The Chicago Bears don’t have a playoff berth at stake after they play the Inexperienced Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Discipline. The Bears (7-9) formally had been eradicated in Week 17.
However there’s loads to maintain the Bears motivated within the season finale — and never simply taking part in spoiler to the Packers playoff hopes.
When time runs out Sunday, the Bears can be on the clock to make main selections in a vital offseason.
Right here’s a take a look at the selections forward.
Not all of Poles’ strikes since becoming a member of the Bears in January 2022 have labored out, however the way in which he has gone about constructing the roster is wanting higher and higher.
His commerce of the 2023 No. 1 draft decide to the Carolina Panthers final offseason netted him not solely the No. 1 draft decide this 12 months, but in addition high broad receiver DJ Moore, promising rookies in proper deal with Darnell Wright and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and a 2025 second-round decide.
His acquisition of defensive finish Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders and subsequent four-year, $98 million contract extension has lifted the whole protection to a brand new stage. And there have been loads of different strikes which have seemed good this season, together with the 2023 free-agent signings of linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, guard Nate Davis and defensive deal with Andrew Billings.
On condition that the roster has proven marked enchancment in additional than doubling its win whole from 2022 and contemplating Poles’ working relationship with President Kevin Warren, his place with the Bears would appear to be protected, however official affirmation seemingly will come subsequent week.
In early October, questions arose about whether or not the Bears even would let Eberflus end out the season. The Bears began 0-4, the fourth loss that includes a crushing 21-point comeback by the Denver Broncos.
In the course of all of it, defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned amid unusual circumstances which sources instructed the Tribune was conduct-related. The Bears had an abrupt breakup with broad receiver Chase Claypool, whom they traded to the Miami Dolphins. And Eberflus’ dealing with of all of it left one thing to be desired.
That tough begin hasn’t been forgotten, however the vibe round Halas Corridor is significantly totally different in Week 18, with the Bears successful 4 of their final 5 video games and 5 of their final seven. The turnaround has largely been fueled by a protection that has come into its personal with Eberflus calling the performs and the addition of Sweat.
Will these components play into Eberflus returning?
The dialog round Fields’ future has been ongoing, largely as a result of the Bears have been eyeing the No. 1 decide through the now 2-14 Panthers for months.
The Bears should determine whether or not they consider Fields is the quarterback who can make them the Tremendous Bowl or in the event that they wish to guess on a quarterback prospect with the highest decide as a substitute.
Fields was simply constructing momentum together with his sport earlier than he dislocated his proper thumb Oct. 15 in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings and the Bears began former Division II star Tyson Bagent for 4 weeks. Since Fields has returned, he has made clear progress, constructing as much as one in all his finest performances of the season in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 31.
How do the Bears’ consider Fields’ season — and his future?
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Whereas the choice about what to do with the No. 1 decide is hard, it’s additionally an enviable place to be in.
The Bears can have their decide of quarterbacks within the draft — together with USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye — or they’ll stick to Fields and commerce the highest decide for a haul much like or higher than what they acquired for the No. 1 decide final 12 months.
