The Chicago Bears have proven to be one of the most active teams even before free agency officially opens, with some massive moves already made.
First, wide receiver DJ Moore was traded from the Bears to the Buffalo Bills alongside a 2026 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. Then, Chicago pulled off a late-night move as they released their starting veteran linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds.
These moves were essential in helping the team get into a position to make some splashes in free agency. Bears fans better brace themselves as their new salary cap number shows what's about to happen.
Bears' updated 2026 salary cap shows they are ready to make some moves
According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Bears have created $44 million in cap space just this week alone with the moves they made. Spotrac currently lists the Bears' salary cap space at $32 million.
Between the trade of DJ Moore, release of Tremaine Edmunds and retirement of Drew Dalman, the Bears have about $44M in new cap space as of this week.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 6, 2026
Be it addressing C or fortifying the defense, Chicago has spending power.
Moore and Edmunds' moves each were over $15 million in cap space. The Bears also saved some money by releasing Amen Ogbongbemiga earlier in the offseason.
This might not be the end for the Bears' moves. There have been talks of guys like quarterback Tyson Bagent and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter being involved in trade talks. While Bagent could very likely be traded to a QB-needy team like the Arizona Cardinals or the New York Jets for a Day 2 pick, the Bears are more reluctant to move Dexter.
Everyone believes that the Bears are making these moves to prepare for a potential Maxx Crosby trade or trying to sign someone like center Tyler Linderbaum or edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, not all of those might be realistic, as the Bears might target more players in the $10-15 million range at those positions.
Read more: Colin Cowherd said what Bears fans are screaming at team to do with Maxx Crosby
It's clear something is happening, and the Bears are preparing themselves for a very busy offseason. Expect more fireworks out of the Windy City.