The Bears weren't supposed to be here. They weren't supposed to be entering 2020's free agency period after an 8-8 record while the quarterback they could've drafted in 2017 led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl win in 50 years.
But that's exactly where they are. Some bad (if not terrible) free-agent signings and draft-day decisions by GM Ryan Pace have created several critical needs on this Bears roster that will require overspending on the open market and potentially reaching in the NFL draft to fix.
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Chicago wouldn't have a need at tight end if Trey Burton was the player Pace predicted he'd be when he signed him to $8 million per season back in 2018. And they certainly wouldn't be in the market for a quarterback if Mitch Trubisky played anything close to the level expected from the second overall pick in 2017.
According to NFL.com, the game's most important position ranks atop the Bears' offseason priorities:
Biggest needs: QB, OL, DB
I know GM Ryan Pace said in the direct aftermath of a massively disappointing 2019 season that he's sticking with Mitchell Trubisky as his QB1, but he has to find someone at the position who can help his team win games in the event that his prized former No. 2 overall pick continues to sputter. It's not listed here, but tight end help should be a priority, as well.
The offensive line has a need at right guard, too, but it would be unfair to suggest it's a position group that is one of the most pressing to repair. Remember: This time last year the Bears' offensive line was considered one of the best in the NFL. Sure, players regressed in 2019, but it doesn't mean they somehow forgot how to play. They'll be better in 2020, especially with Juan Castillo coaching the group. There will be an interior lineman or two added this offseason, but beyond that, I'd expect Chicago to roll with at least four of the same starters from last year.
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The defensive backfield is an interesting position group to monitor, too. A lot will depend on what happens with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. If the Bears don't re-sign him, they'll need to dip into the second wave of free agency to find a capable veteran who can start alongside Eddie Jackson. It's highly unlikely they'll find that guy in the 2020 NFL Draft.
There's also the contract situation with cornerback Prince Amukamara, who's due $10 million in 2020. Chicago can save $9 million against the salary cap by releasing him, which is a decision that may be a little easier to make now that CFL star Tre Roberson is under contract.
And let's not forget that pesky tight end position, one that's arguably the most important in Matt Nagy's passing attack. The Bears don't have a tight end who's capable of stressing opposing defenses right now, and until they find that guy, the offense's ceiling will be limited. It's a prime position to circle as a target in the second round of the NFL draft.