Chicago Bears stock up, stock down

With training camp two months away, teams continue to evaluate their rosters. Here's the stock rising—and falling—for the Chicago Bears.

Stock Up

Justin Fields, quarterback: In 2022, Fields again displayed jaw-dropping athleticism, but his passing numbers only improved incrementally. However, after several offseason additions—trading for receiver D.J. Moore, signing guard Nate Davis and drafting tackle Darnell Wright 10th overall—Fields should have his best shot yet to evolve. 

In 2022, Fields' success mainly came from improvisation and self-preservation. Still, he completed 60 percent of his passes, throwing for 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. With a solid offensive line, a true No. 1 wideout (Moore) and Fields more comfortable entering his second season in offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's system, he could be ready to make a giant leap in 2023.

Braxton Jones, left tackle: A fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones was put under pressure right away, but he started all 17 games for the Bears. He didn't look out of place and should only improve at arguably the most critical position along the offensive line. 

Playing 100 percent of the offensive snaps as a rookie in 2022, Jones ranked 19th among tackles with a 75.4 grade, per Pro Football Focus. Jones also showed improvement as the season progressed, allowing only 12 pressures through the last eight weeks of 2022.  The Bears need Braxton to take another step forward this season. 

Stock Down 

Matt Eberflus, head coach: Eberflus has only coached one season in Chicago, but the NFL is a results-based business, and another lackluster year could spell the end for the 53-year-old's time in Chicago. In 2022, the Bears began 3-4 but lost 10 in a row to close out the season. 

Former NFL general manager Jeff Diamond of The 33rd Team believes Ebeflus is already on the hot seat, especially after the tinkering the Bears did with their roster during the offseason. The franchise is in a rebuild of sorts, but if it doesn't take significant steps in 2023 with dynamic QB Fields leading the way, Chicago may replace Ebeflus with a more offensive-minded head coach.

Chase Claypool, wide receiver: Acquired for a second-round pick in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, Claypool didn't impress with Chicago. The 24-year-old managed only 14 catches for 140 yards in seven games and must show much more in 2023.

The receiver room in Chicago is more crowded with the additions of Moore and fourth-rounder Tyler Scott, so Claypool must earn his opportunities entering the final year of his rookie contract. During OTAs, Fields said Claypool has "improved tremendously," but he'll have to prove it on the field. 

If Claypool sputters again, he could be playing elsewhere in 2024.