The latest Chicago Bears 2020 mock offseason finally has a little more to go on. Some of the key contract issues are out of the way and the coaching staff is going in a clear direction. It's becoming easier to gauge where GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy plan to go with things. It's just a matter of determining how aggressive they will or will not be. Given how things went in 2019? One can expect they won't be entirely silent.
Resources will be tight this year, so it might take some creativity for them to get more. Not to mention a few necessary sacrifices. Here is the latest breakdown of how things could go for them and why it would make the team significantly better going into a pivotal year for all the big names involved.
Chicago Bears 2020 offseason will be all offense
Cuts:
Kyle Long ($8.1 million)
Every indication over the past couple of months says Kyle Long has played his last down for the Bears. Maybe in the NFL period. His body has suffered a series of debilitating breakdowns from injuries. He isn't the player he was five years ago and the team can't afford to wait for him any longer. They need guys who can stay available.
Prince Amukamara ($8 million)
The injury issues that plagued Amukamara towards the end of 2019, coupled with the solid play of backup Kevin Toliver were likely enough to convince the Bears they should thank the veteran corner for his services and move on. His contract is much too expensive for what he gave them this season anyway.
Salary cap: $31.73 million
Re-signings/Extensions:
Allen Robinson - 4-year extension for $68 million
Eddie Jackson already got his new deal. So the Bears are now free to focus on the other key player going into the last year of his contract in Robinson. While not quite an "elite" receiver by NFL standard, his value to the team is impossible to calculate. Easily their best player this season and still just 26-years old. Paying him $17 million per year is worth it.
Danny Trevathan - 2-year deal for $12 million
A lot of people will be shocked by this. Why not just extend the younger Nick Kwiatkoski who has played so well? The simple answer is financial. Kwiatkoski will likely demand upwards of $8 million per year. That's not huge but it does present problems what with Jackson just getting his deal. Not to mention the likely cost it will be to keep Roquan Smith after 2020. By securing Trevathan to a cheaper deal, they buy themselves time to find another young option down the line.
Leonard Floyd - 3-year deal for $21 million
A lot of people won't be happy about this for obvious reasons. Floyd has been a major disappointment as a pass rusher. Still, the team believes he brings value as a run defender and coverage linebacker. This is why they negotiate a new deal at a more manageable price than the $13.222 million he would've made on his 5th-year option.
Deon Bush - 1-year deal for $900,000
Bush looked strong in the preseason last year and showed signs of considerable growth when given opportunities during the regular season. This move is basically a prove-it deal. Bush will have a genuine chance to start and become the strong safety next to Jackson.
Kevin Pierre-Louis - 1-year deal for $900,000
The exit of Kwiatkoski makes the retaining of Pierre-Louis even more important. He looked strong as a backup near the end of the season and has added value on special teams. This deal gives him a slight pay raise.
Roy Robertson-Harris - 1-year deal for $2.144 million (RFA tender)
He wasn't able to have that breakout year many thought was coming after his dominant opening night against Green Bay. Even so, Robertson-Harris is still a quality rotational defensive lineman the Bears should keep.
Rashaad Coward - 1-year deal for $660,000 (ERFA tender)
Is he the future starter at guard for the Bears? It's hard to believe that is the case. Coward did a fine job filling in for the injured Long but he seemed to not take any notable steps forward as the season went on. He looks like a guy who can be a cheap backup.
J.P. Holtz - 1-year deal for $585,000 (ERFA tender)
The veteran tight end proved to be a nice, little find for the Bears. He became not only a decent receiving threat but also their stand-in at fullback to block for David Montgomery. Players like that should be kept around.
Patrick Scales - 1-year deal for $900,000
He's may not get the headlines but Scales remains a steady and dependable snapper for the Bears. Give him a decent raise from last year and move along.
Salary cap: $25.868 million
Trades:
Taylor Gabriel to the New York Jets for a 6th round pick
Frustrations around Gabriel were prevalent this season. Not only did he suffer from drop issues, but he also ended the year missing several games with a concussion. The Bears need a shakeup at wide receiver while the Jets are looking for more speed at the position with Robbie Anderson leaving. They can easily handle his contract and give up little in return.
