Utilizing Their Financial Capital, An Outlook For a Successful Off-Season In Chicago
The Bears took a Frugal Approach to Free Agency Last Year, But This Time Could Be Different
In the aftermath of the failed Larry Ogunjobi signing, the Bears opted for modest deals for several free agents last year. Only Lucas Patrick, Justin Jones, and Al-Quadin Muhammad received multiple-year contracts, while Byron Pringle and Nicholas Morrow signed one-year deals slightly above the minimum. Training camp brought a $10 million one-year contract for tackle Riley Reiff, but a significant portion of that was based on incentives.
The Bears' limited cap space, created in an effort to streamline their finances and bring in players better suited to their systems, prevented them from pursuing high-priced veteran talent. However, this approach led to a disappointing 14-loss season.
This year, free agency opens on March 13 and franchise tagging begins on February 21. With over $90 million in cap space, according to Overthecap.com, the Bears have $35 million more than any other team to spend.
For comparison, the Jaguars had $70 million in cap space last year, and still managed to sign Christian Kirk for three years and $72 million, Brandon Scherff for three years and $49.5 million, Foyesade Oluokun for three years and $45 million, Foley Fatukasi for three years and $30 million, Zay Jones for three years and $8 million, and Evan Engram for one year at $9 million. They still had $27 million in cap space left.
