Chicago Bears: Why fans must stop worrying about the salary cap situation

The Chicago Bears aren’t really in salary cap “hell”

The Chicago Bears and the entire NFL have an issue coming up that is uncommon. The salary cap is expected to drop significantly. Many couch general managers like myself are already processing what could happen and fixing the Chicago Bears’ current cap situation.

When you really think about it, though, is there a situation that really needs to be addressed? When was the last time an NFL team has been penalized because of their salary cap? In 2010 the NFL season had an uncapped salary year due to ending the collective bargaining agreement two years early in 2008.

Most NFL teams decided to spend money wisely just in case the 2011 season had salary cap restrictions again. A few teams, the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, and Washington, figured they would go all-in with spending to take advantage.

Once 2012 hit, the salary cap restrictions were back in place, and the two NFC East teams were well over that cap restriction amount. The NFL punished both teams by docking their salary caps between $10 million and $40 million based on how far that had gone above the restrictions.

Later some lawsuits ended in settlements that made the punishments more favorable for both parties. I cannot say for sure that other punishments were filed, like loss of draft picks or personal fines. However, that is a possibility for teams that do go over the salary cap.

With this year being such a widespread issue, it is less likely that extreme measures will be taken if a team does go over the salary cap a bit. The Chicago Bears, according to spotrac.com, are projected to have $2.5 million with 32 players on the roster. They have seven draft picks that will bring that total to 39 players.

The Chicago Bears likely cannot be big spenders next season in free agency, but with the ability to manipulate the cap space, they will be just fine when all is said and done. The trick will be maximizing talent while staying within the projected salary cap.

With the core players signed through that season, the Chicago Bears will need to find cheap special teams and depth pieces via free agency. The key is finding a new number one receiver (potentially), quarterback (to compete against Nick Foles), and offensive line (preferably a tackle). All three positions should ideally come from the draft.