Phil Rogers

Needing outfield help and wanting to get Andrew Vaughn's bat into the lineup, the White Sox played the first baseman out of position for two years. He is moving back to first this season but does it in the aftermath of the team's decision not to re-sign Jose Abreu. It's another tough spot.

Quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson elevated their profiles in the NFL Combine. That plays into the strong hand that Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles holds with the first overall pick. The Bears appear intent on keeping Justin Fields and turning the first pick into a bounty of picks.

Hoping to unlock the talents of Justin Fields, the Bears jumped to add All-Pro receiver D.J. Moore in a deal for the first overall pick in next month's draft. Chicago General Manager Ryan Poles sought Moore in a package including four draft picks — two first-rounders and two-second rounders.

The Chicago Bears filled a major need by adding wide receiver D.J. Moore from Carolina in a trade for the first overall pick in the draft. But they have major needs across the board as NFL free agency begins this week. They also have a league-high $75.6 million in cap room remaining after the trade.

The Bears traded their best defensive player, linebacker Roquan Smith, to Baltimore during last season. General Manager Ryan Poles had been unable to work out a contract extension with him. He re-invested the savings from Smith on Monday, agreeing to a 4-year, $72-million deal with Tremaine Edmunds.

The Bears allowed the most points in the NFL last season after trading away core players. They addressed the void in free agency, adding two of the top six linebackers in the league, per grades by Pro Football Focus, and a disruptor in the defensive line. The trio has an average age of 26.6.

David Montgomery left the Bears to sign a three-year contract with Detroit. Expect the Bears to replace him with someone who is productive as both a pass catcher and a runner, not only helping the offense but the development of quarterback Justin Fields. Austin Ekeler would fit the bill nicely.

Set to be a free agent after this season, Ian Happ agreed to a three-year deal for $61 million with the Cubs. The extension, which will keep him in Chicago through 2026, follows a three-year deal with infielder Nico Hoerner. Happ had been viewed as expendable due to a wealth of outfield prospects.

The Bears had a chance to land arguably the most talented player in the draft when Jalen Carter slid to the ninth spot, where they selected after trading the first pick to Carolina. But Ryan Poles didn't want the Georgia star, moving down a spot to take Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright instead.

Jerry Reinsdorf is purchasing a controlling interest in Stadium from Sinclair Broadcast Group, according to reporting by Eric Fisher of Front Office Sports.