The NFL finalized its 2023 salary cap this week, where it’s expected to be a record $224.8 million, which is up $16.6 million from 2022 ($208.2 million).
That’s great news for the Bears, who are projected to have $98.6 million in cap space, which is nearly double the next team (Falcons at $56.4 million).
But just because Chicago has a ton of money to spend doesn’t mean GM Ryan Poles is about to go on an all-out spending spree. Poles laid out his approach for free agency, which includes being sound in their moves and getting good value.
“We’ve got to stay sound in free agency,” Poles said after the 2022 season. “I know everyone is talking about how much money we have and we’re just going to go crazy. We’re going to be sound so we get the right players in here and we get good value and attack the draft, always keeping value in mind. That’s not going to change just because we have the No. 1 overall pick.”
The Bears have a number of holes on the roster, starting in the trenches with the defensive and offensive lines. There are some notable names set to hit the free agent market at this positions, which could help shore up the biggest weaknesses from a season ago.
But just because Poles warns they’re going to be smart when it comes to free agency doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not willing to spend big, if the right guy comes along.
2022 review
- 15 Most Impactful Bears of 2022: Counting down the biggest contributors
- Bears 2022 position reviews: How we graded Chicago’s roster in 2022
- Bears OC Luke Getsy encouraged by Justin Fields’ growth in Year 2
Draft coverage
- Full 7-round Bears 2023 mock draft: Pre-Senior Bowl edition
- Albert Breer believes Bears will stick with Justin Fields, trade No. 1 pick
- Fowler: Bears GM Ryan Poles ‘very high on value’ for No. 1 pick
- 2023 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears find multiple suitors for No. 1 pick
- Ranking the Bears’ potential trade partners for No. 1 pick
- Bears’ top 2023 draft prospects: Rashee Rice (No. 15), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 14)
- 5 big risers from Day 1 of Senior Bowl practice
- 5 big risers from Day 2 of Senior Bowl practice
- Bears OC Luke Getsy explains benefit of serving as head coach at Senior Bowl
Other headlines
- How NFL’s expected $224.8M salary cap will impact Bears in 2023
- Mel Kiper thinks Bears’ trade for Chase Claypool will pay off
- Patrick Mahomes wanted to be a Chicago Bear, according to his father
- Breaking down Bears’ contract statuses at every position for 2023
- Bears announce coaching staff, football operations changes
- This Justin Fields highlight video will give you goosebumps
- Michigan State WR Jayden Reed is a huge Justin Fields fan
- Aaron Rodgers buzz: ‘Becoming clear…trade feels more possible than ever.’ READ MORE ON PACKERS WIRE.
- An early look at some of the Vikings’ potential free agent targets. READ MORE ON VIKINGS WIRE.
- Aaron Glenn gets his 2nd interview for the Colts head coaching position. READ MORE ON LIONS WIRE.
