Running the Chicago Bears Offseason in GM Mode

I took over the Chicago Bears in GM Mode with a clear objective: turn a negative cap situation into real flexibility while strengthening key areas of the roster.

The result was a disciplined, cap-focused offseason that created major financial breathing room without sacrificing talent.

The Big Picture

• Starting Cap Space: -$4.1M
• Final Cap Space: $42.9M
• Contracts Restructured: 12
• Free Agents Signed: 3
• Draft Picks: 7
• Overall Grade: A-

Flipping -$4.1M into nearly $43M in cap space was the foundation of this entire offseason.

Restructures (12)

• DJ Moore (+$16.7M)
• Montez Sweat (+$9.8M)
• Joe Thuney (+$7.4M)
• Dayo Odeyingbo (+$7.2M)
• Jaylon Johnson (+$6.9M)
• Jonah Jackson (+$6.8M)
• Grady Jarrett (+$6.5M)
• Kyler Gordon (+$5.9M)
• Drew Dalman (+$4.9M)
• Cole Kmet (+$3.8M)
• Tyson Bagent (+$1.4M)
• T.J. Edwards (+$3.5M)

These moves powered the cap turnaround and gave the Bears long-term flexibility.

Free Agency Additions

Three targeted moves were made in free agency:

Jaquan Brisker (S) – 2 years / $16.1M APY (Re-signing)
A long-term commitment to keep a core piece of the secondary in place.

Alontae Taylor (CB) – 1 year / $9.4M APY
Short-term defensive backfield depth.

Jaelan Phillips (EDGE) – 1 year / $8.4M APY
Pass rush help on a manageable deal.

Draft Class

Seven selections focused on defensive depth and offensive balance.

Round 1 – Pick 25
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)

Round 2 – Pick 57
AJ Haulcy (S, LSU)

Round 3 – Pick 89
Devin Moore (CB, Florida)

Round 4 – Pick 129
Nick Singleton (RB, Penn State)

Round 5 – Pick 163
DJ Campbell (OG, Texas)

Round 7 – Pick 239
Kaleb Elarms-Orr (OLB, TCU)

Round 7 – Pick 241
Barion Brown (WR, LSU)

Final Take

This offseason was built around cap control and smart allocation. Twelve restructures created massive flexibility while targeted free agency and draft additions strengthened key spots.

With $42.9M in final cap space, the Bears are positioned to compete now while maintaining future flexibility.

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