Bears Expected To Go All-In On This Top 2018 Free Agent

Thus far GM Ryan Pace isn't known for throwing big money at a top NFL free agent. It's been rumored that he's had the Chicago Bears in on several notable names the past couple years. However, most of the time they were outbid by another team. That said, things are expected to be different in 2018. Pace has a new coaching staff in place headlined by Matt Nagy and a young quarterback in Mitch Trubisky to build around. Pace knows the situation. From here on the honeymoon period is over for him. He has to start winning games as soon as possible. That means he's likely to take an aggressive stance in free agency. More so than he has in the past. The good news is he's kept the salary cap nice and healthy for just this occasion. As of now, the Bears are projected to have over $41 million in cap space come this March. That number could easily jump to almost $70 million with a rollover from last year and a few expected cuts. In other words, Chicago has more than enough cash to do damage. It's a matter of figuring out who they want to go after. One name is gaining some steam.

Bears believed to be gearing up for run at top 2018 free agent Jarvis Landry

Wide receiver is likely at the top of the Bears' wishlist this off-season. For obvious reasons. They were the worst passing offense in the NFL in 2017. They managed just 3,085 yards with Kendall Wright the leading receiver at 614. That won't cut it. If Trubisky is going to take the next step, he needs actual weapons. Looking towards free agency, the big name to watch is Jarvis Landry. The 25-year old is a two-time Pro Bowler and viewed as arguably the best slot receiver in the league. He is head and shoulder better than anybody on the Bears roster. According to indicators, the team knows this and may be planning a run at him.

Much of how this plays out will depend on what the Miami Dolphins do with Landry. Word is they're trying to negotiate a possible extension with him. Thus far it seems progress hasn't come. They don't have a lot of cap flexibility to use the franchise tag either. I reached out to a source about this situation and was informed the following.

"Landry is asking for crazy money and talks with the Dolphins have been described as "on and off."

Pace may still try the bargain route

He went on to say the Bears are currently watching the rosters of other teams, seeing if some quality receivers might be released. Two names that have already been mentioned recently are Jeremy Maclin and Demaryius Thomas. It's believed, at least for now, that Chicago might try to scoop one or both if released so as to avoid making an expensive run at someone like Landry. That said, it was made clear.

"In the event it doesn't happen they will be "in front of the line" for Landry, Allen Robinson, and Paul Richardson."

A combination of Maclin and Thomas wouldn't be a homerun move by the Bears, but it would be a considerable upgrade from what they have. There are several moving parts to this situation. A lot will depend on what happens over the next month.