At the start of the day on March 4th, 2019, Chicago Bears free agency plans seemed rather clear. Their cap situation dictated the likelihood that would remain focused on keeping their own players. In this case both Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan. It seemed unlikely there would be anybody of consequence on the market this year they might be willing to pry open the coffers for.
In the space of less than one hour prior to the franchise tag deadline, that may have changed in a huge way. It started with Matt Verderame of FanSided breaking the news that the Kansas City Chiefs would be releasing veteran pass rusher Justin Houston. A bit of a shock but also understandable. The team has a host of young talent that needs new deals. Houston is 30-years old and would’ve commanded a $20 million cap hit in 2019.
Before people even had a chance to breathe though, the next bomb dropped. The New York Giants reportedly decided that they would not franchise tag three-time Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins. Suddenly two players who could do potentially devastating damage in Chicago became available.
The #Chiefs are releasing Justin Houston, per source.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) March 4, 2019
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The #Giants are viewed as unlikely to franchise tag safety Landon Collins, sources tell @KimJonesSports and me. They love the player but view the tag number as too high. If this holds, he’s expected to be free.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2019
Chicago Bears free agency plans have to change with Houston and Collins
People can often get obsessed with salary cap numbers. However, experts around teams are always quick to point out that if teams are truly motivated, they can find the money they need. Either Houston or Collins can and should prove this theory true for the Bears. According to OverTheCap.com, they have just over $13.6 million in cap space. That would be barely enough to fit either player’s likely new contract.
The problem becomes filling out the several other roster spots with virtually no money left. There are ways around this. GM Ryan Pace could make to where the first year of their contract commands a low cap hit centered around guaranteed money and roster bonuses. He can also turn some of the big deals signed by Khalil Mack and Allen Robinson into bonuses as well, creating more space for this year.
If Houston is their target they could cut Sam Acho for an additional $2 million to make things a little easier. The 30-year old has 18.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Leonard Floyd? He has 15.5 in his entire career. As dangerous as the Bears pass rush was with Mack and Floyd. It would be many times more so with Houston.
Collins? He’s one of the best box safeties in the NFL with tremendous instinct and tackling ability. He has also proven more skilled in coverage with eight career interceptions to Amos’ three. To top it off, he’s a former teammate of Eddie Jackson from their time at Alabama. It isn’t a hard sell from that point of view, provided the Bears can meet the necessary price range.
