ESPN gives Bears stellar grade for 2024 offseason

The Chicago Bears made some massive moves this offseason, as they look to emerge from the NFL basement and return to perennial playoff contention.

Headlined by the addition of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams as their new franchise quarterback, the Bears welcomed a long list of new additions this offseason that could immediately put them back into the postseason hunt in 2024.

ESPN recently graded every NFL team’s offseason, and handed the Bears a strong B+ overall grade.

Seth Walder says that re-signing cornerback Jaylon Johnson was Chicago’s best move of the offeason, but he had plenty of praise for other additions the Bears made:

“Chicago dealt a fourth-round pick for Keenan Allen for one year at $23 million,” Walder wrote. “Considering the inexpensive draft compensation and that Allen is coming off one of his best seasons — he recorded a 91 open score in 2023, via ESPN’s receiver tracking metrics — I’m good with making this move, even as a one-year rental. The Bears are in the unusual position of being able to draft an elite quarterback while possessing a capable roster, so why not go for it? Along with receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze and a solid offensive line, if Williams hits right away, the Bears” offense will be instantly dangerous and the team will be a legitimate contender. Speaking of Odunze, the Bears did well to resist trading up and still landed him with the No. 9 pick.”

‘Lastly, it looks like the Bears made an upgrade at offensive coordinator,” Walder continued. “Former OC Luke Getsy failed to get the most out of Fields, while new OC Shane Waldron helped Geno Smith excel in Seattle.”

Walder wasn’t a fan of the Bears giving big money to running back D’Andre Swift, though, and he was puzzled by their decision to jettison veteran guard Cody Whitehair. Still, those moves didn’t seem to weigh down his grade for the Bears much.

To check out ESPN’s full offseason grades for every NFL team, click here.