Heading into the 2024 season, excitement is palpable around the Chicago Bears, particularly with the arrival of Caleb Williams, who is poised to take the reins as the starting quarterback. Many have touted this as one of the most promising situations for a first overall pick in the NFL draft, largely based on the talent brimming throughout the Bears’ roster. On paper, it makes sense; the offense boasts an impressive array of weapons, while the defense has several capable players who can keep the unit competitive.
However, optimism can quickly evaporate if critical areas aren’t addressed, particularly the offensive line and coaching staff. Last season, Williams faced pressure on an alarming 32.6 percent of his dropbacks. This, combined with head-scratching coaching decisions from Matt Eberflus and Shane Waldron, left the Bears with a disappointing 5-12 record by season’s end.
The good news? The Bears are stepping up to fix these issues. The new offseason strategy involves a comprehensive overhaul of the offensive line, aimed at providing Williams with the support he desperately needs to thrive on the field.
Revamping the Offensive Line
Declaring an offensive line as “fixed” before they’ve played a single snap might seem hasty, but the Bears have made significant strides to ensure Williams receives far better protection in the upcoming season. Let’s dig into how they’ve tackled this challenge head-on.
Joe Thuney Trade
The Bears’ first major move came on March 5 when they traded for Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs, sending a 2026 fourth-round pick in the deal. Thuney, a seasoned four-time All-Pro, has shown outstanding prowess on the field and secured a first-team All-Pro selection in consecutive seasons. His addition bolsters the Bears’ protection scheme considerably.
Known for his ability to excel in pass protection, Thuney hasn’t allowed more than two sacks in a season since 2017 and earned an impressive 82.0 pass-blocking grade last season, which ranked fifth among all guards. As Williams’ internal protector, Thuney is expected to significantly lessen the pressure coming from the defensive line.
Jonah Jackson Trade
In a similarly strategic trade, the Bears also acquired Jonah Jackson to step in for their previous offensive guard, Matt Pryor. Chicago sent a sixth-round pick for Jackson, who brings potential and a solid skill set to the line.
Last season was challenging for Jackson, who only played five games due to a shoulder injury. However, during his limited time on the field, he shined as a standout pass blocker, allowing zero sacks and just nine pressures across 182 pass-blocking reps. This move highlights the Bears’ commitment to shoring up the offensive line to ensure Williams has the necessary support to thrive.
Drew Dalman Signing
With trades for Thuney and Jackson solidifying the guard positions, the Bears didn’t stop there. They further enhanced their offensive line by signing Drew Dalman as a free agent to fill the center role.
Dalman missed part of last season with an ankle injury, but when active, he was consistently reliable, showcasing exceptional run-blocking skills. His presence in the interior line will not only provide stability in pass protection but will also bolster the run game for the Bears.
Conclusion
The Bears have made strategic moves that collectively reflect their commitment to improving their offensive line. For Caleb Williams to realize his potential, providing him with a fortified protection scheme will be crucial. With the addition of Thuney, Jackson, and Dalman, the Bears are setting the stage for an offensive resurgence in 2024, and the excitement surrounding their potential is certainly warranted. If these pieces fall into place, we could be looking at a much more competitive Chicago Bears team this season.
