The Most Important Chicago Bears Contract Situations To Know About

There are a number of Chicago Bears contract situations going into 2018. As things stand, 43 players on the current roster have a deal that will expire next year. That's almost half the entire depth chart. Granted some of those players will be cut before this season even begins but it will still be a huge number. More than ever it's clear the front office will not hand out long-term deals to players who don't earn it. That being said it could be argued that they should really think about getting a head start on a number of names who may leave next year. Names who appear, at least on the surface, like they might play a big role in the Bears' future. Of course not all contracts are created equal. Here is a rundown of the biggest names to watch looking towards January.

Cameron Meredith (24-years old)

Recent thumb injury aside, the general consensus among most Bears fans and media is that wide receiver Cameron Meredith is the best at that position the team has. Everybody else including Kevin White, Markus Wheaton and Victor Cruz have serious health concerns in their background. Meredith had over 800 yards last season and appears to be trending up. Hopes are high that he's an emerging stud for the team. His undrafted rookie contract will be up after this season. No doubt he's hoping for a substantial pay raise. The only way he gets it from Pace though is if he stays on the field and performs.

Charles Leno Jr. (25-years old)

The Bears haven't been shy about showing their confidence in left tackle Charles Leno over the past two seasons. Both of which they've refused to invest at during the draft. GM Ryan Pace remained steadfast that the team believes in the young blocker and his potential. Thus far the results weren't terrible. Leno has had some good games over that span, but he's still inconsistent. This 2017 will be his biggest opportunity to take that next step. If he can, then the Bears will have to do everything possible to ensure he stays put. If he can't? Then they might have to go left tackle hunting in 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwZ9MlVlV88

Akiem Hicks (27-years old)

Something people have learned about Pace is he's never going to be that guy who jumps the gun on a new contract. Alshon Jeffery proves that much. A lot of voices are already calling for him to extend defensive end Akiem Hicks, who is entering the final year of his two-year deal he signed last season. He's coming off a career-high seven sacks and was the best, most reliable player on defense. By not extending him the Bears are basically telling him to do it again. If he does, it's almost certain they'll try to give him that big extension he covets. They better be careful though. Hicks has already shown he doesn't mind playing for new teams.

Kyle Fuller (25-years old)

Perhaps the cloudiest contract issue to monitor is the one regarding former first round pick Kyle Fuller. Many are still hopeful he can become a solid contributor in the secondary. Towards the end of 2015 he was playing well. Then he injured his knee last offseason and missed the rest of the year. People aren't sure what to expect from the 25-year old. The Bears chose not to exercise his fifth-year contract option. So if he falters again he'll be a free agent next season. There are few players on the roster with more to prove than him. Chicago would love nothing more than to see him make a comeback.

Vic Fangio

This is no doubt the one contract issue that has Bears fans very nervous. Among the team coaching staff, fans believe defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is the one who has performed the best. By a wide margin. Despite a myriad of injury problems and talent gaps, the defense has finished in the top 15 for two-straight seasons. It's proof that he truly is one of the best coaching minds on the defensive side of the ball, and one they don't want to let slip away. Whether he wants to stay in Chicago remains a mystery. He would love to achieve his dream of becoming a head coach but until that time comes many hope he's willing to stick around until that time comes.