The NFL’s new league year rings out Wednesday at 3pm as the Chicago Bears announce a trade for the No. 1 pick, acquisition of receiver DJ Moore, and free agency deals for Tremaine Edmonds, TJ Edwards, Nate Davis and DeMarcus Could be. Walker and Travis Homer. The Bears still have a lot of work to do to continue strengthening their roster, which had 32 vacancies and a remarkable number of holes as of Wednesday night. So where will the general manager Ryaa Poles turn his attention next?

The Poles will meet with reporters at Harras Hall on Thursday to recap the course of action over the past week, as well as keep an eye on what’s to come. Yet Wednesday was still a day filled with significant developments, even on a day when the Bears’ only notable addition was the late signing of backup quarterback PJ Walker. , a glimpse into what it means for the Bears going forward.

Jalen Carter stumbled at his pro-day workout in Georgia.

Paul and coach Matt Eberflus were part of the Bears’ contingent that attended the on-campus event. And while the Bulldogs have 12 prospects slated to be drafted next month, Carter remains the center of attention as he continues to try to rally himself during a tumultuous month.

Carter was arrested on March 1 and released on $4,000 bail in Athens County, Georgia. In January Bulldogs teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler He were charged with misdemeanor misdemeanor racing and reckless driving in connection with the fatal accident that claimed LeCroy’s life.

Carter’s involvement in the crash and subsequent cooperation with authorities has come under close scrutiny from both the legal system and NFL teams considering making him a first-round pick within seven weeks. Pauls has a full team to dig deep into that issue and evaluate Carter’s character, which should help inform the Bears’ decision on whether the All-American is a good fit for the organization.

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Questions about Carter’s maturity and level of investment in football were already circulating before his connection to the fatal accident in January became public knowledge at the Combine.

Carter did not participate in an exercise test on the combine or field training.

Carter did not participate in Wednesday’s Pro Day exercise test and was unable to complete drills on the field due to cramps.

It was another dizzying turn for one of the most interesting prospects in this draft class.

At his best, Carter is a devastating force inside the defensive line, endowed with an elite combination of power and agility. You also need to prove that you are trustworthy and that it is worth investing a lot of money and money into.

How will Bears handle all this? It’s hard to say now.

When Carter’s college season ended in January, helping Georgia win a national title, he was a solid top-five pick and considered a front-runner for the No. 1 draft pick. The Bears have his No. 9 pick, so the ongoing homework is important to solidify his final rating by the opening night of the draft on April 28.

Aaron Rodgers scorched the Green Bay Packers’ front office

In a 56-minute reflective and theatrical monologue on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers confirmed what everyone in the NFL had long suspected. His time playing quarterback for the Packers is over.

Next stop: Follham Park, New Jersey, new job with the New York Jets.

No, the transaction has not been finalized. And what the timeline or terms of that deal will be remains to be seen. was.

In case you missed the longer version of Rogers’ farewell, here’s a quick synopsis.

The four-time MVP said he was 90% headed for retirement when he visited a four-night retreat in Oregon earlier this month to ponder his life and football career. told McAfee. The impression is that Rodgers had plenty of time to make a decision and the Packers wanted him to retire as part of the organization.

“Something changed when we came out of the dark,” Rodgers said Wednesday.

When Rodgers came out of the retreat and was blasted with texts, he said he realized the Packers were exploring the possibility of a trade. and confirmed his desire to continue playing.

Rogers spent nearly ten minutes detailing how he felt belittled and betrayed by certain figures in the Packers power structure. While expressing “love and gratitude,” he also emphasized that he was not hurt. “I’m not sitting here as a victim,” he said. “I have no ill will or grudge against the Packers.”

Got it all?

In a nutshell, anyone who knows Rodgers well knows he’s gearing up for a grudge binge for the foreseeable future and that he’s punctuating his Hall of Fame career aptly. I fully understand that you want to turn his emotions into motivational fuel when you are striving to get better.

“I still have that fire,” said Rogers.

The Jets must urgently create an environment where Rodgers feels welcomed and valued, surrounded by trusted teammates and coaches. all That’s it! “

For the Bears and their fans, Wednesday was a milestone day worth celebrating. After 15 tortured seasons — Rodgers went 25-5 in the rivalry, including his final four seasons where he won his series nine times — the Bears breathe a sigh of relief. can do.

Isn’t the law of averages preventing the Packers’ new starter Jordan Love from being a Hall of Fame-level star over the next decade and a half?

Similar to the Bears’ activity over the past month, Rodgers’ Wednesday news could register as a top-three development of the 2023 offseason for residents of Lake Forest’s 1920 Football Drive. Things are changing for NFC North. Rogers departs.

The Bears announced a meet-and-greet at Harras Hall on Thursday with some new players.

Moore and Edmunds stand out among the current Bears rookies. It will be interesting to hear their thoughts on joining the organization when they speak on Thursday.

Edwards, a Lake Villa native and Lakes High School graduate, also shares his enthusiasm to join the team he grew up on.

But Poles also answer questions in the morning. And there are many questions to ask a busy GM.

Most notable:

• What’s the rundown on his return after picking up the No. 1 pick in last week’s big trade with the Carolina Panthers?

• Have the Bears entered into negotiations with standout free agent offensive tackle Orlando Brown, and what are their next steps to address the position?

• What made Edmonds a top free/agent target and what is the Bears’ vision for the Everflus defense?

• After emphasizing in January that his top offseason priority is to bolster the roster with players who make a difference in premium positions such as pass rushers, cornerbacks and offensive lines, the Bears are ready for the next few waves. How will free agency and drafts be used to make the necessary improvements?to those position groups?

• What does Davis’ arrival inside the offensive line mean for Cody Whitehair, Teben Jenkins and Lucas Patrick?

During the off-season when it matters, it seems busy even on slow days.