The Chicago Bears enter this offseason with more than just momentum from a playoff run-they’ve got a golden opportunity. With a roster full of pending free agents, a handful of potential trade chips, and nearly $86 million in potential cap flexibility, general manager Ryan Poles is sitting on one of the most intriguing offseason toolkits in the NFL.
Let’s start with the financials. According to Over The Cap, the Bears rank seventh in the league in potential contract restructures, with a projected $85.9 million in flexibility.
That doesn’t mean they’ll use every dollar, but it does mean Poles has options-real options-to reshape this roster in a meaningful way. Whether it’s freeing up $30 to $40 million through restructures or making strategic cuts and trades, the Bears have the room to maneuver.
And maneuvering will be necessary. Right now, the team is technically $5.3 million over the cap.
But that number is more of a starting point than a roadblock. With no massive quarterback contract on the books-Caleb Williams is still on his rookie deal-the Bears are in a rare position: competitive, talented, and financially flexible.
That flexibility is going to be key with so many players hitting free agency. Veterans like Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, C.J.
Gardner-Johnson, and D’Marco Jackson are all set to hit the open market. Retaining even a few of them would require some cap creativity, but it’s doable-and it might be necessary if the Bears want to build on last season’s defensive identity.
At the same time, don’t be surprised if Poles takes a hard look at the offensive side of the ball too. Players like DJ Moore, D’Andre Swift, and Cole Kmet could be on the move-either via trade or release-as the front office looks to retool around Williams and maximize the young quarterback’s window.
Then there’s the potential for a splash. Chicago has been linked to star pass rushers like Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby-both of whom would command top-tier contracts in the $30 million per year range.
If the Bears want to chase one of those names, they’ve got the financial leeway to make it happen. And when you consider the impact a dominant edge rusher could have on this defense, it’s a move worth exploring.
The bottom line: the Bears are in a prime position. They’ve got cap flexibility, a young QB on a rookie deal, and a playoff-caliber foundation.
This offseason isn’t just about filling holes-it’s about taking a leap. If Ryan Poles makes the right moves, Chicago could go from postseason participant to legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2026.
The window is wide open. Now it’s about how aggressively the Bears decide to walk through it.