As the Chicago Bears move into the 2026 offseason, it will be more about tweaks and finding margins to improve the roster than about doing anything bold out of a perceived need. Some notable in-house free agents could find greener pastures elsewhere, but creating cap space to retain who they want to should not be an issue.
There will be some tough decisions for general manager Ryan Poles, though head coach Ben Johnson will have a significant say in what's done. That may mean parting ways with some well-known players to open up opportunities for others next season and clear noticeable cap dollars from the balance sheet.
Bears' top offseason trade assets are absolutely obvious
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report might have had a hard time finding three good offseason trade assets for some NFL teams, but it was definitely not an issue when it came to the Bears.
"Ben Johnson's first year with the Chicago Bears was a massive success. Now they need to figure out who they can deal to create cap space and opportunities for other players to grow."
"D.J. Moore is a perfect example. Teams around the league just saw him work as a stabilizing force for the Bears' receiver room over the last two seasons. However, the Bears' younger targets like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden might have Ryan Poles convinced that it would be worth the $16.5 million in cap space they could create by trading him."
Along similar lines, Ballentine's second trade asset for the Bears is really more like a 1B to Moore's 1A.
"The same thing has happened in the tight end room. Cole Kmet has been a solid tight end in Chicago, but Colston Loveland led the team in receiving as a rookie. Kmet could start for many teams in the league, making him a valuable trade chip."
And coming in third is another obvious trade asset/trade candidate for the Bears.
"Tremaine Edmunds is another veteran who poses the question of whether his cap hit is worth his contributions. The Bears could shed $15 million of his $17.4 million cap hit if they can find a trade partner."
According to Over the Cap, the Bears can clear a total of $39.9 million in cap space by trading Moore ($16.5 million), Kmet ($8.4 million), and Edmunds ($15 million). It seems unlikely that all three will be moved, and none of them may. But at the same time, all three may be dealt with.
All three could have multiple suitors, too, which would allow Poles to get the absolute best possible return.
Read more: Bears offered patently uninspiring free agent option to fill key short-term need
The Bears being in an enviable offseason position is rare territory for them, but here we are.