The Chicago Bears’ re-sign week was full of activity, but not full of retention. They let a bunch of contracts expire, not signing any players back for next season, and cut a number more. He also quietly or loudly (now loudly for all) put players on the trade block. Ben Johnson’s team is bound to look very different in just a few PML months, real days.
Good Luck in Free Agency (Expired Contracts)
QB Tyson Bagent
WR Devin Duvernay
WR Miles Boykin
TE Durham Smythe
C Ryan Bates
LEDGE Daniel Hardy
REDGE Tanoh Kpassagnon
DT DaVon Hamilton
DT Andrew Billings
SAM Nicholas Morrow
WILL Kamu Grugier-Hill
CB Shaun Wade
FS Kevin Byard III
FS Nick McCloud
SS Jaquan Brisker
SS Darrick Forrest
SS Jonathan Owens
LS Scott Daly
LS William Wagner
19 total players walked away from the Bears, most likely to not return this offseason or cycle, although it’s possible for some. Devin Duvernay was the biggest hit on offense, which shows how much of the core is returning, although Chicago does need to find a new kick and punt returner now. Jaquan Brisker was the biggest loss on defense, but he’s 27 years old and still below average in coverage. Both long snappers were able to walk as well, as Chicago looks to find a more permanent solution there.
You Too, Pal (Cuts)
HB Roschon Johnson
RG Jonah Jackson
MIKE Tremaine Edmunds
DT Grady Jarrett
Chicago had plans on more cuts, but a combination of not needing them, and strategically waiting for next offseason or even post-draft this season. Roschon’s 86 speed power back play is covered by Kyle Monangai, Jonah Jackson and Grady Jarrett surprisingly could be released just one year into their deals while saving 10+ mil on each, and Tremaine Edmunds saved more than 15 million taking a hike.
Come And Get ‘Em (Trade Block)
LG Joe Thuney
HB D’Andre Swift
C Drew Dalman
WR DJ Moore
Thuney is the attraction, but DJ Moore and Drew Dalman could very well draw offers with their talent and while not young, can be more than a rental. Swift is more on here for show, to motivate him or humiliate him.
Bears Roster Situation
Players: 43/75
Cap Space: ~35 Million
Conclusion: It’s gonna take some work to get to 75 with only 7 current draft picks. That leaves 25 roster spots to fill with only about 1.4 million to spend on each player. I could restructure someone small, like Cole Kmet, to free around 3 million if I’m right near 75 and just short on cap. Instead, I could restructure DJ Moore and free up 17 million to have a more comfortable free agency. However, that’s too much money to pour into a player who is in the last year of his 20s. If I come up just short of 75, I’ll live, I’m not hurting my future for it. However, the roster is weakened by bad contracts and has taken a step back before it can take a step forward.
