Chicago Bears Have $82M in Salary Cap Space – How Will They Use It This Offseason?

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• The NFL has raised the salary cap to $255.6 million, giving the Bears $82.9 million in cap space – 3rd most in the league.
• With the cap space, the Bears should try to sign CB Jalen Johnson to a new deal rather than let him hit free agency. Could also franchise tag him.
• Bears have 5th year option for QB Justin Fields at $25.6 million in 2024. Makes sense to pick it up despite some early struggles.
• Free agent DE Brian Burns could be a target for the Bears – he previously worked with new DC Eric Washington. Would give Bears an elite pass rush duo with Trevis Gipson.
• Exciting defensive prospects to watch at the NFL Combine include DTs Braden Fisk and Leonard Taylor and DE Darius Robinson. Bears need interior pass rush help.

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Now…

The offseason is heating up for the Chicago Bears as the 2023 NFL salary cap has now been set at $255.6 million per team. For the Bears, this translates to a whopping $82.9 million in available cap space, ranking 3rd most in the league. This influx of spending money gives new GM Ryan Poles incredible flexibility to be aggressive in both free agency and the draft. However, Poles also has several key decisions to make on the Bears’ own free agents.

At the top of the list is cornerback Jalen Johnson, who is set to hit free agency after his rookie contract expires. The former second round pick has developed into a solid starter on the outside. But with massive cap space this year, the Bears cannot afford to let Johnson test the open market. Signing him to an extension needs to be a priority.

As an alternative, Poles could also use the franchise tag to retain Johnson in 2023. The estimated tag number for cornerbacks is $19.8 million for next season. While that’s a big short-term hit, it’s far better than losing Johnson in free agency. Between an extension and the tag, Poles has options to keep the young corner in Chicago.

The increased salary cap also impacts decisions on existing Bears contracts. Quarterback Justin Fields will be eligible to have his fifth-year option picked up in 2024. The estimated price tag is $25.6 million, fully guaranteed for injury. Despite some early growing pains, Fields clearly showed progress last season and is still the future at QB. It makes sense for Poles to pick up the option, securing Fields for the next two seasons.

With nearly $83 million available to spend, Bears fans are buzzing about which free agents could land in Chicago this year. One name to watch is edge rusher Brian Burns, who played under new Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams early in his career with the Carolina Panthers. A pass rush duo of Burns and Trevis Gipson would give Chicago an elite tandem coming off the edge.

Adding a veteran rusher like Burns would be expensive, but is reasonable with the team’s cap health. It would provide instant improvement to the Bears’ pass rush. Upgrading the defensive line is critical, as aging veterans like Robert Quinn and Al-Quadin Muhammad could both move on this year. A young talent like Burns is exactly the type of free agent the Bears should pursue.

Of course, Poles can also use his draft capital and cap room to retain promising internal free agents. Defensive tackle Justin Jones is coming off a career year, and depth at cornerback and receiver are also needed. The Bears have the financial means to aggressively fill holes on the roster through both retention and outside additions.

Prior to free agency, much of the draft focus will be on prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine this week. For the Bears, interior defensive linemen like Leonard Taylor and Braden Fisk could be fits to replace Jones if he leaves. Their early testing numbers will be important to monitor. Defensive end Darius Robinson is also an intriguing small-school rusher to watch.

Chicago heads into the offseason better positioned than any time in recent memory both on the roster and financially. Justin Fields closed last year on a high note as the offense improved, flashing his elite potential. Now Poles must surround him with more talent, which the salary cap boost enables. Expect the Bears to explore every avenue in building a contender.

For 2023 and beyond, Poles’ vision for the roster will become clearer through his upcoming moves. Will he commit to players like Johnson and Jones or let them walk? How bold will he be in free agency with so much spending power? Which prospects catch his eye to fill needs through the draft? This offseason promises to define the direction of the franchise.

After patiently laying a foundation last year, Poles now has the resources to aggressively shape the Bears in his image. The playoff drought has gone on too long for Bears fans, who hope this is the offseason their team returns to contention. If Poles can maximize this opportunity, brighter days are finally ahead in Chicago.

Bear Down Bears fans! And as always… PEACE!