Insider Says Chicago Bears Could Have More Moves Planned After Draft

Following some minor moves that included the acquisition of offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, reserve linebacker Isaiah Irving, and special teamer DeAndre Houston-Carson, the Chicago Bears have gone silent on the free agent market. Expectations are they're pretty much out of money at this point and must reserve every penny they have left to secure their upcoming NFL draft class.

The truth is a bit different though. Recent news revealed that the trade for quarterback Nick Foles involved significant restructuring of his contract. One that lowers his salary cap hit to a benign $5.333 million. According to Overthecap.com, this leaves the Bears with $10.8 million in cap space. They could add more if they chose to restructure bigger contracts they have such as Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman.

This would explain why Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune believes the Bears might not quite be done adding pieces in free agency.

"The Bears certainly have some flexibility with salary-cap space and could make a run at another veteran or two. A lot of times, when teams are a couple of weeks out from the draft, they put free agency on hold. They want to see what pieces they can add to the puzzle via the draft.

Then they reassess their needs, consider remaining free agents and peruse the veterans who get cut after the draft. General manager Ryan Pace could be taking that approach, knowing the marketplace will not change dramatically between now and after the draft."

Chicago Bears wise to play the waiting game now

Pace showing restraint in this instant is a smart decision. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a lot of players who would probably be signed by now remain available. This is because it's difficult for teams to conduct physicals with NFL medical staffs lacking access to their facilities. By waiting until after the draft and likely the May 3rd deadline when all free agents no longer apply to the 2021 compensatory draft pick formula, the Bears can possibly secure one or two more quality veterans at a bargain.

Here are some names who are still available that might interest them:

• WR Jermaine Kearse
• OG Kelechi Osemele
• OG Mike Person
• OT Cordy Glenn
• DT Damon Harrison
• EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
• EDGE Markus Golden
• EDGE Everson Griffen
• EDGE Ezekiel Ansah
• ILB Deone Bucannon
• ILB Preston Brown
• ILB Nigel Bradham
• CB Logan Ryan
• CB Ross Cockrell
• CB Darqueze Dennard
• CB Eli Apple
• CB Beshaud Breeland
• S Tony Jefferson
• S Eric Reid
• S Reshad Jones

Obviously there is still a lot of talent out there. Guys who could start for teams right now and their price tags are almost certain to be cheap after the draft. Pace knows this and is showing the proper patience required. Don't be surprised if one of those names ends up in a Bears uniform at some point after the draft concludes on the 25th.