The Bears Invested Heavily In QBs This Offseason, But Do They Have the Right Supporting Cast?

The Chicago Bears were among the busiest teams during the NFL’s offseason, re-shaping a roster that lost 13 games by signing as many as seven free agents projected to start in 2017.

And yet, all eyes will be on a quarterback position that will start 2017 with a clean slate.

As ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson pointed out, no team invested more into improving its standing at quarterback like the Bears. As a refresher, the team committed $18.5 million in Mike Glennon to start, another $1 million for backup Mark Sanchez, and several draft picks for the right to swap first-rounders with the 49ers in order to take Mitch Trubisky with the second overall pick. Clearly, GM Ryan Pace’s top priority this offseason was solidifying the quarterback spot, but that’s not exactly what were here today to discuss.

Instead, we want to focus on everyone around the QB and ask if the Bears’ supporting cast is quarterback-friendly.

This might not be at the top of your mind entering 2017, but the offense will eventually need to show more diverse options beyond handing the ball to Jordan Howard and hoping he averages more than five yards per carry. And Cameron Meredith can’t be the only pass-catching option at receiver – even if he is a reliable deep threat and owner of the NFL’s best double-move.

When Glennon signed as a free agent, he brought a glimmer of optimism with him. During his meet-the-media press conference back in March, Glennon said he spent time studying his free agency options, adding that he sought out Chicago because of the offensive options the team had on its roster. He cited the interior of the offensive line, Howard, and Meredith as positives.

Apparently, Glennon didn’t look too far into the team’s history.

It has been nine years since Muhsin Muhammad told Sports Illustrated that Chicago was “where receivers go to die.” And while that quote still sticks out for pass catchers, it’s also indicative of the quarterback play in town to date.  But what about this season?

Let’s dig in.

Offensive line

No matter whether it’s Glennon or Trubisky under center, the Bears’ quarterback will be pinning his future on the offensive line. The good news is that it is strong in the middle with center Cody Whitehair and guard Josh Sitton serving as anchors in the interior. Together with guard Kyle Long, there aren’t too many interior trios better than the Bears posse. Pro Football Focus ranked the Bears’ offensive line as the fifth best entering the 2017 season, a major leap from being in the middle of the pack after the 2016 season ended.

You’ll note that I didn’t mention the tackles … until now. That’s because even after their hyperactivity in the free agency market, offensive tackle was one of the few positions not addressed and still viewed as one of the team’s biggest needs. Neither starter opens the season on sturdy ground, and both  are viewed as suspect at best at their respective positions. Charles Leno Jr. graded out as average on PFF’s grading scale in 2016. He could be in line for a significant pay raise and even a contract extension with the Bears if he puts together another solid season as a starter. On the other end of the line, Bobby Massie graded out as below average and could be pushed by any number of newcomers the Bears brought in via free agency or after the draft as undrafted free agents.

Perhaps new offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn brings out the best of the group. Only time will tell.

Friendliness rating: Strong.

Wide receivers

One reason the Bears have struggled with stability and production at the quarterback position over the years is because the team has struggled to find stability and production among the wide receiver corps. As much attention as we give the long-standing quarterback hunt (and rightfully so), the fact that running backs Walter Payton and Matt Forte rank 1-2 in receptions, while the team’s all-time leader in receiving yards played from 1959 to 1967 is not a good sign.

Free agents Kendall Wright, Victor Cruz, and Rueben Randle signed one-year contracts, and Markus Wheaton picked up a two-year deal as each player seeks to recapture the magic that made them top targets earlier in their careers. The Bears didn’t pick a receiver in the NFL Draft, and Tanner Gentry is the only remaining undrafted free agent fighting for a spot on the roster. Kevin White, who the team chose with the seventh pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has much to prove – but he’ll need to be healthy in order to do so.

At least the team has Meredith, who had a breakout year taking advantage of the increase in targets due to White’s injuries and Alshon Jeffery’s suspension. How he adjusts as defenses target him as the focal point of the passing offense will go a long way toward Glennon’s success, and possibly Trubisky’s development.

Friendliness rating: Could use some patching up.

Tight Ends

Zach Miller produced Pro Football Focus’ 13th best receiving grade among tight ends in 2016, but played only 10 games and could be on the trade block (or even cut in favor of a younger player with a similar build). Free agent addition Dion Sims has some catching up to do after PFF ranked him 30th among 52 qualifying tight ends last season. The Bears see some potential and upside as a pass catcher, but he relatively inexperienced in that area. Finding balance in the tight end position is something the Bears need to do in order to offset the lack of playmakers on the outside. That’s where second-round draft pick Adam Shaheen could come into play. While Sims is seen primarily as a block-first tight end, Shaheen wowed scouts and overwhelmed Division II opponents with his route running and pass catching.

