Bears roster upgrades, downgrades heading into 2023 season
The Chicago Bears roster has undergone plenty of changes this offseason, where general manager Ryan Poles has added some impact players at some key positions of need.
As the Bears prepare for training camp, it’s clear there are few roster locks at this point of the summer. Which means there will be plenty of roster battles to watch during camp and the preseason.
We examined each position group on the Bears’ roster to predict if they project to be better or worse, or if we can expect more of the same in 2023.
Quarterback
Key returners
Key additions
Key losses
The Bears made improvements at backup quarterback replacing Trevor Siemian with P.J. Walker, a quarterback who has a similar skillset to Justin Fields.
The verdict: Upgrade
Running back
Key returners
Key additions
D’Onta Foreman
Key losses
Chicago lost David Montgomery to free agency, but they added some solid options in D’Onta Foreman, rookie Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer to pair with Khalil Herbert.
The verdict: Upgrade
Wide receiver
Key returners
Key additions
DJ Moore
Key losses
Byron Pringle
N’Keal Harry
The Bears might just have the best receiving corp they’ve had in years with DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. They also added Tyler Scott in the NFL draft.
The verdict: Upgrade
Tight end
Key returners
Key additions
Key losses
Ryan Griffin
Cole Kmet is coming off a breakout year, and Chicago upgraded at backup tight end with Robert Tonyan, who will be a solid receiving option for Fields.
The verdict: Upgrade
Offensive line
Key returners
Key additions
Key losses
Michael Schofield
Chicago made some big improvements to the offensive line with the additions of Nate Davis and rookie Darnell Wright, where protecting Fields is of utmost importance.
The verdict: Upgrade
Edge rusher
Key returners
Key additions
Key losses
Al-Quadin Muhammad
The Bears still lack a star at edge rusher, but they definitely upgraded with the free-agent additions of DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Green to pair with Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson. Another veteran could be added to the roster during training camp.
The verdict: Upgrade
Defensive tackle
Key returners
Justin Jones
Key additions
Gervon Dexter
Key losses
Mike Pennel
Chicago upgraded the defensive interior in a big way with the additions of Andrew Billings and rookies Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens to pair with Justin Jones.
The verdict: Upgrade
Linebacker
Key returners
Key additions
Key losses
Linebacker has now become the strength of this Bears roster with the free-agent additions of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell and Dylan Cole will battle for the SAM spot.
The verdict: Upgrade
Cornerback
Key returners
Key additions
Key losses
N/A
Chicago improved at cornerback behind Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon with rookie Tyrique Stevenson, who’s an upgrade over Kindle Vildor. The Bears also added rookie Terell Smith in the draft.
The verdict: Upgrade
Safety
Key returners
Eddie Jackson
Key additions
Key losses
DeAndre Houston-Carson
While Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker return as starters, the loss of DeAndre Houston-Carson looms large. An inexperienced Elijah Hicks figures to fill that role. The Bears also added rookie Kendall Williamson in the seventh round of the draft.
The verdict: Downgrade
Special teams
Key returners
Patrick Scales
Key additions
Key losses
N/A
Chicago has two potential starters at kicker on the roster in Cairo Santos and undrafted rookie Andre Szmyt, which will make for an interesting camp battle this summer.
The verdict: Upgrade
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