3 Biggest Free Agent Decisions for Bears' GM and Coach in 2024 Offseason

The Chicago Bears have some of the most important decisions to make across the NFL this offseason.

The obvious primary focus is at quarterback, where the Bears have to decide what to do with Justin Fields and the No. 1 overall pick.

But the franchise also has to figure out what to do with key free agents, like cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Chicago displayed a commitment to improving its defense by trading for Montez Sweat midseason and handing him a new contract, and now it has to find a way to keep its top corner.

Once the quarterback decision is made, the Bears can then figure out the rest of their offensive improvements for 2024.

The Bears do not need to retain any of their free agents at wide receiver, so their primary focus will turn away from re-signing players fairly quick.

Jaylon Johnson

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 31: Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears reacts in the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on December 31, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Pro Football Focus ranked Jaylon Johnson as the No. 9 overall free agent.

Johnson will have many suitors across the NFL, but the Bears should make him their priority.

Chicago could sign Johnson to a long-term deal, like it did with Sweat, or use the franchise tag on the fourth-year cornerback.

Johnson could be a cornerstone of the Bears defense for years to come. He proved he could be in 2023 with four interceptions, 10 passes defended and countless other big plays in the secondary.

Securing a contract for Johnson should be the team's No. 2 priority behind the quarterback decision.

If the Bears opt to move on from Justin Fields and select a rookie in the draft, there will be more money available to keep Johnson around.

What to Do at Wide Receiver

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 17: Darnell Mooney #11 of the Chicago Bears reacts after failing to haul in a Hail Mary pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The Bears landed their No. 1 wide out in D.J. Moore last offseason, but now they must add more depth behind the former Carolina Panthers star.

Darnell Mooney is one of four Bears wide receivers set to hit free agency and none of them could be back in 2024.

General manager Ryan Poles may opt to revamp the position under Mooney with better veteran depth behind Moore.

Gabriel Davis, Tyler Boyd and Curtis Samuel are among the free agents who could fill the No. 2 role well.

Whomever plays quarterback in 2024 needs more than just Moore and Cole Kmet to throw to if the Bears want to contend for a playoff spot.

Chicago has $62 million in salary cap space, per Spotrac, and that would allow it some flexibility to land a No. 2 wide out over retaining their current free agents.

Which Defensive Reinforcements to Bring In

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 24: Montez Sweat #98 and Justin Jones #93 of the Chicago Bears celebrate a block during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on December 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Poles' aggressiveness in the trade market paid off, as Sweat became one of the Bears' top defensive players.

The Bears need to make one or two more impact transactions on defense to bolster the talent on that side of the ball.

Johnson will be the priority, and if he stays, the Bears should attack the free-agent market, like they did last season at linebacker.

A strong defense is a mandatory requirement for a team with a big quarterback decision to make.

If Fields leaves, the rookie quarterback could take time to get used to the NFL and the Bears defense may be forced to win games early in the season.

Chicago does not have to sign the highest-profile defensive free agents, but if can find an impact maker, like Sweat or T.J. Edwards, it will be in great shape for 2024 and beyond.