When it comes to tight ends and linebackers, there’s no one in the NFL that’s dedicated more salary cap space than the Bears.
The Chicago Bears still have roughly $11 million in salary cap space remaining after a slew of offseason transactions. But when it comes to two positions, there’s no one in the NFL that’s dedicated more salary cap space than Chicago.
The Bears have spent the most money at both tight end and linebacker in the entire league — including $21 million on eight tight ends and $45 million on eight linebackers — according to Spotrac.
It’s not a surprise that the Bears have spent the most money when it comes to linebackers, considering Khalil Mack is the biggest cap hit on the entire team at $26.6 million.
Chicago recently added reinforcements opposite Mack with the addition of Robert Quinn, who’s listed at Spotrac at outside linebacker. Quinn’s cap hit for 2020 is $6.1 million.
The Bears’ starting inside linebackers Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan make up the remainder of the top four, clocking in at $5.129 million and $4.168 million, respectively.
Chicago also locked up some reserve reinforcements under $1 million in cap space with Barkevious Mingo, Devante Bond and Josh Woods. Then there’s Isaiah Irving, who re-signed with the Bears on a one-year deal. The details of his contract haven’t been revealed yet, hence the $0 under cap dollars.
| PLAYER |
CAP DOLLARS |
% OF CAP |
| Khalil Mack (OLB) |
$26.6M |
12.52% |
| Robert Quinn (OLB) |
$6.1M |
2.87% |
| Roquan Smith (ILB) |
$5.129M |
2.41% |
| Danny Trevathan (ILB) |
$4.168M |
1.96% |
| Joel Iyiegbuniwe (ILB) |
$919K |
0.43% |
| Barkevious Mingo (OLB) |
$887K |
0.42% |
| Devante Bond (OLB) |
$825K |
0.39% |
| Josh Woods (LB) |
$690K |
0.32% |
| Isaiah Irving (OLB) |
$0 |
0% |
While the Bears linebackers are some of the best in the NFL, the same can’t be said for their tight ends, who were among the collective worst in the league in 2019. Still, the Bears have eight — count ’em, eight — tight ends currently under contract, and they’ve spent $21 million among them.
Trey Burton is the biggest cap hit among tight ends at $8.55 million, and he certainly hasn’t played up to the standards by which general manager Ryan Pace paid him. Considering Burton’s continued injury struggles, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Bears part ways with Burton the following offseason.
Then there’s newcomer Jimmy Graham, who’s a cap hit of $6 million in 2020. The Bears are hoping Graham can return to form as one of the league’s best offensive weapons, although that’s certainly not the league-wide expectation.
Chicago is also paying Adam Shaheen, Ben Braunecker and newcomer Demetrius Harris north of $1 million.
| PLAYER |
CAP DOLLARS |
% OF CAP |
| Trey Burton |
$8.55M |
4.02% |
| Jimmy Graham |
$6M |
2.82% |
| Adam Shaheen |
$1.88M |
0.88% |
| Demetrius Harris |
$1.65M |
0.78% |
| Ben Braunecker |
$1.618M |
0.76% |
| Eric Saubert |
$829K |
0.39% |
| Darion Clark |
$610K |
0.29% |
| Dax Raymond |
$610K |
0.29% |
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