The Chicago Bears have a chance to seriously upgrade the roster this off-season thanks to resources GM Ryan Poles has carefully hoarded over the past three years. He has eight draft picks, including four in the first three rounds. That will also include what was thought to be around $64 million in cap space. However, it appears those numbers were undersold. Pat McAfee revealed on his show that the 2025 salary cap projected is out. Apparently, it is set to be around $275 million.
If that is true, the Bears would end up with $67 million in space rather than $64 million. They also have plenty of ways to create even more. By cutting Gerald Everett and Ryan Bates alone, they would gain an additional $9.4 million. Kevin Byard would generate another $6.97 million. Suffice it to say the Bears are in a great position to make a splash this March if they wish.
The Chicago Bears have tried to avoid reckless spending.
GM Ryan Poles has said he wishes to build through the draft, and that hasn't changed. However, even he has to recognize that this upcoming season carries a ton of pressure after three straight losing records. The Chicago Bears must do everything in their power to fortify this roster with front-line talent. While it is unlikely Poles would go crazy with multiple blockbuster deals, there is a realistic possibility he takes one or two big swings. They would probably be in the trenches. Trey Smith, Drew Dalman, Josh Sweat, and Malcolm Koonce are all names worth watching. There will be plenty of competition. New England, Las Vegas, Washington, and Arizona each have more cap space and good reasons to spend. It should be a fun spring. What they accomplish will set the stage for what could be a consequential 2025 draft.
