The Chicago Bears free agency plans got a much-needed boost on Tuesday when it was revealed that veteran right guard Kyle Long has agreed to some sort of restructure of his contract accord to Brad Briggs. It’s uncertain as yet what the exact details are. Long was set to deliver an $8.5 million cap hit in 2019. Odds are that will drop considerably with this shuffling.
It isn’t a surprise the Bears took this avenue. Reports have them at barely over $11 million in cap space at present. Given their lack of draft capital and several in-house free agents still to deal with, they needed ways to create some money. Asking Long to restructure his deal made sense. He turns 31-years old this season and has missed 22 games with injury over the past three years.
#Bears RG Kyle Long has agreed to a restructured contract that will create some cap room and ensure he's with the team in 2019. He was due to count $8.5M vs. cap this year. Team player will be back. https://t.co/LAqAUrZ22S
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 26, 2019
#Bears OL Kyle Long has agreed to restructure his contract, source said. He’ll remain with the team for years to come after this minor alteration.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2019
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It’s proof again that Long is a team player. He’s always acted with that sort of mentality. It is a big reason he is so loved and respected inside the locker room. Besides, he is still a good football player who can help maintain stability on the offensive line. He has made a lot of money on his current deal already. Odds are the Bears found creative ways for that to continue but with a bit more cap-friendly option.
This could be only the beginning too. There are plenty of other ways GM Ryan Pace may seek to create more space. The deals of Khalil Mack and Allen Robinson also being options. If the Bears are eyeing a possible big move in free agency, then that course of action should be expected in the coming week.
