It appears the Chicago Bears have no plans to sit idle even as the offseason enters its later stages. They’ve been active on the free agent circuit, expressing interest in a number of top veterans still available. Among them include cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Bashaud Breeland. Joining them is right tackle Morgan Moses.
While being interested in these players is a good thing since all have worthwhile talent. The problem for the Bears is money. Even with $9 million arriving thanks to the release of Charles Leno, they still need to sign their draft picks. That doesn’t leave them much room to maneuver. So either they have to hope one of those veterans would accept a cheaper deal or they have to find more cap space.
Here are a few moves they can still consider.
Chicago Bears still have a few moves within reach
Allen Robinson extension ($10-12 million)
If the Bears want a large influx of immediate space, their best chance is to finally figure out an extension for their star receiver. Long-term contracts can easily be backloaded, meaning Pace would be able to drop the large $17.98 million franchise tag number to something much more palatable. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bears could lower it by anywhere from $10-12 million without much trouble. This alone would solve any issues.
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Will it happen?
The possibility remains. Probability on the other hand is difficult to say. Robinson and the Bears have been locked in a standoff for months. The receiver clearly has a number in mind that he wants and thus far the team hasn’t been willing to meet it. Both sides have until mid-July to work something out. When it comes to fans, there isn’t much optimism.
Jimmy Graham release ($7 million)
Many didn’t expect the 34-year old to have the season he had in 2020, making nine touchdown catches. It was a pleasant surprise. Even so, there were plenty of predictions that Graham would be released this offseason due to the Bears’ cap issues. When it didn’t happen, the only assumption was because they might land Russell Wilson in a trade. Well, that didn’t happen and Graham is still on the roster.
Will it happen?
Unlikely. In truth, the Chicago Bears’ tight end position might be one of the thinnest on the entire roster. Graham turns 35 this year. Cole Kmet has plenty of promise but beyond them? It gets barren quickly. J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted are the only other two commodities with any sort of experience. One ill-placed injury and they could be in trouble. So it is almost guaranteed Graham isn’t going anywhere.
Nick Foles trade ($4 million)
With the June 1st deadline passing, the prospects of trading Foles become somewhat easier. Teams acquiring him won’t have to pay any more guarantees in his contract and the Bears would secure a decent salary cap return. Foles would serve as a nice #3 on the depth chart but the fact is he isn’t necessary. Matt Nagy has typically carried just two quarterbacks on the main roster. Slots already occupied by Andy Dalton and Justin Fields.
Will it happen?
It is likely the Bears will continue to try. Not many teams out there have a pressing need for a veteran backup quarterback. That could change over the next couple of months. If so, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they took a late round pick for him. Though Foles still has some value on the roster, it just isn’t enough to justify the amount of money he’s being paid.
Anthony Miller and Javon Wims releases ($2.13 million)
Pace and Nagy worked hard this offseason to create more competition at wide receiver with additions like Marquise Goodwin, Damiere Byrd, and Dazz Newsome. Much of this due to how disappointing Miller and Wims were in 2020. Though both are former draft picks, the protect that afforded them is long gone now. Miller remains on the trade block and Wims can’t exactly be considered a lock to stay on the roster.
Will it happen?
Of all the possibilities in play, this one is the most likely. Neither would be a difficult move to pull off and it’s not like they’re irreplaceable. The Bears spent the past couple of months making sure of that. If the team feels like it needs an extra $2 million of wiggle room, then those two could be sent packing without much concern on what their absences might bring.
