Depending on how you define it, there's maybe 10 "WR1s" in the league. That's it. And Mahomes doesn't have one unless you count Kelce who is actually a TE.
However this goes, I can almost hear the bitching now.
One group is gonna say: "Poles didn't invest enough in the OL! How can Fields succeed without good pass pro?" Another group will say: "Poles didn't invest enough at WR! How can Fields succeed without better weapons to throw to?"
We all seem to agree that the OL and WR units are both hurting the team in general and Fields in particular. There are ways that both units can be significantly improved for 2023 through a combination of using the draft, FA's and possibly a trade. This doesn't have to be a mutually exclusive thing where one unit gets the shaft in '23. The bottom line is that the GM has a franchise QB but a talent-poor offense - and he is tasked with fixing that situation. I think he'll make good progress towards that this year and add to that in '24. But clearly we have both units needing improvement. It is not the fans' fault the roster is where it's at.
No, it's not. Just saying I expect there's gonna be disappointment because getting multiple major upgrades on the DL, OL, and WR group is a tall order. Yes, I know about the cap space and the draft and some of those signings/picks won't pan out. I'm just trying be realistic about what can get done in one offseason starting with a bad roster. Choices will have to be made and those choices won't please everyone.
We all seem to agree that the OL and WR units are both hurting the team in general and Fields in particular. There are ways that both units can be significantly improved for 2023 through a combination of using the draft, FA's and possibly a trade. This doesn't have to be a mutually exclusive thing where one unit gets the shaft in '23. The bottom line is that the GM has a franchise QB but a talent-poor offense - and he is tasked with fixing that situation. I think he'll make good progress towards that this year and add to that in '24. But clearly we have both units needing improvement. It is not the fans' fault the roster is where it's at.
No, it's not. Just saying I expect there's gonna be disappointment because getting multiple major upgrades on the DL, OL, and WR group is a tall order. Yes, I know about the cap space and the draft and some of those signings/picks won't pan out. I'm just trying be realistic about what can get done in one offseason starting with a bad roster. Choices will have to be made and those choices won't please everyone.
I totally agree with that. And that's part of being a fan. We get to second-guess every move the Bears make. I'm just as guilty of that as anyone. And I remind myself that there will be a 2nd year of upgrades in 2024... I shouldn't forget that. But, yes, you're right on about the needs being greater than the 2023 resources.
One point I have been trying to make in recent posts (as I think this through a bit more) is that the draft is only one resource for upgrading the WR and OL units that are nearest and dearest to me right now. I'm fine with upgrading as best they can in 2023 through the draft, FA & trades... whatever makes the best sense, the most improvement for this first year. Then do it again in 2024. A 2-step process. I'm hoping for offense to get some love here. Yes, the D has critical needs too (and we all want them met). Just don't leave the offense out in the cold here. Give them some love too.
Poles will undoubtedly try to fix the overall team as best he can. He understands the OL and WR woes, even better than us. The issue will be how skilled he is in fixing those woes. I'm hoping he has a stellar year bringing in the best and the right players with few whiffs here. I hope he has a draft for the ages, and the vets he brings in are solid too. Now all we can do as fans is sit back and wait and watch what happens.
I wonder what kind of money it would take to get him here?
According to spotrac, he or Jacobs are worth about $13M/yr. With one of these guys and upgraded OL, Bears would lead the NFL in rushing again. With Fields, the Bears are set to be a run-oriented offense, and this takes us to the next level. It would be glorious!
Post by Whisky Beer Bob on Feb 22, 2023 5:51:01 GMT -6
I don't want Barkley. I feel he is not worth the money needed for him. Besides we are not there yet so I would rather spend that money on shoring up the trenches.
I don't want Barkley. I feel he is not worth the money needed for him. Besides we are not there yet so I would rather spend that money on shoring up the trenches.
