The Chicago Bears have spent more than $70 million at all three levels of their defense over the past year.
Chicago most recently solidified its defensive backend by locking in Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, with the Bears making the move official on Thursday. Johnson becomes a part of over $240 million spent on Chicago’s end. Here’s a look at who else the Bears have locked in prior to free agency.
Where Is the Bears’ $240 Million Allocated?
Through the efforts of general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, and the rest of the front office, here’s who the Bears got signatures from.
- EDGE Montez Sweat: Signed a four-year deal worth up to $98 million after the Bears pulled off the midseason trade with the Washington Commanders in 2023.
- Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds: Chicago got him to sign a four-year, $72 million contract before the 2023 season (Bears signed him last March).
- Cornerback Jaylon Johnson: Again, the Pro Bowl CB represents the most recent transaction decision, with Johnson accepting a blockbuster four-year, $76 million contract.
It’s rare for NFL teams to throw more than $70 million at all three levels of the defense. Yet, in one year’s time, the Bears have managed to pull off this feat.
Edmunds was the start of the movement. He arrived in the Windy City as a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Buffalo Bills one year ago.
Sweat then became the next high-priced move on the Bears’ end. However, unlike Edmunds, Chicago again had to pull off a trade deal to lure him in. Sweat was worth a second-round pick when the Bears made the swap with the Commanders before the NFL’s midseason trade deadline.
On Washington’s end, the Commanders’ 40th selection in the second round of the 2024 draft now comes via Chicago.
Johnson once again became the final priority in topping off the Bears’ defense in the long term. The Fresno, Calif., native and Utah Utes standout goes from playing on a four-year, $6.4 million rookie deal to earning $19 million annually.
How Much Does Chicago Have in 2024 Salary Cap? A Closer Look
Before the Johnson deal, the Bears stood at over $75 million in 2024 cap space.
Sweat owns the team’s highest base and guaranteed salary, with more than $20 million for both. He also has the highest cap number at more than $25 million.
Edmunds follows him through a $14.9 million base salary and a $22.4 million cap number. The linebacker is guaranteed $19.9 million.
As for Johnson, he’s anticipated to earn $28 million guaranteed for the first year of his deal, plus $43.4 million in guaranteed money.
Could Chicago end up freeing up more money ahead of the official start of 2024 free agency on Wednesday, March 11?
The Bears could do just that if they opt to move 2021 first-rounder Justin Fields, as the 2023 starting quarterback continues to be the subject of trade rumors.
By dealing away Fields, he’ll carry a $6 million cap hit while his next possible team can potentially take on the remainder of his four-year, $18.8 million rookie contract. Fields is facing a possible move from the Bears, with USC Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams projected to go first overall to Chicago.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Salary Cap Space by Team
Outside of Fields, Chicago has free safety Eddie Jackson, EDGE Yannick Ngakoue, and guard Cody Whitehair as 2024 free agents. All three players, combined, have an average salary of $35,350,000. Their pending departures free up even more financial room for the Bears.
While most across the league will look at the Bears as an overspending machine, Chicago proved it learned how to use the money it saved by bolstering all three levels of the defense with $240 million total in one year.
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