For fans with tickets for the Bears’ first day of workouts, the news was that outdoor practice was canceled because of poor air quality started the day with disappointment. Those tickets can’t be used for another practice session. The first practice session was moved to the Walter Payton Center.
That is where the bad news ended.
News soon surfaced that the Bears had agreed with TE Cole Kmet on a contract extension through the 2027 season. The four-year extension, worth $50 Million, includes $32.8 Million guaranteed. Ryan Poles locked up a key piece of the offense with a cap-friendly deal. More importantly, the Bears GM still has money to spend. They are still about $15 Million beneath the cap floor, allowing Poles to address an edge rusher or extend another veteran this year.
In previous years, news from day one was always focused on the defense. This year, the news was focused on how sharp the offense looked. Justin Fields was sharp. The press working the practice session reported Fields was on top of his game. Throwing dimes all day to a variety of receivers. His long pass to DJ Moore for a touchdown along the right sideline highlighted the day. His pass hit Moore in the end zone placed perfectly over the outstretched arms of rooking DB Tyrique Stevenson.
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Darnell Mooney returned to the practice field, seeing limited action. Mooney did not participate in some drills as he returned from a broken ankle last season. Chase Claypool also did not participate in the full practice. Both players are being eased back into action.
Justin Fields threw pinpoint passes to multiple receivers. DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, EQ St. Brown, Tyler Scott, Cole Kmet, and others were all targeted by Fields.
After practice, coach Eberflus praised second-year WR Velus Jones, Jr. “The first thing that stands out to me is his returns, the punt returns and kick returns. He’s really been consistent with that, much better. He’s really worked his tail off. I would say that’s the first thing that stands out.” said Eberflus.
This was great news. For years, the defense manhandled the offense at the beginning of camp. Practice resumes at Halas Hall Thursday morning.
It’s hard to play great defense when you are not allowed to hit anyone. I am encouraged by the V.Jones progress. He has all the ability he needs. If he can get his confidence up, he can be deadly in the return game and sew up his roster spot.
I don’t know if this is good news or bad news for the defense. Hopefully, things will even out next week when the pads go on.