Just to remind you, Barkley had 1,312 yards and 4.4/avg. rushing last season, 10 TDs, and 57 pass receptions.We don’t know yet what the price will be, but Poles should be willing to go up to $15M for him or Josh Jacobs, who lead the whole damn NFL in rushing with 1,600 yards. The Bears running game would become unstoppable with either of these guys plus just an average passing game. Think about it.
There is a style of argument developing around here these days that goes like this: “Poles should not do “X” because we need to rebuild the trenches.” This is a false either/or choice. With $100M, he has the money to rebuild the trenches with whatever quality OL he wants in FA who are not re-signed or tagged. I don’t want to sacrifice that for anything. But there will still be enough money left over to acquire an elite WR1 by trade and/or RB in FA, if the price is right.
One way or another, Bears must spend 90% of the money (over 4 years), and this is the time to do it to lay the foundation for our (hopeful) Super Bowl ready team in 2024.
I don't want Barkley. I feel he is not worth the money needed for him. Besides we are not there yet so I would rather spend that money on shoring up the trenches.
Just to remind you, Barkley had 1,312 yards and 4.4/avg. rushing last season, 10 TDs, and 57 pass receptions.We don’t know yet what the price will be, but Poles should be willing to go up to $15M for him or Josh Jacobs, who lead the whole damn NFL in rushing with 1,600 yards. The Bears running game would become unstoppable with either of these guys plus just an average passing game. Think about it.
There is a style of argument developing around here these days that goes like this: “Poles should not do “X” because we need to rebuild the trenches.” This is a false either/or choice. With $100M, he has the money to rebuild the trenches with whatever quality OL he wants in FA who are not re-signed or tagged. I don’t want to sacrifice that for anything. But there will still be enough money left over to acquire an elite WR1 by trade and/or RB in FA, if the price is right.
One way or another, Bears must spend 90% of the money (over 4 years), and this is the time to do it to lay the foundation for our (hopeful) Super Bowl ready team in 2024.
The money to spend is in the trenches. Build the OL which will help the RB's do their thang. If you don't have the line pulling or pushing problem together, I am not sure that even Payton himself can do a whole lot.
Just to remind you, Barkley had 1,312 yards and 4.4/avg. rushing last season, 10 TDs, and 57 pass receptions.We don’t know yet what the price will be, but Poles should be willing to go up to $15M for him or Josh Jacobs, who lead the whole damn NFL in rushing with 1,600 yards. The Bears running game would become unstoppable with either of these guys plus just an average passing game. Think about it.
There is a style of argument developing around here these days that goes like this: “Poles should not do “X” because we need to rebuild the trenches.” This is a false either/or choice. With $100M, he has the money to rebuild the trenches with whatever quality OL he wants in FA who are not re-signed or tagged. I don’t want to sacrifice that for anything. But there will still be enough money left over to acquire an elite WR1 by trade and/or RB in FA, if the price is right.
One way or another, Bears must spend 90% of the money (over 4 years), and this is the time to do it to lay the foundation for our (hopeful) Super Bowl ready team in 2024.
The money to spend is in the trenches. Build the OL which will help the RB's do their thang. If you don't have the line pulling or pushing problem together, I am not sure that even Payton himself can do a whole lot.
I agree. But but my point is that he has the money to buy what he wants for OL and still have enough left over to do more potentially at WR1 or RB.
I don't want Barkley. I feel he is not worth the money needed for him. Besides we are not there yet so I would rather spend that money on shoring up the trenches.
I'm kinda leery too.
Lotta people say "you don't pay big money to RBs cuz they have a short lifespan and frequent injuries".
Barkley would cost well north of $10m/yr and has had the injury bug. Monty would cost well under $10m and has been remarkable durable for a RB. Guy heals fast and bounces back quickly. Yes, I'm well aware that Barkley is a full tier better as a RB than Monty is but we use a tandem with Herbert.
Is it worth paying for a bell cow, 3-down RB when you also have Herbert on a cheap rookie contract?