Tag: Prince Amukamara

How does Eddie Jackson’s contract extension impact Bears’ salary cap?

Details about Eddie Jackson’s four-year extension were revealed, and it looks good for the Bears’ 2020 salary cap.

When the Chicago Bears signed two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson to a mega four-year extension last week, it was a surprise given how the Bears already had such little salary cap space heading into 2020.

Details about Jackson’s $58.4 million extension have trickled out, and general manager Ryan Pace found a way to structure Jackson’s contract in a way that allows Chicago to have some decent cap space heading into free agency on March 18.

Jackson’s cap hit is projected to be $3.71 million this season, according to Over The Cap.

While the Bears are catching a break with Jackson’s cap hit in 2020, the same can’t be said in the future. Here’s a breakdown of what that cap hit is expected to look like over the next five years.

  • 2020: $3.71
  • 2021: $11.45
  • 2022: $13.5
  • 2023: $15.5
  • 2024: $16.55

Pace can free up more cap space by releasing veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara ($8 million) and negating outside linebacker Leonard Floyd’s fifth-year option ($13.22 million) before the start of the new league year on March 16.  Then there’s right guard Kyle Long, who announced his retirement, which will free up $8.1 million in cap space.

Altogether, that would free up $29.32 million in salary cap space, should the Bears choose to move on from Amukamara and Floyd.

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What are Bears’ biggest priorities heading into 2020 NFL Draft?

There are no shortage of needs for Bears heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, which will make every one of GM Ryan Pace’s draft picks important.

There are no shortage of needs for the Chicago Bears heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, which will make every one of general manager Ryan Pace’s projected seven draft picks even more valuable.

Obviously the focus of the offseason will be fixing the Bears’ anemic offense, which was ranked near the bottom of the NFL in nearly every statistical category. Obviously there needs to be a definitive answer at quarterback. Obviously they need to address the concerns at tight end and on the offensive line. But what are the Bears really in the market for at this point of the offseason?

Here’s what Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller learned from a Bears scouting source about the team’s early NFL Draft priorities:

The Bears don’t own a first-rounder after trading for linebacker Khalil Mack in 2018 but do have two selections in the second round: picks No. 43 and 50 overall. Tight end, offensive line and cornerback were listed as the team’s biggest needs from a scouting source with the club. Quarterback was not mentioned as a priority.

Considering every position mentioned by Miller is a priority, it doesn’t come as a surprise. Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen were complete disappointments in 2019 — and both, along with Ben Braunecker finished the season on injured reserve. Then there’s the offensive line, whose struggles were amplified this season in the run game and pass protection. Cornerback is also an area of concern with an aging and struggling Prince Amukamara, who the Bears could certainly move on from this offseason.

But the one surprise is that quarterback wasn’t mentioned as a priority in the NFL Draft. Maybe that means the Bears are content with Mitchell Trubisky; maybe that means Chicago will turn to free agency to address the position; or maybe it’s a smoke-screen, as it wouldn’t be the first time Pace did that.

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Bears’ top positional needs this offseason

General manager Ryan Pace has a lot of work to do this offseason. But what are his top priorities this offseason?

The Chicago Bears were sent into early hibernation following a disappointing 8-8 season marred by offensive deficiencies and underwhelming execution.

General manager Ryan Pace has a lot of work to do this offseason when it comes to addressing needs on the offensive and defensive sides of the football.

Here are the Bears’ top five positional needs this offseason:

1. Tight end

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Arguably the most disappointing position group of the entire season were the tight ends, who were non-existent in the Bears offense this season. Chicago’s top three tight ends — Trey Burton, Adam Shaheen and Ben Braunecker — were all on injured reserve by season’s end. But even before that, they weren’t producing on the field.

The Bears can’t rely on injury-prone Burton and Shaheen to suddenly have breakout seasons in 2020. Pace needs to turn to free agency or the NFL Draft to bring in a production tight end that’s a necessity for Matt Nagy’s offense.

Possible options: Hunter Henry (UFA), Austin Hooper (UFA), Eric Ebron (UFA), Cole Kmet (Draft), Brycen Hopkins (Draft)

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Bears Week 17 Inactives: Rashaad Coward, Bobby Massie out vs. Vikings

The Bears have released their list of inactives ahead of today’s season finale against the Vikings, and there are no real surprises.

