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This upcoming offseason for the Chicago Bears will be a crucial one. With one season under his belt as general manager, Ryan Pace must now prove that he’s capable of correctly orchestrating things this offseason in order to put the Bears in place to improve upon a disappointing 6-10 season. Although everything isn’t set in stone as of yet, here are five bold predictions for the Bears this offseason.
5. Defense Will Upgrade From Shea McClellin
Getty ImagesDespite having the best season of his four-year career in the NFL, linebacker Shea McClellin still could find himself looking for another team this offseason. McClellin hasn’t lived up to his high draft status. With a number of inside linebackers slated to be free agents in March, and some worthy talent in the upcoming draft, there could be a great chance that the Bears will replace McClellin in efforts to improve on a run defense that was 22nd in the league.
4. Add Competition For Left Tackle Spot
Getty ImagesAlthough Charles Leno Jr. did a decent job filling in for Jermon Bushrod, Chicago could definitely improve at the left tackle spot in 2016. Bushrod has two more years remaining on his current contract, but the 31-year-old's play seems to be diminishing. Furthermore, there are a lot more talented left tackles in free agency the Bears can afford having over $55 million in salary cap space.
3. Matt Forte Won't Be Re-Signed
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY SportsThe writing is virtually on the wall regarding Matt Forte’s future. No talks have been happening between Forte and the Bears’ front office concerning a new deal for the 30-year-old running back, and it appears that Chicago is already set for the future with Jeremy Langford. Unless Forte is willing to give Chicago a reasonable hometown discount, the Bears’ second all-time leading rusher will be playing elsewhere in 2016.
2. Alshon Jeffery Gets Huge Contract Extension
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsWhen it comes to re-signing their unrestricted free agents, the Bears' top priority this offseason will be constructing a new deal for wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Chicago’s passing game was limited due to the injuries to Jeffery and the rest of the receiving corps in 2015. It only makes sense to make sure Jeffery and Kevin White get a chance to play together for the next several seasons.
1. Trade For Martellus Bennett Will Happen
Getty ImagesMartellus Bennett was seeking a contract extension last offseason, only to not get his wish granted. After having a subpar 2015 season, the chances of Bennett getting that extension are even slimmer. The best bet for both sides in 2016 is a trade. Even with so much room under the salary cap, the Bears more than likely could afford to give Bennett an extension, but trading for a draft pick or two would benefit them even more for the future.
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