Bears GM Ryan Poles discusses roster cuts, what a successful 2024 looks like

After all the offseason additions and a strong preseason, the Chicago Bears certainly look poised to take a big step this season, but will they?

That's the big question the team's general manager, Ryan Poles, has entering next weekend's opener.

Poles met with the media Wednesday afternoon to discuss the state of current roster and the decisions on NFL cutdown day, which he described as being very difficult.

“This year, by far in the first three years, was the most difficult time whittling this thing down to 53. We had some really good discussions, a lot of back and forth, constantly talking about, worrying about today, but also looking into the future,” Poles said.

Entering his third season as Bears' general manager, Poles said he's "really proud of where we are" roster-wise, saying he sees "significant improvements" over past years.

He partially attributed that to talent acquisition and coaching but also bringing in the right type of people, which also made his job tougher this week.

“The other thing that I really learned this year is when you’re intentional bringing in the right type of people, when you invest in relationships, you invest in time and bonding and creating this group and this culture, it makes cutdown day extremely hard, emotional, because you care about the guys and you want to see them be successful, but you know at the end of the day that there’s business decisions that have to happen and you have to get this thing down to a 53-man roster, which was difficult,” he said.

Among the groups he's particularly proud of is the offensive line. That's interesting, since it is still one of the question marks heading into the season, even with added talent.

Still, Poles said the group's overall ability has him feeling good about it.

“This is the best depth I’ve ever had," he said, adding, “I feel more confident in the depth of our O-line than I ever have before.”

So, he's confident in that group, obviously is feeling good at quarterback and tight end, and the defense looked fantastic in the preseason. With everything looking up, what does a successful 2024 season look like?

“Obviously getting into the playoffs and winning playoff games would be outstanding but I think the biggest thing is can we take that big jump from where we were last year to this year, and I think we’re capable of that,” Poles said.

The GM credited head coach Matt Eberflus for setting the right standard and holding everyone to it over the past two seasons, but also for keeping the team together through some difficult times and always striving to improve.

“What’s gonna be awesome is those things will be established and when the winning comes, you have a stronger product because of it.”

Hopefully, the winning starts in 11 days.