The Chicago Bears have released their list of inactives ahead of today’s season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

There aren’t any real surprises. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and nose tackle Eddie Goldman were previously ruled out, as was wide receiver Taylor Gabriel.

But cornerback Prince Amukamara, who was questionable ahead of today’s game, is officially active. Amukamara’s future in Chicago could be in question, but he figures to once again split reps with second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver, who could take his job next year.

Right guard Rashaad Coward was downgraded to out Saturday while right tackle Bobby Massie has been ruled out. With Coward and Massie both out, the Bears could get a good look at rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars, who figures to line up at right guard if he gets playing time. If not, Ted Larsen will get the start at right guard for the injured Coward.

Here’s a look at the full list of Bears inactives:

It was previously reported that the Vikings were expected to rest some of their starters, including quarterback Kirk Cousins. While Cousins is active, he figures to serve as Sean Mannion’s backup today.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off at noon CT on FOX.

Will the Bears bring back CB Prince Amukamara in 2020?

Bears CB Prince Amukamara’s future in Chicago is far from guaranteed beyond 2019. Will the Bears bring back the 9-year veteran?

Cornerback Prince Amukamara’s future in Chicago is far from guaranteed beyond this season. Even though the nine-year veteran believes he’s still getting better. That’s just the nature of the NFL.

“My mindset is — I call it ‘checking the engine’ — listening to my body, and can I still play press?” Amukamara said. “Can I still cover? And I feel I proved that this year.”

The numbers haven’t been there for Amukamara this season. He has zero interceptions after garnering three a season ago. While his 10 pass break-ups are encouraging, his struggles have been amplified this season, including allowing a 75-yard touchdown reception from David Blough to Kenny Golladay on Thanksgiving.

“There were a couple of plays that happened this year that, to the fans or the regular eye, no one knows what happened in the defense. But in here, we know,” Amukamara said. “I feel like I had a pretty good year. Numbers and stats might not show it. But if you put on the film, you see what I’m doing.”

But the Bears’ decision to possibly cut Amukamara is also related to the $10 million cap hit and younger options at the position. If the Bears decide to part ways with Amukamara after this season, they have second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver waiting in the wings — and could turn to the NFL Draft to address the position.

“It’s always cheaper and younger. [I’m] definitely aware of that,” Amukamra said. “And Toliver’s a great player. He made plays against Green Bay . . . Dallas and last week against Kansas City. He’s been playing solid.”

Toliver got his second career start against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, where he fared well against Dallas’ talented receiving corp. He split reps with Amukamara against Green Bay and Kansas City, and if Amukamara can’t go against the Vikings in Sunday’s season finale, Toliver would get his third career start. Toliver could be playing for a starting role in 2020.

“The reason we’ve been [rotating] is to get me back in a groove and manage my hamstring,” Amukamara said. “But I can’t be too worried about what they’re doing upstairs. The Bears are going to do what’s best for them. And Prince is going to do what’s best for Prince. That’s just how it is. I’m just really grateful and thankful to be a part of what’s going on here. And, yeah, I’m excited to continue to play.”

Whether the Bears decide if Amukamara is worth extending remains to be seen. But if they feel comfortable enough with Toliver and decisions they make in free agency or the NFL Draft, Amukamara may play his last game as a Bear on Sunday, or he maybe already has.

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Prince Amukamara questionable, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman out vs. Vikings

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Vikings, and several starters are out or doubtful.

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of the game against the Vikings, where several starters are out or in doubt for Sunday.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (elbow) did not practice all week, and he’s been ruled out against Minnesota. Hicks finishes the 2019 season with five starts, after dealing with an elbow injury that landed him on injured reserve for eight weeks.

Nose tackle Eddie Goldman remains in concussion protocol after sustaining one in last week’s game against the Chiefs.

On the offensive line, Bobby Massie was limited in practice for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain against the Giants in Week 12. But Massie is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game, as is right guard Rashaad Coward, who suffered a knee injury last week against Kansas City. This could open the door for rookie Alex Bars to play at right guard in Chicago’s season finale.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara was limited for the second straight practice, and he is listed as questionable against the Vikings. Amukamara’s future in Chicago is cloudy, especially considering second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver has impressed in the short time he’s been on the field this season. If Amukamara can’t go, look for Toliver to get the start. Even if Amukamara plays, look for him to split reps with Toliver.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off at noon CT on FOX.

