The Chicago Bears are in no position to start panicking. They're 3-2 and remain in the mix for the playoffs. They have one of the best defenses in the league. If they can just get their offense up to even average standards, there's no reason to think they can't make another postseason run. With that said, it's hard not to feel like this roster configuration will survive beyond 2019. Not just because of several players set to become free agents, but also quite a few who will enter the final year of their contracts.
GM Ryan Pace is a pragmatist. If he feels changes are needed, he's never been shy about making them. Based on the current configuration, there is a list of players who will see their situations change, either for the better or for the worse. So it's time to do an evaluation of every notable name worth mentioning. Who is likely to get cuts, who might see an extension, and who could be put on the trade block?
Be prepared for one or two surprises.
Chicago Bears could do some major retooling in 2020
Cut:
Kyle Long
Only sadness is felt in regard to this decision. Long was arguably one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL back in 2015. That changed when he suffered that terrible ankle injury the next year. His body seemed to steadily break down after that. This will mark the fourth-straight year the veteran guard ends up on injured reserve, this time with a hip ailment. He'll be 32-years old next year and it would not be a shock if he simply decides to retire. The Bears would save $8.1 million in salary cap space with this move.
Prince Amukamara
Another veteran who has age coming into the picture. Amukamara turns 31-years old in June next year. He's also not off to the best start so far this year. Quarterbacks have a 120.3 passer rating when throwing in his direction. He also hasn't managed a single interception. While not nearly as big of a liability as Long, it may prove difficult to justify paying him $10 million in 2020. The Bears would save $8 million by deciding to part ways instead. This will certainly put cornerback high on their list of priorities.
Cordarrelle Patterson
Signing the versatile receiver came with a clear aim. To upgrade their kickoff return capability. He's done that so far, averaging 29 yards per return. He's also been good as a gunner on coverage as well. The question is whether that's worth $5.75 million. Patterson has one big play on offense to this point in the season and that was courtesy of an end-around. It's hard not to feel like that money can be put to better use upgrading more important positions on the roster.
Keep:
Allen Robinson
The Bears have to have seen enough by now. Allen Robinson is far and away the best player on that offense. It's not even close. Despite rampant QB issues, he's still on course for over 1,000 yards in 2019. Next year will be his last on his current contract. A decision he made back in 2018 out of belief he could turn the short-term deal into a bigger payday down the road. He just turned 26 after all. It's proving to be a wise decision. Chicago should do the smart thing and work to lock him up long-term. It'll be expensive, but he's already shown he's worth it.
Eddie Jackson
He hasn't made any big plays yet this season. That should not deter the Bears though. Eddie Jackson remains one of the most dangerous safeties in the league. He's been close to a number of big plays. It feels like a matter of time. His value to the secondary can't be understated. He showed what he was capable of last season. His athleticism and his instincts are elite. This is another big extension the team must ensure gets done so as to maintain their strong core on defense moving forward.
Pat O'Donnell
Hey, specialists deserve their money too. People have piled on punter Pat O'Donnell a lot over the years for his consistency issues. It would seem he's finally grown out of them in his sixth season. The 28-year old is off to easily the best start of his career, averaging 47 yards per punt with eight downed inside the 20 and only one touchback. He's been an unexpected weapon for the Bears in the field position battle. One the offense needs to do more to exploit. He will have one year left on his current deal but it shouldn't be hard or expensive to offer an extension.
Trade:
Leonard Floyd
He started out with two sacks when the season began against Green Bay. It's mid-October now. Leonard Floyd still only has two sacks. The Bears have stayed patient with their former 1st round pick through injury setbacks and inconsistent play in hopes he'd finally figure things out. He hasn't. He remains the occasional flash player who is a great athlete but not a true hunter of quarterbacks. The Bears should really think about dealing him to another team, taking a draft pick and $13 million in cap space and searching for options elsewhere.
Tarik Cohen
This one probably sounds crazy so let's break it down. Tarik Cohen is a phenomenal punt returner and a versatile weapon on offense. The problem is, he's still a part-time player at the end of the day. With the money the Bears will likely sink into Jackson and Robinson, can they afford to give Cohen a substantial payday as well? It's not impossible, but it does feel like they might be better served selling him while his value is likely never to be higher. There are plenty of teams who would have interest in his services.
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