Jenkins is a stable beginning guard, however his harm historical past makes him a dangerous long-term funding. The Bears can be sensible to let Jenkins stroll in free company and replace him with Smith.
The 25-year-old is coming off his first Professional Bowl season with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, and he has missed just one recreation by way of his first 4 years within the NFL. His age, talent set and sturdiness are what Chicago needs to be in search of in its subsequent protector for QB Caleb Williams.
2. Re-sign OL Matt Pryor
Pryor is a flexible offensive lineman who can play a number of positions and serves as an essential depth piece. The Bears, after giving up essentially the most sacks within the NFL final season (68), cannot afford to lose a contributor like that.
Upgrading guard with Jones and bringing again Pryor would go a good distance in aiding Williams’ growth. The 2024 No. 1 general decide has all of the expertise on this planet for brand spanking new head coach Ben Johnson to unlock, however that will not be potential until the offensive line retains him upright. This place group needs to be Chicago’s most important focus within the offseason.
3. Lower security Kevin Byard III
The Bears have already launched tight finish Gerald Everett and defensive finish DeMarcus Walker to create $10.75M in cap house, however they won’t be performed making money-saving strikes. Reducing Byard, who will probably be 32 at the beginning of the 2025 season, would free one other $7M in cap house.
Though Byard is coming off a career-high 130 tackles and 5 tackles for loss final season, he is on the fallacious aspect of 30 and unlikely to copy that manufacturing. Jaquan Brisker is a greater possibility than Byard anyway, and he needs to be again to full well being in 2025 after coping with a concussion final season.
4. Signal QB Joe Flacco
The Bears cannot afford to waste one other season of Williams’ growth. If Chicago builds up the offensive line, Williams has the weapons and coaches to make an enormous leap in 2025. The one lacking piece is a mentor.
Tyson Bagent, a 2023 undrafted free agent, would not have the expertise to assist Williams enhance. Flacco has almost 20 years’ expertise within the NFL. Having a veteran like Flacco step in and coach up Williams in follow and conferences can be invaluable to the rising star.
5. Draft EDGE Mykel Williams
