead selected Tyree Wilson who finished the season with 11 pressures and only played 44% of his defense's snaps.
Both Jaylon Johnson and Ryan Poles have stated recently that they expect a deal to happen and it will be in Chicago. In regards to edge guys, how many of them do we realistically expect to hit the market? I see so many of them either being tagged or resigned other than maybe Bryce Huff or Chase Young.
You guys alluded to this but I don't think it's unrealistic they trade back from #9 especially if QB4 is still available and say DEN or LV want to move up. Goes without saying but depends on who's available (i.e., Dallas Turner, Rome Odunze) and if they think one will be available at the later pick
Best episode loading 🔥
Bears have said that new OC will have to keep the Bears current OL coach Chris Morgan
Babe wake up the new NFL SE Fixing your Franchise just dropped.
I could only imagine what some of these “mediocre” nfl qbs could do behind an o line that gives them 3.4 secs to throw. Daniel jones gets half of that lol.
they failed to mention that that time includes scrambling for your life because the O-line crapped out.
@@carhac66 So you've never watched Daniel Jones play? He has the same situation.
@@TheMattTrakker yep, I don't think NY has a clue about O-line protection. Chicago needs a couple more good guards and another good receiver. Also, Getsey's schemes sucked NY has a good scheme.
@@carhac66I have 2 words to destroy your entire argument; joe judge.
Daniel Jones was an unrestricted free agent since the Giants did not pick up his 5th year contract. If the Bears pick up the fifth year contract, then Justin Fields contract numbers I think are $6 mil for this year and $22 mil or so for the 5th year and maybe estimated 35 mil for the transition franchise tag if it were a 6th year. Justin Fields strikes me a smart guy who knows that his ceiling number for his salary is fixed which is why probably he's not asking for $40 million/year. But draw your own conclusions. #MathDon'tLie
The issue is that if the Bears don't pick a QB, the leverage goes back to Justin. The Bears are signaling they are all in on Justin. And guess who's Justin's agent. It's DeShaun Jackson's and he's not giving the Bears a discount. Justin will also want stability after ll the uncertainty the last 2 years. That's the reality of the situation. Justin is asking for $40mn+ if the Beas pass on a QB. And if you're putting a transistional tag on Fields in 2 years on your alleged franchise QB, that's not a good thing. Extending a franchise QB should be a no brainer. It's best to reset the QB rookie clock and trade Justin.
@@piteusx8440 First of all, if Justin wants security over the last two years, the Bears can decide to pick up the 5th year option. That's why I disagree with you and and stating that it's a no brainer Justin's not asking for $40 mil/year, especially when he's not even making $40 total the next two years. Second, I agree that the transition tag can be an issue (see Lamar Jackson's contract issue) but if Justin actually performs well - PAY THE MAN HIS MONEY! That's what you do, you pay QBs who perform. If not, find some other QB after 2 years. Third, given that the Bears actually need a 2nd #1 WR (like the 49ers, Eagles, Bengals, and most of the playoff teams with multiple weapons on offense) wouldn't it be better to actually reset the currently non-existent 2nd #1 WR position and draft Marvin Harrison Jr.?
@@piteusx8440 PREACH! Get rid of BUSTIN FIELDS!
I think the strategy behind paying the LBs was that Poles wants to draft young guys at the more valuable positions (OT, DL, DB, probably QB, WR this year) and pay more for elite players at less important positions like LB, TE, IOL. It’s definitely a unique way to construct a roster but it seems smart if you realize what he’s going for. Then down the road you ideally have more money to start extending your draft picks at the important positions since the guys you are paying are playing positions that warrant cheaper contracts (ex: $18M gets you an elite LB instead of an average OT)
You cant draft all the players...it was bad move
The video we’ve all been waiting for
Picking MHJ at 1 when you know 2 and 3 are vying for the first QB off the board would be insane. Just leaving value on the table.
My favorite podcast. Keep going boys!!
Couple of points, the Bears have a history of keeping really good coordinators even if the head coach gets fired. So Eberflus on the hotseat shouldn't affect hires as much. Secondly, the Bears have also been willing to pay great coordinators quite a bit extra like they did with Vik Fangio. If they are worth it, coaches here get paid.
Who else is here from watching Trevor learn how to play disc golf??
Thanks for covering the Bears options. Here's another option that I can see the Bears go with in the draft and FA whereby they will obtain 3 2nd round picks
...
