3 Impending Bears Free Agents With the Most to Prove in 2020

The Chicago Bears were all sorts of disappointing this past season, registered an 8-8 record and missing the playoffs despite being among the favorites in the NFC before the year. Entering 2020, general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy are essentially fighting for their jobs. But it's not just them, as 46 players are set to become free agents in 2021.

Here are three impending free agents on the Bears with the most to prove in 2020.

3. Artie Burns

Artie Burns is slated to be one of Chicago's starting cornerbacks. / Katharine Lotze/Getty Images

Artie Burns was selected in the first round of the 2016 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers to become their starting corner for the foreseeable future. That dream never became a reality, as the former Miami Hurricane fell down the depth chart throughout his four years in the Steel City. This offseason, the Bears signed him to a one-year deal and he's already slated to be a starter. This is a guy who played 10 games (and made just one start) last season. Maybe defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano can get the best out of Burns. If not, he'll be looking for another job fairly soon.

2. Tarik Cohen

Tarik Cohen will look to prove his worth alongside David Montgomery. / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Last season, Cohen's job was seemingly in jeopardy after the team took David Montgomery with their first pick in last year's draft. But the "Human Joy Stick" did do one thing better than the rookie, and that's catching the ball out of the backfield. In 16 games this past season, Cohen hauled in 79-of-104 targets for 456 yards and three touchdowns. Entering a contract year, he'll need to maintain his production and look to get back to his All-Pro form from 2018. We'd say it's a likelihood he'll remain in the Windy City for years to come, but that's only if he replicates his success as a pass-catcher in 2020.

1. Mitchell Trubisky

Mitchell Trubisky has Nick Foles breathing down his neck for the starting quarterback job. / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Of course, we conclude our list with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The former Tar Heel signal caller has been criticized ever since he was selected over the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in the 2017 NFL Draft. As it turns out, the critics were correct. After a good sophomore season, Trubisky's production took a hit after he threw for 3,138 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2019. This offseason, the Bears declined his fifth-year option and brought in Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles as a potential replacement. Trubisky can save his job if he can play at an outstanding level on the field and lead the Bears to big wins next season. If not, he'll officially transition into a backup.