The Chicago Bears have missed the postseason for the third consecutive season. Quarterback Justin Fields did not make the fabled “Third-Year Leap” as a result of several factors. However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Bears this season. Chicago’s rookie draft class proved fruitful, as right tackle Darnell Wright solidified himself as a cornerstone moving forward. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. made great strides, as did rookie corners Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. The Bears also locked up yet another first-overall selection via Carolina in the 2024 NFL Draft, giving them flexibility and control of the offseason league-wide. Wide receiver D.J. Moore was also acquired in that deal, setting career highs this season and providing the offense with a spark. Now, decisions lie ahead for the Bears front office.
Who, exactly, will be the main influence in what many consider the most important offseason in franchise history?
Decision-Making Candidates
General Manager Ryan Poles
As General Manager, Ryan Poles seemingly has control of player contracts, draft selections, and team-building as a whole. In his Bears tenure, Poles has made several decisions. In the early stages, Poles chose to trade linebacker Khalil Mack in exchange for cap relief and draft capital. He later did the same with linebacker Robert Quinn. One of Poles’ most controversial moves was his handling of star linebacker Roquan Smith’s trade request. Smith was eventually traded to Baltimore for second and fifth-round picks. Another was the Chase Claypool trade, which Poles later admitted didn’t turn out the way he wanted.
For a 2nd straight year, Ryan Poles sent a 2nd round pick to a team in exchange for a player at the deadline. What gives him confidence that it will work out this time?
"I try to take a lot of pride in it, you look at things that you do, if they fail or you make mistakes, you…
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 1, 2023
Poles also orchestrated trading the first overall pick in 2022 to Carolina in exchange for massive draft capital and a playmaker in D.J. Moore. He’s shown promise in his free agent acquisitions and managed to trade for and extend defensive end Montez Sweat, who amplified this Bears defense. He’s shown he’s capable of making decisions for the franchise, but will he have the same influence this offseason as he has in the past? Another high-level executive at Halas Hall may play an integral role in team-building through the early part of 2024.
Chief Executive Officer/President Kevin Warren
Hired in the offseason to replace Ted Philips, Kevin Warren was initially thought to oversee a new stadium project for Chicago, along with other duties fitting that of a team’s president. However, per Dianna Russini, Warren reportedly will have a say in football decisions this offseason:
Russini’s league source: “Warren has a strong hand in football operations and will have a significant role in the potential firings, hirings, and decisions at the quarterback position. He has spent the last eight months getting a feel for the organization.”
This was stated in a report in early December of 2023. Russini would go on to state that Warren is described as “methodical” and “unemotional.” It remains unknown just how large of an influence Warren will have on the Bears roster and personnel, but time will tell if the team’s president looks to get involved in a major way in 2024.
Bears Chairman George McCaskey/Ownership
Bears ownership has a history of getting involved in personnel decisions, such as coaching hires, general manager candidates, etc. It’s still rumored that the McCaskeys had already narrowed down their list of head coaching candidates prior to Ryan Poles being hired as general manager. That has never been confirmed, but it does help illustrate a history of negligence this ownership has thrust upon this franchise and its fanbase.
The last two external consultants, Ernie Acorsi and Bill Polian, landed the Bears John Fox and Matt Eberflus, respectively. They each had ties to their preferred candidate.
Combined, they have a record of 17-52.
No more consultants. https://t.co/yl0uey9Oar
— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) October 2, 2023
If the McCaskey family involves themselves in football decisions, more often than not it will be the wrong one. Unlike some franchises, the Chicago Bears franchise is the main source of income for the owners of the team. Financial decisions can and have affected team success in the city of Chicago. It would be best left in the hands of those hired to build this team to contention. This offseason will be a great indicator of whether or not Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren will push back against the McCaskey family when it comes to football.
It’s likely to be a long offseason for the Chicago Bears. As previously stated, several major decisions are ahead for the franchise which has a record of 181-206 in the 21st century. A sub-.500 winning percentage in the modern era of football is unacceptable. The Bears have a shot at turning things around, regardless of what path they choose. No one can definitively say what the correct path may be, but Chicago has an opportunity with yet another first-overall selection.
It’s just a matter of who is making decisions.
Main Photo: [Jamie Sabau] – USA Today Sports
