It’s never too early to look ahead to the 2024 season. Unless the Bears pull off a miraculous winning streak, all Bears fans can do is play the “wait until next year” game. If no roster moves or contract extensions happen, the Bears are currently expected to have $78.8 million in cap space. While that looks impressive, keep in mind at the time of this writing, only 37 players are under contract for 2024.
Two names not on the roster (courtesy of the OverTheCap website) are RB D’Onta Foreman and standout CB Jaylon Johnson. Popular belief is both deserve to be re-signed to new deals.
Foreman was only signed to a one-year contract for the 2023 season. He has more than delivered for the Bears’ offense, especially when you consider his cap number was a team-friendly $2 million. Ryan Poles would be wise to sign him to a one or two year deal.
Jaylon Johnson has become a top-tier defensive back. He is due a big payday. Hopefully, he stays in Chicago. The Bears have options; they can sign him to a long-term extension, or the franchise tag is available. Johnson’s 2023 cap number is just over $3.5 million.
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Assuming 10 to 12 current roster spots will turn over, many at or near league minimum deals, the Bears still need to add several players to fill out the 2024 roster.
Many anticipate Cody Whitehair and Eddie Jackson will be released ahead of next season. With post-June 1 cuts, the Bears will add over $24 million to their already impressive cap surplus.
If the Bears can’t work out a contract extension with Johnson, the anticipated franchise tag for a cornerback is $18,410,000. Jaylon’s current cap number added to the savings created by cutting Jackson is shy of that number.
Another player Ryan Poles must make a decision on is Darnell Mooney. He is slated to become an Unrestricted free agent after this season.
One thing is certain. Poles has done amazing work with cap management while rebuilding Chicago’s roster. Expect more of the same next season.
