Bring on the Offseason! How One Ex-Bear Thrived in the Super Bowl, Turf Troubles, and Other Bears Bullets

The Super Bowl is over. But we’re not turning our eyes to MLB’s upcoming spring training. Although, if you’re ready for it, our friends at Bleacher Nation are here. If you’re just not ready for baseball, then BN Blackhawks has a trade deadline coming up that figures to keep GM Kyle Davidson busy. And even though the Bulls are incredibly maddening, Eli has us covered at BN’s basketball wing.

As for us, we’ve got a draft (in which the Bears have the No. 1 pick) and a free agency period (in which the Bears have more than $90 million in space under the cap) to cover this offseason. And I hope you’ll join us for the offseason journey.

  • And with that, the 2022-23 NFL season has come to an end:
  • This year, it’s the Chiefs. Next year? Who knows? That is the beauty of football. Early in the offseason, the buzz around the AFC West surrounded the Chargers (as an upstart with a dynamic young QB), Raiders (splashy franchise who made a big move to get Davante Adams), and Broncos (remember how earth-shattering the Russell Wilson trade was?). Meanwhile, the Chiefs were trading their best receiver to the Dolphins. In the end, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid made us forget all about the offseason that was in the AFC West. It’s K.C.’s time to shine.
  • Do you remember when the Bears beat the Chiefs in the preseason? I remember. Heck, I was there in attendance. Fun times.
  • Are we counting this Chiefs Super Bowl victory as a Matt Nagy Revenge Game? After all, the last time Nagy saw the Eagles in a playoff game it ended in Bears heartbreak and a shell-shocked Nagy on the sideline who would go on to be meme’d into oblivion after that moment. Being on the other side of a game-ending field goal attempt must’ve been nice for him. Especially after that early-game Harrison Butker DOINK.
  • Nagy isn’t the only former Bear getting a ring after last night. Dave Toub (Bears Special Teams Coordinator from 2004-12) and Andy Heck (Bears OL from 1994-98) get a second ring in Kansas City. Meanwhile, former Bears safety Deon Bush’s decision to join the Chiefs as a free agent paid off in an immediate title. Good for him.
  • I can’t believe Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who was cut by the Bears in October, is ending this season by hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Remember that terribly awful four-day stretch in which he had an illegal block in the back penalty that negated a Justin Fields touchdown *AND* fumbled away a chance at a comeback against Minnesota, then had a crucial fourth-down drop against Washington. You really can’t predict football.
  • One former Bear we feel really good about is Greg Olsen:
  • Olsen is good at the analyst thing and it makes me wonder if FOX is regretting its Tom Brady investment.
  • We won’t know if Brady is any good until the 2024 season because he is taking a gap year. So this isn’t even a “wait ’til next year” situation. Perhaps there is a way to fit Brady into their broadcast plans. However, I fear breaking up a booth that is gaining chemistry could be problematic.
  • Shot:
  • Chaser:
  • A friend has a theory that the Super Bowl turf was over-watered to keep up its good-looking appearance, but ultimately led to slippage issues throughout the game. I think they might be onto something.
  • Hopefully, the Arlington Heights facility will have a better playing surface than what they were playing on last night.
  • Weird: The new Soldier Field turf that was installed this year is the same strain as what they were using at the Super Bowl. It also happens to be what the Chiefs use at Arrowhead Stadium. I mean, if it is good enough for the Super Bowl champs then it can be good enough for the Bears.
  • There will be ample discussion about spending in the free agent market. And I imagine that a collection of talented running backs will be polarizing:
  • With that being said, we’ll continue monitoring David Montgomery’s status this offseason.
  • This has got to be good news for the Bears:
  • Shane Steichen will *DEFINITELY* want his own quarterback. Someone young to build up into the next big thing. And I know exactly what team he can talk to if he wants to get at the best available prospect. The pick is yours if the price is right.
  • Speaking of the NFL Draft, the Bears are throwing a party:
  • Part of me wants to fast-forward into the offseason. But another part of me doesn’t want to miss a thing. So let’s just ride this out, shall we?
  • As we look ahead to the offseason, I feel as if we’ll become familiar with many of these names:
  • Two images giving off the same energy:
  • 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

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    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...

    Latest News

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In their season opener on Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Arizona-Colorado...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Logan Allen will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians when they square off against starter Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the...

    How to Watch Mariners vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    In their season opener on Friday, Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners play Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at T-Mobile Park.Keep reading to see how to watch the Seattle-Boston matchup...

    How to Watch Padres vs. Giants: Live Stream or on TV

    Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (2-1) host Jorge Soler and the San Francisco Giants (0-1) on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to know to watch...

    Dodgers vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The St. Louis Cardinals (0-1), led by Paul Goldschmidt, visit Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) at 10:10 PM ET on Friday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Los Angeles play St. Louis...

    OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

    That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

    Astros vs. Yankees: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Houston Astros (0-1), with Cristian Javier on the mound, will host the New York Yankees (1-0), who will send out Carlos Rodon, at 8:10 PM ET on Friday.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0), led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., visit Yandy Diaz and the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.Find out how to watch the Tampa Bay-Toronto matchup below.When is Rays vs. Blue Jays and...

    Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

    It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

    Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

    A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

    more bears news