Trade Fields to Falcons (comp received includes 2024 2nd round pick)
Trade #1 pick to Washington (comp received includes 2024 2nd round pick and DT Allen)
Pick up RB Josh Jacobs in FA
Draft:
1st Round:
#2) Drake Maye
Trade #9 pick to Raiders (comp received includes swap 2024 1st round pick to #13 and a second round pick)
#13) Chop Robinson
2nd Round:
#36) Jackson Powers Johnson (from Washington)
#43) Cooper Beebe (from Atlanta)
#44) Xavier Legette (from Las Vegas)
3rd Round:
#75) Calen Bullock
For context, Bears would not resign Mooney, Jackson, Foreman, Whitehair
I've got to seriously disagree with the Daniel Jones contract as being "that's just the league" at this point. Sometimes, bad contracts get signed, but the rest of the league doesn't have to immediately follow suit. Desean Jackson got a fully guaranteed contract with the Browns. Is that the new normal? No, it isn't. Just because Daniel Jones had the Giants over the barrel in negotiations doesn't mean his contract is the new norm for an "average" QB. And Derrick Carr? He's better than Daniel Jones, hands down. Our most recent example of how the league views average QBs that haven't proven their worth yet is Jordan Love and his contract. Or perhaps Geno Smith's after he bounced back with a good year.
If Justin is seriously starting with the Daniel Jones contract as his low end demand, then obviously the Bears won't be keeping him. That's just a ridiculous ask, and then you guys will be right in that the Bears won't have a choice but to draft a rookie QB. If Justin is more reasonable with his extension demand, then this becomes a big debate as to what the Bears should do.
They spent less on the LB core than Roquan Smith got. Plus they got a 2nd Rd pick.
Can’t wait to dive in fellas! Cheers 🍻
If Ryan Poles is so bad why does everyone want Ian Cunningham our Ast GM as their GM?
I’m not a bears fan but I actually think that Kliff Kingsberry makes sense. You mentioned that if they coach well maybe they are gone the year after that. Kingsberry is NEVER going to get another HC job and I think that is an underrated benefit for picking him. Waldron might only stay 1 year but Kliff will be there as long as you want him. Idk it kinda makes sense.
hire pep hamilton as a head coach
Fields will get him fired, only if he is traded
@@shanebuske3311You got jokes 😂 clown boy.
I love that last draft. 🐻⬇️
You guys nailed IT!!! Option 3 is the more realistic direction Da Bears go after. I enjoyed this podcast very much! Great Job gentlemen. You guys clearly understand the Bears state of affairs here. Cheers 🍻🐻⬇️
I loved all of this. I do think if they trade the pick, they also get a 2nd round pick, not just a 3rd. But that Caleb draft made me like this 🥲 so good❤
Marvin Harrison and Rome Omdumze will give Fields confidence
With Jaylon Johnson Ryan Poles guaranteed they are signing him and it would be soon. During the press conference. Same as what he did with Montez
Honestly... I'd be curious to see where Fields lands in terms of interior pressure per dropback percentage when talking about his performance and average time to throw.
Awesome video guys!! I’d like to see more of this as a bears fan
Justin Fields being the 7th hughest rated player on this team speaks volumes to what they need to do this off-season
I love the 3rd mock draft where we take caleb. I wanted fields to work out so bad but his improvements have been very little. Especially after a year where we added good pieces around him to take a bigger step than what he’s shown. Just no justification to keep fields who is a bottom third qb and have the looming contract where we have the very very rare opportunity to draft a very regarded prospect with a pick that isn’t even from the Bears.
I’m hoping he ends up with an OC who can unlock him. I want to see him succeed wherever he ends up going
Unlike the Lions (who were in a similar situation to y’all last year, although the team was slightly better), I think y’all actually pull the trigger and get a QB.
As a Packers fan though, I know the pattern this usually goes in, and I want our division to be competitive.
AMEN
Thanks for doing the Bears,
Jaylon Johnson loves the Bears. He talks on a radio show every now and then, "tag no tag its all money" a deal is going to get done. Poles came out and said as much yesterday. They invited him to find a trade but nobody bought because it was a different world. Now JJ has played like a top cornerback for an entire season.
