2016 was another tough-to-digest season for every Bears fan, who saw his/her team win just three out of 16 regular-season games while constantly battling through a mix of injuries, suspensions and some bad luck. QB Jay Cutler’s days here are definitely over after being limited to just five games, during which he compiled 1,059 yards and four touchdown passes.
Then there was WR Alshon Jeffery failing to turn into an elite option that the Bears were desperately hoping for. He didn’t reach the 1,000-yard mark for the second-straight year, and was suspended for four weeks due to his violation of the league’s PED policy.
The only positive that the Bears were able to take from last year was the emergence of RB Jordan Howard, who was undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the season. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry, finishing with 1,313 rushing yards and six TDs.
Top Free Agency Needs
We know Chicago needs a new starting quarterback not named Jay Cutler, and there are a handful of long-term options waiting for them in the free agency market. Two of which are Kirk Cousins and Ryan Fitzpatrick – both of whom have enough credibility, skill, experience and, more importantly, the needed consistency that can utilize the Bears’ air attack.
The Bears will also need to add some new blood into their receiving group with three current wide receivers (Alshon Jeffery, Deonte Thompson, Marquess Wilson) about to hit the market. Potential targets would definitely involve Terrelle Pryor, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Kenny Britt.
Top Draft Needs
Quarterback. The Bears can resort to the upcoming draft in answering their need of a new quarterback. They are, after all, drafting No. 3 overall, which may likely put them in position to select either Deshaun Watson or Mitch Trubisky. Chicago can’t pass up on those names.
Wide Receiver. The need for new receivers will depend on how Chicago fares in signing free agents. If things don’t go well, the Bears may opt to use some late picks to keep their receiving corps moving the right direction. To name a few, they could go with someone like Eastern Michigan’s Cooper Kupp, who recorded 21 touchdown catches as a redshirt freshman.
Cornerback. Chicago’s cornerback position looks bleak with Kyle Fuller missing the entire 2016 season thanks to a knee injury. The best scenario would be for him to return at full strength and solidify the secondary next season, while also hoping someone begins emerging as another reliable option. But in any case, the Bears need to add more depth into its secondary unit as soon as possible.
