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The Chicago Bears have been one of the most active teams in the NFL this offseason as they continue to build for the future. With a significant amount of cap space now available, they are poised to make major moves in free agency, the NFL Draft, and potentially through trades. The Bears have made a couple of key decisions recently, cutting defensive players such as linebacker Alec Ogletree and safety Deon Bush, as well as parting ways with other veterans, including wide receiver Damiere Byrd. However, the most notable moves came with the release of tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive linemen Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman. These moves have put the Bears in a much stronger financial position, with the team now approaching a staggering $80 million in salary cap space.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the Bears’ recent moves, the implications of the salary cap changes, and how the team can use this newfound flexibility to strengthen their roster in the coming months.

### Why The Bears Are Cutting Veterans

The decision to cut veteran players like Jimmy Graham, Akiem Hicks, and Eddie Goldman may have been difficult for the organization, but it was a necessary step to create financial flexibility. The Bears have undergone a shift in their organizational strategy under general manager Ryan Poles, who took over the reins in 2022. Poles has made it clear that he is committed to building a long-term contender, and that means prioritizing younger, cheaper players who can develop alongside quarterback Justin Fields.

One of the most important decisions Poles has made is focusing on clearing cap space to invest in future talent. Cutting veteran players with large contracts, like Graham and Hicks, who were no longer performing at an elite level, frees up funds that can be redirected into key areas of need.

For example, Jimmy Graham, despite his past success as a touchdown machine for the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, had become a shadow of his former self in Chicago. The 35-year-old tight end was not playing the same role he once did, and his cap hit for the 2022 season was significant. By parting ways with Graham, the Bears saved a considerable amount of cap space that can now be invested in younger players or potential free-agent signings.

Akiem Hicks, a defensive lineman who had been with the Bears since 2016, was another player whose production had declined in recent years due to injuries. Hicks was a cornerstone of the Bears’ defense for several seasons, but with injuries limiting his playing time in 2021, the team realized that they needed to move on and focus on the future. Cutting Hicks freed up another chunk of cap space, allowing the team to pursue younger defensive linemen in the draft or free agency.

Similarly, Eddie Goldman, a starting nose tackle, had become a less impactful player due to injuries and age. While Goldman had been a key player for the Bears’ defensive front in previous years, his release was another move made to save cap space and shift the focus toward youth.

These cuts were part of a broader strategy by Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus to reshape the team’s roster. Rather than continue to pay older, injury-prone players, the Bears are prioritizing younger, more promising talent who can contribute to the team’s success in the long term.

### What $80 Million In Cap Space Means for the Bears

With the Bears now sitting on nearly $80 million in available cap space, they are in a fantastic position to make moves this offseason. The team has the second-most cap space in the league, behind only the Jacksonville Jaguars. This financial flexibility gives them the ability to be aggressive in the upcoming free-agent market and possibly make significant trades.

#### Free Agency: Targeting Key Positions of Need

The most immediate way the Bears can use their cap space is by signing free agents to help address the roster’s weaknesses. Chicago has several areas of need, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at wide receiver.

1. **Offensive Line**: The Bears’ offensive line has been a point of frustration for several seasons. While they have some young talent, such as left tackle Teven Jenkins and center Cody Whitehair, they still need to make improvements to protect Justin Fields. A strong offensive line is essential for the development of a young quarterback, and Poles could target high-profile offensive linemen in free agency to help bolster this unit. Players like Orlando Brown Jr., an elite left tackle who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, could be a realistic target if the Bears want to improve their pass protection immediately.

2. **Wide Receiver**: While Darnell Mooney is a solid weapon on the outside, the Bears’ wide receiver group is one of the weakest in the league. The team has had difficulty attracting top-tier wide receivers in recent years, but with a massive cap space advantage, they could target marquee free agents such as DeAndre Hopkins or even look to younger, emerging talents like JuJu Smith-Schuster or Michael Gallup. A true No. 1 wide receiver would provide Fields with the weaponry he needs to take the next step in his development.

3. **Defensive Line**: The Bears have already made moves to reshape their defense, but adding depth and talent to the defensive line remains crucial. With Hicks and Goldman gone, Chicago will likely look to add players who can both stop the run and pressure the quarterback. Free agents like Jarran Reed or Fletcher Cox could provide the Bears with the veteran leadership and production needed to solidify their defensive front.

#### The NFL Draft: Building for the Future

In addition to free agency, the Bears will have a lot of capital to use in the upcoming NFL Draft. With nearly $80 million in cap space, Poles could opt to address both short-term and long-term needs through the draft, using his financial flexibility to take calculated risks and develop young players.

The Bears will likely focus on adding to their offensive line, defensive line, and wide receiver corps, but they could also target a linebacker or secondary player to improve their defense. With this amount of cap space, Poles has the luxury of making bold decisions, whether it’s trading up for a high-impact player or potentially trading down to acquire more picks for the future.

One key decision the Bears will face in the draft is whether to select a wide receiver early in the first round or prioritize strengthening their offensive line. There are several high-profile wide receivers entering the draft, such as Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson or Alabama’s Jameson Williams, who could be instant playmakers in the NFL. The Bears need to decide whether it’s worth investing a top pick in a wide receiver or whether bolstering the line and developing Fields’ chemistry with the current receiving group is a more prudent choice.

### The Future of the Bears

With the offseason moves made so far, the Bears are positioning themselves to be competitive in the NFC North in the near future. By cutting aging veterans and freeing up significant cap space, they have set themselves up to build a roster around Justin Fields that can be competitive for years to come. The flexibility in the salary cap allows Poles to be strategic in how he adds talent and depth to the roster, whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or trade opportunities.

Poles has made it clear that he is building the team with an eye on the future, and these recent moves reflect a long-term vision for the franchise. The focus will be on developing Fields into the franchise quarterback that the Bears have lacked for years, and supporting him with the right talent and coaching.

### Conclusion

The Chicago Bears are poised to make a splash this offseason with nearly $80 million in cap space. After cutting several veteran players, the team has given itself the financial flexibility to address critical areas of need through free agency and the NFL Draft. Whether the Bears look to improve their offensive line, add a top-tier wide receiver, or bolster their defensive front, they have the resources to make the moves necessary to build a team capable of competing for playoff spots in the near future. With Ryan Poles at the helm, the Bears’ future looks promising, and 2023 could be a pivotal year in their rebuild.