A good tight end can be a safety valve when receivers are covered, a deep threat in the middle of the field, and an extra blocker on both passing and running plays. If two of the Bears’ three main tight ends have a breakout season, it could ease the work load of an underwhelming group of receivers. But between Miller’s health, Shaheen’s inexperience, and Sims’ need to develop, the Bears haven’t done their quarterback many favors at this position in the short-term. However, could be a position of strength down the line.

Friendliness rating: In the early developmental stage of friendship.

Running backs

Howard was a lot of things for the Bears in 2016. The Pro Bowl back was a 1,000-yard rusher as a rookie who finished second in yards behind budding superstar Ezekiel Elliott. He projects to be the load-carrying back in 2017, and wants to lead the NFL in rushing in his second year in the league. And it can happen with a healthy and talented offensive line in front of him, an increase in carries, and a reduced number of pass plays.

However, Howard is only one man. Opposing defenses will look to contain him early and often. It’s likely teams will load the box against the Bears until Glennon proves he can connect with his pass-catching targets. Howard thrived as the team’s lead back last season, but the offense still ranked 28th in points and 15th in total yards. Having a steady rushing attack has its benefits for a ball-control offense, but has minimum value without balance in the passing game.

Friendliness rating: BFF status.

The rest

Maybe the Bears won’t be as bad as some project. Using Pro Football Focus’ metrics as our guide, the Bears have the best average starting lineup among NFC North teams. That’s a credit to the front office for raising the floor of the talent level. Some of the biggest improvements have come on defense, where the team finished in the middle of the pack in yards allowed despite allowing the ninth highest scoring average. Between free agent additions, key members returning to health, a motivated secondary, and hungry pass rush, there is a potential top-10 defense waiting to be unlocked by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio if he can get the four newcomers projected to start to gel quickly with the returning starters.

Friendliness rating: Friendly-ish, but still in the getting-to-know-you phase.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

Around the NFL: New Kickoff Rules Explained, NFL Trade Deadline Extended, More

NFL owners ratified a sweeping overhaul of the kickoff play on Tuesday, embracing a format inspired by the XFL following three days of deliberations at the league’s yearly gathering. Essentially, the new format relocates the bulk of both kicking and return teams...

Latest News

2024 MLB Mock Draft: Opening Day Mock Draft Projections

Happy Opening Day! As the new baseball season begins, and hope is present among most fanbases, why not take a look at a new 2024 MLB Mock Draft? Various mock drafts meticulously analyze potential picks, emphasizing the abundance of talent...

WAKE UP, BASEBALL IS BACK

The day has arrived. Opening Day. The most glorious day on the baseball calendar, save for the day of each Chicago Cubs World Series win, of course. See, I get to say things like that on Opening Day. Maybe the...

Pac-12 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 28

There is one game featuring a Pac-12 teams on the Thursday postseason college basketball schedule, the Clemson Tigers versus the Arizona Wildcats. Make sure you check out below for today's best bets!How to Bet on Pac-12 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Best Pac-12...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Tampa Bay Rays are moneyline favorites (-135) to begin their season with a home win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on MLB Network.Tampa Bay's Zach Eflin gets the start, and he'll go...

Astros vs. Yankees Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Houston Astros start their season as home favorites (-156) in a matchup with the New York Yankees on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on YES from Minute Maid Park.Framber Valdez will get the ball for Houston while New...

Tigers vs. White Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Detroit Tigers begin their season as -178 favorites in a road tilt against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on BSDET.Detroit's Tarik Skubal gets the start, and he'll go against Chicago's Garrett Crochet.Tigers vs....

Reds vs. Nationals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Cincinnati Reds open their season as -153 favorites in a home matchup with the Washington Nationals on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on MASN2.Frankie Montas will get the ball for Cincinnati while Washington will counter with Josiah Gray.Reds...

Dodgers vs. Cardinals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1) will look to Will Smith, red hot after a four-hit game, to lead them in a matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals (0-0) on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET on BSMW. The Dodgers are -235...

Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Miami Marlins are moneyline favorites (-132) to begin their season with a home win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on Sportsnet PT.Jesus Luzardo will get the ball for Miami while Pittsburgh will counter...

Padres vs. Giants Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The San Diego Padres (1-1) are favored on the moneyline (-114) in Thursday's contest versus the San Francisco Giants (0-0). First pitch is at 4:10 PM ET on NBCS-BA. The Giants, with +159 odds, are favored against the spread (1.5).San...

more bears news