Here’s how much money the Bears have to spend in free agency

Most of the chatter surrounding the Chicago Bears’ offseason has been about the 2024 NFL Draft, and rightfully so.

General manager Ryan Poles has a massive question to answer at quarterback, and with Caleb Williams being a fringe generational prospect at the position and the Bears owning the first pick in the NFL Draft, the Justin Fields vs. Williams debate is burning like wildfire.

However, lost in all the quarterback talk is the first wave of roster upgrades Poles can make this offseason: 2024 NFL Free Agency.

The Bears are expected to be big players in the open market again this year, especially with playoff vibes surrounding the team entering next season. They’ll have plenty of money to throw at soon-to-be free agents, too.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Chicago Bears have the ninth-most salary cap space in the league.

The Bears rank 9th in 2024 cap space pic.twitter.com/UHi4BfZbze

— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) January 24, 2024

Salary cap figures at this time of year are always subject to change, especially with the Bears’ likely contract extension (or franchise tag) for cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Chicago can also add more cap space by moving on from veterans like safety Eddie Jackson. But the basic point remains: the Bears will have the resources to make a power move (or two) in 2024 free agency.

Some of the top players the Bears could pursue include Brian Burns (Edge, Panthers), Justin Madubuike (DL, Ravens), Christian Wilkins (DL, Dolphins), Danielle Hunter (Edge, Vikings), Josh Allen (Edge, Jaguars), Chase Young (Edge, 49ers), Michael Pittman (WR, Colts), Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers), and Connor Williams (Center, Dolphins).

It’s a long list of names, and several won’t hit the open market because of franchise player designations. But with the Chicago Bears inching closer to playoff contention, signing a big-money free agent is a strategy that tends to put teams over the top.

Poles and the Bears are one year removed from signing linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards, who played a huge part in turning Chicago’s defense into one of the best in the NFL over the second half of the season. The defense is an edge rusher and safety away from being truly elite, I’d be shocked if one of those two positions isn’t addressed with a prized free agent.

Wide receiver is another position the Bears could upgrade with a high-priced veteran.

Whatever the Chicago Bears do in free agency will give them even more flexibility than they already have in the 2024 NFL Draft with two top-10 picks.

What do you think, Bears fans? Who should Chicago target in free agency? Create your free user account (by clicking the show comments button/bubble) and share your opinion! And if you’d like an ad-free experience on Bears Talk, consider upgrading to a premium account. It’s just $3.49 per month (or better yet, $29.99 per year.) You’ll unlock our exclusive NFL Draft content, too. Bear Down!