Three hottest seats on Chicago Bears

Following a disappointing 7-10 season in 2023, the Chicago Bears are approaching the start of a new era.

After trading quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears will choose his replacement with the No. 1 pick in April, pairing him with fresh, exciting new weapons. That, along with an improving and underrated defense, has Chicago fans feeling optimistic about the future. 

While all the excitement might be warranted, several members of the team need to step up if they hope to be a part of the future. With that in mind, here are three members of the Bears on the hottest seats in 2024.

Defensive end DeMarcus Walker

Walker didn't have the worst year in 2023, his first with the Bears. However, a season removed from recording a career-high seven sacks with the Tennessee Titans, the 29-year-old fell short of expectations. 

After inking a three-year, $21M ($15.6) deal last offseason, Walker recorded only 3.5 sacks in 12 games. Meanwhile, he earned a 59.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, 50th among ends that played at least 50 percent of their team's snaps. 

There's hope that Walker will come around, especially since he posted 31 hurries and 12 QB hits last season. But if he fails to finish again in 2024, he may be replaced, perhaps by an edge rusher selected No. 9 overall in April's NFL Draft.

Wide receiver Velus Jones Jr.

Jones is still on the Bears roster after two largely uneventful seasons, but for how long remains to be seen. The former third-round pick has already been pushed further down the depth chart with the recent acquisition of star Keenan Allen, and an in-coming rookie is likely to do the same. 

Chosen 71st overall in the 2022 draft, Jones has amassed more rushing yards (154) than receiving yards (127) over 26 career games. Meanwhile, his offensive snap percentage has dropped from 22 percent in his rookie year to only 11 percent in 2023. 

The writing appears to be on the wall for Jones, and he might need a strong training camp and a breakout year to secure a roster spot. Beyond that, it's hard to imagine a significant role for the third-year wideout moving forward. 

Head coach Matt Eberflus 

With the Bears only weeks away from selecting a quarterback with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, many are under the impression that Eberflus' job is safe for the time being. Though, make no mistake, Caleb Williams or not, the head coach is on the hot seat. 

Following two losing seasons, a lack of tangible progress in 2024 will likely result in Eberflus's firing. The team's offseason moves don't look like a team readying for a few rebuild years. A trip to the NFC Championship may not be the bar, but better than seven wins might be. 

Last season, the defense took a significant leap behind Eberflus. However, the offense lagged, leading to Fields' and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's departure. 

Now, the Bears will get their QB, along with shiny new toys in 1,000-yard rusher D'Andre Swift and veteran wideout Allen. New OC Shane Waldron will mold the offense, but failure might fall on Eberflus' shoulders this time.