There is no doubt that the Bears are planning to do some serious spending in free agency this year. Maybe not a ton of blockbuster moves, but action is expected. In order to do that they’ll need salary cap space. Latest estimates are they’ll have upwards of $51 million, which is plenty to work with. However, there is a growing believe that more will be opened up quite soon. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, two names are already expected to get the boot before the market opens.
“I am also curious to see what happens with veteran outside linebacker Lamarr Houston, who is working his way back from a torn ACL for the second time in three years. Houston, who turns 30 in June, has appeared in only 26 games since joining the Bears in 2014 because of the knee injuries. Houston has a base salary of $5.95 million for the 2017 season with a $50,000 workout bonus, meaning he is on the books for $6 million.
None of the money is guaranteed. One source said the team has approached Houston about taking a pay cut while another source flatly denied that. Houston’s camp alerted teams that he could potentially be released at this time last year but that didn’t happen and the Bears viewed him as quality depth.”
After a second bad knee injury in two years, it’s unlikely the Bears will keep him at his current price. The same issue goes for wide receiver Eddie Royal.
“The Bears are expected to terminate the contract of veteran wide receiver Eddie Royal. However, they cannot do that until Royal can pass a physical. Royal underwent surgery on his left foot in late December to repair a turf toe injury. Royal, who turns 31 in May, has a base salary of $5 million in 2017 but he does not figure to be in the Bears’ plans. He made 33 receptions for 369 yards and two touchdowns last season. Royal earned $10 million over the last two seasons.”
It really is a shame about these two because they’ve shown a capability to produce when healthy. In 2015 Houston was one of the most reliable pass rushers Chicago had, posting eight sacks. This past season Royal was their most explosive playmaker in the passing games. The problem, of course was he couldn’t stay on the field for any consistent length of time.
They may not be alone either. Jay Cutler is reported most likely to get released by the Bears according to multiple sources. Those three coming off the books would give the team over $72 million in cap space. One can only the imagine what Pace and the front office might be able to pull off with that chunk of change.
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