As the Chicago Bears get ready to kickoff free agency next week, they should have an eye on finding proven talent with which to surround Justin Fields. This is a similar process to what the team did in 2018 with Mitch Trubisky.
The Bears shelled out big money for Allen Robinson, while also adding Taylor Gabriel and Trey Burton. While Gabriel and Burton were both injured early in their tenures, they were also key parts to the team’s 12-4 campaign in 2018. It was when they were no longer available that questions about the supporting cast began.
What hurt the Bears more was the slow — or nonexistent — development of second round picks James Daniels and Anthony Miller. It wasn’t until last year that Daniels finally seemed to come around, though probably still didn’t play up to his draft status. Miller showed flashes but bounced around the league last year after the Bears traded him to Houston. He ended up with just six total catches with Houston and Pittsburgh. The other wide receiver drafted in 2018, Javon Wims, was cut before the season began. Adding to the supporting cast failures was the Riley Ridley selection.
When it comes to evaluating quarterback play, the first question is always regarding what is around the player. The Bears need to do what they can to make sure they have that answered.
