Naming the Chicago Bears' biggest winners from the chaotic first two weeks of NFL free agency
The Chicago Bears were one of the most active teams throughout the first week of free agency but were quiet during the second week, only agreeing to terms with depth players on both sides of the ball. The focus of the team's front office has appeared to switch toward the 2024 NFL Draft barring any […]
The Chicago Bears were one of the most active teams throughout the first week of free agency but were quiet during the second week, only agreeing to terms with depth players on both sides of the ball.
The focus of the team's front office has appeared to switch toward the 2024 NFL Draft barring any other unforeseen addition made on the open market in free agency. With that being said, the bulk of the new additions have been made and we now have a clearer look at how the team's roster looks going into the draft.
Given the low number of draft picks in next month's draft and the moves that were made in free agency, here are three players on the Bears' roster that came away as winners following the chaotic start to the offseason in Chicago.
CB Jaylon Johnson
The one should be a given and should be seen as the biggest win of the entire offseason for the Bears' front office. Locking in star cornerback Jaylon Johnson was a top priority following his lock-down Pro Bowl 2023 season and the two sides were finally able to a agree to a deal that worked out best for both parties.
Johnson's 4-year, $76 million extension gave him the respect he's been looking for from the organization and allows him to remain in Chicago for years to come. After a long back and forth negotiation spanning over nearly a full year, the Bears kept one of their best defensive players off the open market.
As for Johnson, he got his wish and got the opportunity to remain in Chicago, which was always the goal despite asking for a trade request ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. This is as win-win as it gets in the NFL and should not be overlooked.
LT Braxton Jones
One player who should feel confident in his starting position following the start of free agency is left tackle Braxton Jones, although for the time being. While the Bears added some much needed help on the offensive line in free agency, no addition was made to challenge Jones for the starting job on the left end of the front.
Things could still change in the draft if the Bears have their eyes on a prospect who could potentially replace, or at least compete with, Jones at the position. However, general manager Ryan Poles seemed pleased with Jones' development and growth shown during his second season in Chicago to inspire some confidence.
If things continue to go in this direction, Jones will walk away from this offseason as one of the team's biggest winners on the roster after many fans called for an upgrade to be made at the position. However, with little draft capital and needs elsewhere on the roster, I'd imagine Jones' starting job will remain secure for the 2024 season.
DT Zacch Pickens
Another position the Bears' front office could have looked to improve in free agency but ultimately chose not to was the interior of the defensive line. The Bears' defensive tackle position has some quality players in the rotation but some would argue that adding a top player at the position could have made the unit even stronger.
Instead, the front office proved that they have confidence in the players they currently have on the roster, which is good news for 2023 3rd round pick Zacch Pickens. After having 0.5 sack while playing an average of 24.5 percent of the total defensive snaps, Pickens seemed like the player who could have gotten buried on the roster.
Now it seems that his job will be safe as the first player in on the rotation on the interior of the defensive line. The addition of defensive coordinator Eric Washington also bodes well for Pickens to have a more productive sophomore campaign in 2024.
Naming the Chicago Bears’ biggest losers from a hectic first week of NFL free agency
It wasn’t a kind week for these players.