Salary cap: $30.368 million
Free agency:
Joe Thuney - 5-year deal for $55 million ($8 million cap hit in first year)
Quietly one of the best guards in the NFL in 2019. Thuney played a full 16 games for the New England Patriots without committing a single penalty. He also didn't allow a sack. The Bears covet interior blockers, especially in pass protection. By adding him they have themselves a strong trio alongside Cody Whitehair and James Daniels. All who will be 28 or younger going into next season.
Travis Benjamin - 1-year deal for $3 million
Removing Gabriel from the equation leaves the Bears with a serious lack of speed at receiver. Signing the veteran Benjamin eases that problem He's had injury issues dating back to 2018 but still shows plenty of juice in those legs when healthy. His price tag is also quite cheap.
Levine Toilolo - 1-year deal for $900,000
While a pass-catching tight end would be preferable, the blocking also wasn't much help from that position either. Toilolo isn't anything flashy. Still, he's quietly been one of the better blockers in the NFL the past few years. If the Bears want to get back to playing a little more physical, he can be a big help.
Bashaud Breeland - 1-year deal for $4 million
The veteran cornerback has done some pretty good work this past season for the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterbacks are completing just 48.4% of their passes thrown in his direction. This deal allows him to double his money and sets him up for a possible massive payday in 2021.
Jeremiah Attaochu - 1-year deal for $1 million
A former 2nd round pick, Attaochu never really got a fair shot in four years with the Chargers. Then he spent another wallowing in New York. Not until 2019 did he get a fair chance with Vic Fangio in Denver. Over the final five games when he became a starter, he delivered 3.5 sacks and five QB hits.
Miles Killebrew - 2-year deal for $4 million
Those who haven't notice yet will realize that Sherrick McManis will not return. This puts a big hole on special teams for the Bears. One they swiftly fill from Killebrew who had 15 tackles this year with the rival Detroit Lions.
Salary cap: $11.468 million
The Draft:
2nd round (via OAK) - Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Remember that receiving tight end the Bears sorely need? Here he is. Hopkins was a legitimate weapon for the Boilermakers, catching 61 passes for 830 yards and seven touchdowns. He has good size and length, shows speed and ability to run route while possessing a pair of strong hands for making most catches look routine.
- Trade: #50 pick and 4th rounder to Dolphins for #62 pick and 3rd rounder
- Trade: #62 pick to Bengals for #65 pick and 5th round pick
3rd round (via CIN) - Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
Chicago fans might be reluctant to try on another Boise State pass rusher after the Shea McClellin experience. Weaver though is far more proven. He has a natural affinity for the job, posting 34 sacks in three years. Not to mention 47.5 tackles for loss. This guy just knows how to get into the backfield. Something the Bears need more of.
- Trade: #70 pick to Raiders for a #80 pick and 4th round pick
3rd round (via OAK) - Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Fromm could best be called the anti-Trubisky. He's not overly athletic and doesn't boast a strong arm. However, his ability to read defenses and hit his receivers from the pocket are hard to argue. He is known for being a relentless competitor and won't be the type to just sit back and accept being a backup. He'll challenge Trubisky from the outset.
4th round (via OAK) - Trey Adams, OT, Washington
Just last year, many felt Adams was poised to go in the 1st round. So what happened? Injuries, basically. He suffered a number of them. So his durability is in question. When he's able to play though he's a giant of a tackle who thrives in pass protection.
5th round (via CIN) - Deommodore Lenoir, CB, Oregon
Depth at cornerback is something the Bears need to keep building. Lenoir is an athletic and determined corner who plays tough against receivers and isn't afraid to do his part while tackling. He still needs work on consistency.
5th round - Jeff Thomas, WR, Miami
Remember that thing mentioned earlier about speed? The Bears decide to double down here with Thomas. He never really got a chance to showcase his ability in some bad Miami offensive systems but the speed and YAC ability are there. He has the potential to be a far better pro.
6th round (via NYJ) - Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
One of those big, talented defensive lineman who doesn't have the stats to back him up. Hamilton had six sacks as a senior for the Buckeyes but his tape and ability say he should've had more.
6th round - Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland
Remember Kerrith Whyte? Basically McFarland is the 2020 version. A fast and agile running back who never got a lot of opportunities to shine because he played in a deep backfield.
7th round - Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
One of those small school prospects who clearly has that big-fish-in-small-pond looks. He's every bit of 6'2, plays physical, and is a good athlete in coverage. His final year saw him deliver 76 tackles and three interceptions. The upside is there. Can the Bears tap into it?
