The Chicago Bears wrapped their 2025 season with an 11-6 record, an NFC North championship and the franchise’s first postseason win in 15 years. It was more than a successful season for first-year head coach Ben Johnson, and the arrow is pointing up.
While the Bears have the head coach-quarterback duo in Johnson and Caleb Williams, there are still plenty of moves for general manager Ryan Poles and company to make this offseason. Shoring up the defensive line, like they did last year with the offensive line, should be a top priority. There are also some important decisions to make about in-house free agents and hitting on this 2026 draft class.
According to Over The Cap, the Bears are slated to be roughly $4.3 million over the salary cap for the 2026 season, which is the 12th worst in the NFL. But there’s plenty of work that Poles can do in terms of contract restructures and potential cuts to free up cap space.
Following an impressive first season under Johnson, Poles has the opportunity to continue to bolster this roster into a contender and make sure Chicago makes a return to the postseason and, perhaps, not give the NFC North back after their division title. Poles will have to rework the salary cap while hitting on his draft picks with needs most notably on defense.
Projected NFL team salary caps for 2026
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears’ projected 2026 salary cap space heading into offseason
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
