Chicago Bears: Cap Expert Demonstrates Promising Long-Term Outlook
Upon entering Halas Hall, General Manager Ryan Poles was acutely aware of the Chicago Bears' biggest challenge: their salary cap situation. It was a mess, largely due to former GM Ryan Pace's distribution of hefty contracts that weren't entirely justified by player performance. Rectifying this predicament became a top priority for Poles, who recognized the necessity of a more flexible cap situation to establish the Bears as perennial contenders.
And it seems he has succeeded. Heading into the 2023 offseason, the Bears boasted the most cap space among all NFL teams by a significant margin. Poles has not only created immediate financial freedom but has also taken proactive steps to ensure long-term stability. Brad Spielberger, a renowned salary cap expert at Pro Football Focus, conducted extensive research to evaluate teams' financial situations three years into the future. The Bears comfortably secured the 4th spot, propelled by a young roster and a wealth of high draft picks on the horizon.
This revelation is undeniably exciting. Spielberger shares his insights, stating, "The Bears went from 29th in active draft capital in 2022 to sixth this year after moving veterans such as linebacker Roquan Smith and edge defender Robert Quinn at the trade deadline. And despite a free agency where the team ranked fourth in total guarantees given to external free agents, Chicago still ranks second in effective cap space for 2023-25."
Furthermore, the Bears have transitioned from ranking dead last in top 51 veteran valuation to a respectable 28th, even after their recent additions. The team's growth stems from its current status as the fourth-youngest roster in the NFL. Additionally, with Justin Fields poised to take the next step this season, the Bears possess ample leverage, including an extra first-round pick in 2024 acquired from the Carolina Panthers.
The Chicago Bears are wisely following the successful blueprint of the Kansas City Chiefs. Often overshadowed by their on-field achievements, the Chiefs have displayed remarkable financial management over the past decade. While they occasionally hand out substantial contracts, they never overextend themselves. They are willing to let talented players depart or trade them to maintain cap flexibility, enabling them to seize opportunities when they arise. Notable examples include their acquisitions of Joe Thuney and Orlando Brown in 2021. This approach was already implemented after securing mega-deals for Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones.
Poles has observed this effective model for years and aims to replicate it within the Chicago Bears organization. By prioritizing building through the draft, reserving significant contracts for homegrown talent, and preserving cap flexibility, Poles intends to strike a careful balance. This offseason, we caught glimpses of this approach as the Bears drafted 10 players while strategically making one impactful free agency signing.
As the Bears continue to navigate the complexities of the salary cap, their prudent management and forward-thinking strategies position them favorably for sustained success. With a commitment to financial prudence and strategic moves, the Bears have laid a solid foundation for a prosperous future.
| POLL | ||
6 JUILLET | 46 ANSWERS Chicago Bears: Cap Expert Demonstrates Promising Long-Term Outlook Are the Bears in good shape? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 73.9 % |
| No | 12 | 26.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