Bears Injury Report: Prince Amukamara limited, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman DNP Thursday

The Bears released their Thursday injury report, and once again Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman didn’t practice. Prince Amukamara was limited.

The Chicago Bears released their injury report following Thursday’s practice, and it was more of the same for the Bears following estimations from Wednesday.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (elbow) and nose tackle Eddie Goldman (concussion) did not practice Thursday. Considering the Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention and the severity of head injuries, both aren’t expected to play in Sunday’s season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

Then there’s cornerback Prince Amukamara, who was limited Thursday after being listed as a full participant on Wednesday as he nurses a pesky hamstring injury. The Bears would do well to also rest Amukamara and get another good look at second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver in a job that might be his come next season.

Right guard Rashaad Coward was once again limited on Thursday after suffering a knee injury against the Chiefs. Like with Amukamara, if Coward can’t go on Sunday, they’d do best to insert rookie Alex Bars into the starting lineup to get a look at him in live game action ahead of 2020, which is sure to bring some changes to the offensive line.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off at noon Sunday in Chicago’s season finale.

Bears Injury Report Wednesday Estimates: Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman DNP

The Bears didn’t practice on Wednesday, but they released an injury report estimate, where Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman didn’t practice.

While the Chicago Bears didn’t practice Wednesday, they released an injury report estimation heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who didn’t play against the Kansas City Chiefs, was listed as “did not practice,” along with nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who suffered a concussion against the Chiefs that likely ends his season.

Right guard Rashaad Coward, who suffered a knee injury against Kansas City, was listed as limited. He was replaced by Ted Larsen in that game. But if Coward can’t go Sunday, it would be a good opportunity to see rookie Alex Bars in his first regular-season action.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara was listed on the injury report as he recovers from a hamstring injury. He was listed as a full participant, but he could wind up splitting reps with second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver in Chicago’s season finale.

The Bears will play the Vikings in their season finale Sunday at noon.

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Bears Week 16 Inactives: Prince Akumarka will play vs. Chiefs

Bears CB Prince Amukamara is active against the Chiefs and figures to split reps with second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver.

The Chicago Bears have released their list of inactives for tonight’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Last night, defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was ruled out, as he nurses an elbow that landed him on injured reserve earlier this season. But they got good news about the status of another defensive starter in cornerback Prince Amukamara, who is officially active against the Chiefs.

Amukamara suffered a hamstring injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 13, and he’s been recovering ever since. He missed the following week against the Dallas Cowboys, and then he split reps with second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers.

The Bears figure to split reps between Amukamara and Toliver tonight against the Chiefs.

The Bears and Chiefs kick things off at 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC.

Bears CB Kevin Toliver auditioning for starting role in 2020

With Bears CB Prince Amukamara’s future in question, second-year CB Kevin Toliver is playing for chance at a starting job in 2020.

With the Chicago Bears eliminated from playoff contention, these final two games will serve as a stepping stone for the 2020 season. This means some meaningful playing time for some of the younger players that are perhaps playing for some starting jobs next season.

One of those players is second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver, who has relieved an injured Prince Amukamara, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury suffered against the Detroit Lions in Week 13.

With Amukamara questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs — and his future with Chicago also questionable, considering he’d be a $10 million cap hit next season and only cost $1 million in dead money — Toliver recognizes the opportunity in front of him in these final two games.

‘‘I feel like every day is an audition,’’ Toliver said. ‘‘It’s a day-to-day business, so you’ve got to come to work every day with the same mindset — the dog mindset. That’s all I come in here with, just to get 2 percent better every day.’’

Toliver has seen that progress from himself this season. After getting his second career start against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, Toliver split snaps with Amukamara last week against the Green Bay Packers. Toliver played 31 snaps compared to Amukamara’s 28. The on-field experience has definitely helped the former LSU product.

‘‘I just have more confidence on the field now,’’ Toliver said. ‘‘Last year I was a little timid. I wasn’t sure if they were going to do that or the other team was going to do this. The game’s starting to slow down for me. I can see the whole field now. I just feel way more comfortable out there.’’

Bears coach Matt Nagy sees the benefit of Toliver getting additional reps, but he prefers to worry about next season, well, next season.

‘‘It’s good for both [players],’’ Nagy said. ‘‘For a guy like Kevin Toliver, getting some reps is good for him. It’s a great opportunity for him. So we’ll just balance that with where Prince is at, where Kevin’s at and then just see where it’s at for all of us.’’

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