Bears: Ryan Pace must make these salary cap moves for free agency
Say Goodbye
This is the hard truth but with the way the Bears current salary cap issues, some of our favorite players might be out the door. Remember, this is a business and Pace has to play within the rules set forth by the league. I used the NFL Team Roster and Salary Cap Manager at Spotrac.com. (Note: the site has the Available Cap at $216 million for some reason, but we cannot go off that number)
These players are likely to not be wearing orange and blue in 2020 unless they agree to some type of extension or major cut in their salary.
Prince Amukamara – CB
The first player that will need to be let go is Prince Amukamara. Amukamara has been a solid veteran for the Bears secondary over the last few years. The problem is that he is due $10 million dollars next season with only a $1 million dollar cap hit. There is really no way for Amukamara to be on the 2020 roster and Kevin Toliver proved an adequate replacement in his limited time.
Kyle Long – OG
Next up has to be Kyle Long. Seeing Long go is difficult for me. He is one of my favorite players and the first and only offensive lineman jersey I have ever owned. Long has been dealing with injuries for multiple seasons now. To keep him on board at his $9.6 million dollar price tag would be a fireable offense by Ryan Pace.
Adam Shaheen – TE
This move itself would not save the Bears much money in 2020. Adam Shaheen is only owed $1,880,626 next season, but we have seen enough of Shaheen to know he is not even worth this small amount of money. Cutting him will save the Bears nearly $1.3 million dollars.
Leonard Floyd – OLB
Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears picked up Leonard Floyd‘s fifth-year option for 2020. This only means the contract is guaranteed if a severe injury occurs in 2019. Knock on wood that nothing happens versus the Vikings this week and then the Bears can either release Floyd or work out some sort of new contract.
If the Bears hold true to the 2020 salary, they will owe Floyd over $13 million dollars. Floyd did not break out this year as many (including myself) had hoped. Instead, he proved that he is very replaceable. With only three sacks this year, I would prefer Pace cut ties and use the money to bring in a better pass rusher.
Taylor Gabriel – WR
Many fans want the Bears to cut Taylor Gabriel. From a financial standpoint, I can understand why. Gabriel is due $6.5 million dollars in 2020 but only has a $2 million dollar dead cap hit. Saving $4.5 million dollars sounds good, but I’d prefer Pace restructures Gabriel’s contract and still saves $3 million dollars, but yet Gabriel stays on the team. Gabriel is worth the $3.5 million, just not the current $6.5 million.
These moves would put the Bears 2020 salary cap at $171,298,211. This means Ryan Pace will have anywhere between $25.5 million to $29.9 million dollars to play with in free agency. That might seem like a good amount, but not when fans want a new tight end, two new offensive linemen and oh yeah, a new starting quarterback. Somewhat wishful thinking.