It’s not an understatement to say that the Chicago Bears have fallen on hard times. In 2010, they won the NFC North and hosted the conference title game. Two years later, they were a 10-6 club that just missed out on the playoffs. So it’s almost hard to believe that this club is a combined 14-34 the past three seasons. This legendary organization has finished last in its division in each of those years. The Bears’ 3-14 finish in 2016 was the club’s worst showing ever in a 16-game season.
By March 9 at 4 p.m. ET, each NFL team will have made their decisions on which potential Free Agents they want to re-sign.
What does Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace have up his sleeve when it comes to fixing this team? Which proven player will the club stress to retain? On the other hand, what veteran performer might hit the open market? There is obviously a lot of work to be done here.
Bring him back
This past season, the Chicago Bears finished a stunning seven games behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. They were the only team in the division to finish with a losing record. Both the Packers and Detroit Lions reached the playoffs. The climb back won’t be easy. But the first thing the team needs to settle on is a quarterback. Much-maligned Jay Cutler has spent eight years in the Windy City. Is it time for him to move on?
Could the club use a high draft choice on a signal-caller of the future?
If the Bears opt to part ways with Cutler, they would be wise to re-sign Brian Hoyer. Both he and Matt Barkley are slated to become free agents. The latter hit on just 59.7 percent of his throws and threw nearly twice as many interceptions (14) than touchdown passes (8) in seven games.
Meanwhile, Hoyer posted a crisp 67.0 completion percentage, connecting for six scores while not being picked off in six contests.
Let him go
In 2013, the Chicago Bears used a seventh-round draft choice on Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson. He looked like a real steal but staying healthy has been a big-time concern.
He’s actually missed more games (33) than he has played in. Wilson’s career resume reads 56 catches for 777 yards and three touchdowns. This season alone, teammate Cameron Meredith played in 14 contests and totaled 66 receptions for 888 yards and four scores. The team also has a decision to make regarding the future of former Pro Bowl wideout Alshon Jeffery. The Bears would be wise to try and retain the talented performer. But Pace has to find a few more receivers a little more dependable than Wilson.
