At Lambeau Field on Sunday, the Chicago Bears (7-9) will play the Green Bay Packers (8-8) in a crucial rivalry game to end the 2023 season.
Many Bears players may see this as their last game with the team because they are scheduled to become free agents in the 2024 offseason. This includes a few well-known players, such as wide receiver Darnell Mooney and cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who were selected by the Bears in the first round and are nearing the end of their rookie contracts.
This may be Chicago’s last game with the Bears, even though they may decide to re-sign Johnson, Mooney, or the other players on this list.
Here are some noteworthy upcoming free agents for the Bears:
Fans still hold out hope that the Bears will be able to sign Johnson to a well-deserved contract extension this summer, as he is the biggest name on this list. With Chicago, the former second-round pick turned cornerback had a breakthrough year. He became one of the NFL’s best cover corners, recorded a career-high four interceptions, and was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
Together with Johnson and tight end Cole Kmet (who inked an extension this summer), Mooney was a member of the 2020 draft class. Despite having a great start to his career, Mooney has lost his offensive impact for the Bears. If he passes the concussion protocol, Sunday’s game against the Packers will probably be his last with Chicago.
This season, Jones has established himself as a top interior defensive lineman, recording a career-high 4.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. Zacch Pickens and Gervon Dexter, the youngsters, are still developing, but Jones might be re-signed this offseason. Andrew Billings, his inside linemate, has already signed a two-year contract extension.
One of the Bears’ most pressing needs this offseason is center. Although Patrick has been getting better at center lately, he is hardly the position’s future star. Though his time in Chicago seems to be coming to an end, he might return next season as depth.
Foreman was a good running back addition for the Bears in the offseason, but it appears like he will be leaving Chicago this offseason. The fact that the team gave him a healthy scratch in Week 17—about which he expressed his displeasure—is all you need to know. He will also most likely not play in this week’s Week 18 finale. Coming off consecutive games in which he gained 100 yards rushing, Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson have both shown promise.