Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is going to be a busy man this offseason with trying to create cap space while adding top talent to a potential Super Bowl-contending team.
Four Bears players are reportedly already trade targets with DJ Moore, Tyson Bagent, Tremaine Edmunds, and Gervon Dexter. Most of these moves are to ensure the team has enough cap space to make bold signings and trades in the offseason, but the NFL might have given them a hand with that.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the league informed teams that the official salary cap has been increased from $279.2 million in 2025 to $301.2 million in 2026. That's a $22 million increase year-over-year.
NFL just found an extra $22 million for the Bears
This is great news for the Bears as they will be able to do a lot more things with that money. First off, they can re-sign All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to a new deal before he hits the free agency market. Poles has been very public about bringing him back, so the Bears will get something done there.
Chicago should still try to trade away Edmunds and Moore, as they will help them a ton towards the cap. The Bears would save $16.5 million towards the cap with a Moore trade and $15 million if Edmunds is traded.
That extra $31.5 million can either be saved towards trying to land a big-name defensive end like Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby. Chicago could also use it to find two really solid starters in free agency by giving each of them about $15.5 million per year with their contract.
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The NFL just gift-wrapped the Bears with what they desperately needed this offseason: more money. This should help ensure they can get key players back while adding elite talent to finally get this team to the Super Bowl in 2026.