Eddie Jackson has come out and said he'd restructure. Whitehair might not have a spot at the end of a bench but Eddie at the right price is fine
Take Caleb or take the money, any WR there is crazy, can get Nabers and a 1st before you pick up the phone
The Eberflus lame duck season retread of the Matt Nagy lame duck season, of the John Fox lame duck season with a 1st rd qb is.... questionable.
They better get lucky on the OC.
I liked the free agency ideas.
I think somehow both of you are right more or less on your Fields analysis. Bears would be very interested to see how this next season with Fields plays out but its a unique opportunity at 1OA. Trevors take that maybe he can carve out a starting job feels a bit pessimistic at least for the next few years.
Fun stuff fellas. Do the Hawk plz
I liked the last one 1st and then the one where you trade for two future 1’s
This is a very unbiased viewpoint but the only thing is it’s coming from an outside perspective. Fields is not perfect and he definitely makes mistakes that you can’t blame anybody for. At the same time his play is team dependent. When the offensive line is healthy he plays good. When he throws to Moore or Kmet his stats are good. When throwing to other players his numbers drop. There are a lot of pinpoint passes being dropped also. I can definitely see Fields getting traded but I can also see him staying. One thing is certain, even Fields supporters agree next season if he stays he has to play well or he’s gone and it’s not even a debate
Great show boys! Love it. I feel like Odunze will be there at 9, but it is interesting to see what happens when he is not. Would be fine with Mitchell in the 2nd round too.
I know you can’t do a million versions, but would like to see what happens when you trade down from 9 in the Caleb scenario like you mentioned. When I do it on the sim, I can grab a 2nd rounder and still end up with either Verse or Latu. Which is ideal.
Nice job guys, love the free agent picks.
As a bears fan, I’ve never been so excited and nervous. We love Fields.
Could’ve made the second fields draft adding drake London and a 2 instead of a 1 like the dj Moore trade. I think I like that better than trading up for nabers
The only thing Caleb needs to tighten up is the way he holds the ball out in the air when he runs with the ball, same way Walter Payton did.
You guys forgot about dexter, kyler Gordon, Braxton Jones, and their strong safety, also he hurt his shoulder in week 8 or so. His arm was dead and still played through it. Play solid enough, Edmond and Edward’s were good 2nd half of the year. Their also is the back up QB and undrafted linebacker and halon Jones to new some I drafted depth. Not all are rock stars yet. But depth improved with high upside potential
Poles had to do almost a complete roster teardown. I think he's done a good job. He's taken chances on players for acceptable risk while slowly building a core. You can quibble with the player evaluation but the overall process has been fine in my opinion. I dont see how this off-season is his job on the line, they're still building and are about to have a rookie qb, they arent ready to compete. Nobody should expect them to be ready to compete. Unless he just goes out here and starts doing absolutely crazy shit out of nowhere i dont really know what else you couldve asked from a GM, outside of disagreeing with the player eval as i said before.
Mentioned Chris Jones addition. Think that Daron Payne in a pick swap is more than viable. Commanders entering rebuild. Caleb from DC. Who knows what the Bears think of Caleb vs. Maye, but if they were indifferent on QB options, getting Payne included on a 1 to 2 pick swap would be pretty reasonable
Really like the 1st and the 3rd draft. Exceptional analysis 👌🏿 good work gentlemen
Did the mock simulator with the same Justin Fields trade to the Falcons for the 2nd round 43 pick. This is what I got: 1. Caleb 2. Rome Odunze 3. Chop Robinson (Edge) 4. Zach Frazier (C). OMG
Gentlemen, I loved this episode so much. I do want to know however if you would consider maybe a Broncos episode. I understand it doesn’t fit all of the criteria for a fixing your franchise show, however, there will be a lot of change in Denver and I think you guys could have lots of fun with it, from the roster to the draft.
I think I need a part two. I feel like the Bears could go a million ways.
What about Klint Kubiak for OC? I dont like him as much as most of the options you mentioned but the Bears have said they are planning to interview him
It's important to note that the money spent on the LB's was necessary for Eberflus and the defensive scheme he likes to run.... most of his draft picks have worked out alright based on where they were selected, expectations, and notable development and improvement since being drafted (excluding Velus Jones).... his free agent and trade decisions again were okay given the players and contracts given to them.... (excluding Chase Claypool). As a Bears fan I don't mind giving him a 3rd year... but this is FOR SURE the offseason he is going to hang his hat and career on.