The name of the game for the Chicago Bears this offseason has been to revamp an offense that historically has been inept no matter who the quarterback, head coach, signal caller or weapons have been. In selecting Caleb Williams 1st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and wide receiver Rome Odunze 9th, the Bears took a large step in the right direction. Acquiring Keenan Allen via trade and D'Andre Swift in free agency were big-time acquisitions as well. But even as the dog days of summer roll around, the general manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears aren't done making moves.

The latest addition to the roster is 31-year-old wide receiver DeAndre Carter, according to a tweet from NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Carter, a journeyman who will be in his second go-round with the Bears, was claimed off of waivers in November 2020 and hauled in three receptions for 17 yards in the Bears Wild Card Round loss to the New Orleans Saints. Two years after Carter's brief stint with the Bears, he had his most successful season in the league… a 46 reception, 538 yard, 3 touchdown campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Given the state of Chicago's wide receiver room, which includes a devastating trio of Allen, Odunze, and presumptive #1 receiver DJ Moore, it's not as if Carter is coming in with the expectation of competing for targets. In fact, he'll likely end up battling Dante Pettis, Velus Jones Jr., and Nsimba Webster for a roster spot ahead of the season. But where DeAndre Carter could shine is as a special teams contributor.

Velus Jones Jr. has handled kick return duties each of the last two years, and Rome Odunze is expected to get a serious look as a punt returner, but DeAndre Carter is 5th among active players in both kickoff returns and punt returns. His experience could prove to be valuable enough to earn a roster spot on a Chicago Bears team that could be very fun to watch in 2024.

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) smiles during the team's minicamp at Halas Hall.
© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The new-look Chicago Bears offense 

In time, the biggest upgrade for the Chicago Bears offense will be Caleb Williams, but make no mistake: if Caleb Williams finds success early in his NFL career, it will be in large part because Ryan Poles has put together a tremendous supporting cast for Williams to work with.

Caleb Williams has an embarrassment of riches to distribute the ball to. In addition to the trio of wide receivers mentioned above, second-year receiver Tyler Scott is expected to make a leap. Tight end Cole Kmet is coming off the best season of his career, and veteran tight end Gerald Everett has posted at least 40 receptions and 400 yards in each of the past four seasons. D'Andre Swift will lead a Bears rushing attack that should benefit greatly from a competent passing game, but Swift brings a lot to the passing game as well. In his four NFL seasons, Swift has hauled in 195 receptions, the fourth-most among running backs since 2020.