2026 Chicago Bears Salary Cap Health Check
As the NFL offseason quickly approaches, fans of the Chicago Bears are eagerly anticipating what moves their team will make in free agency. The Bears had a disappointing season, finishing with a record of 6-11 and failing to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. With the team in need of significant improvements in key areas, there is much speculation about the potential acquisitions and departures that could take place during the upcoming free agency period.
One of the biggest questions facing the Bears heading into free agency is the future of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The former first-round pick has been inconsistent throughout his career and has failed to live up to the expectations placed on him when he was drafted. Trubisky is set to become a free agent this offseason, and it is unclear whether the Bears will choose to bring him back or look for a new starting quarterback. Many fans and analysts believe that the Bears need to move on from Trubisky and find a more reliable option under center if they hope to improve their offense.
In addition to the quarterback position, the Bears also have several other areas of need that they will likely address in free agency. The team’s offensive line struggled at times during the 2020 season, and they could look to add depth and talent to that unit. The Bears also have needs at wide receiver, where they lack a true number one option, and on the defensive side of the ball, where they could use help in the secondary and at the linebacker position.
Despite these needs, the Bears are currently projected to have limited cap space heading into free agency. According to Over The Cap, the team is projected to have around $10 million in cap space, which could limit their ability to make big splashes in free agency. However, the Bears could create additional cap space by making some roster cuts or restructuring contracts, which would give them more flexibility to address their needs.
One potential move that could free up cap space for the Bears is the release of veteran defensive tackle Akiem Hicks. Hicks is set to count $12 million against the cap in 2021, and the Bears could save $10.5 million by releasing him. While Hicks has been a valuable player for the Bears in the past, his age and injury history could make him expendable this offseason. If the Bears choose to move on from Hicks, they would have more cap space to address other needs in free agency.
In addition to potential roster cuts, the Bears could also look to restructure contracts in order to create more cap space. One player who could be a candidate for a restructure is linebacker Khalil Mack. Mack is set to count $26.6 million against the cap in 2021, and the Bears could free up some much-needed cap space by converting a portion of his salary into a signing bonus. While restructuring contracts can create short-term cap relief, it can also create long-term cap problems if not managed properly.
Despite their limited cap space, the Bears will still have the opportunity to make some key additions in free agency. One position that the team could look to address is wide receiver, where they lack a true number one option. One potential target for the Bears is Allen Robinson, who is set to become a free agent this offseason. Robinson has been one of the most consistent and productive wide receivers in the league in recent years, and he would provide a significant boost to the Bears’ offense if they were able to sign him.
Another position of need for the Bears is offensive line, where they struggled at times during the 2020 season. One potential target for the Bears is Trent Williams, who is set to become a free agent after spending the 2020 season with the San Francisco 49ers. Williams is one of the top offensive tackles in the league, and he would provide an immediate upgrade to the Bears’ offensive line if they were able to sign him. However, Williams is likely to command a significant contract on the open market, which could make it difficult for the Bears to sign him given their limited cap space.
In addition to addressing their needs on offense, the Bears could also look to add depth and talent to their defense in free agency. One potential target for the Bears is cornerback Shaquill Griffin, who is set to become a free agent after spending the 2020 season with the Seattle Seahawks. Griffin is a young and talented cornerback who would provide a significant upgrade to the Bears’ secondary if they were able to sign him. However, Griffin is likely to have multiple suitors on the open market, which could make it difficult for the Bears to sign him given their limited cap space.
Overall, the Chicago Bears face a number of challenges heading into free agency this offseason. The team has significant needs on both offense and defense, but they are limited in their ability to address those needs due to their limited cap space. The Bears will need to make strategic moves in free agency in order to improve their roster and compete in a competitive NFC North division. While it may be difficult for the Bears to make big splashes in free agency, they will have the opportunity to add depth and talent to their roster if they are able to make smart and strategic moves. Only time will tell what the Bears will do in free agency, but fans will be eagerly awaiting news of potential acquisitions and departures as the offseason progresses.
Source: Windy City Gridiron
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