With the NFL Free Agency period approximately five weeks away, the Chicago Bears are poised for increased financial flexibility, as the league's salary cap is projected to rise significantly from $279.2 million to an estimated $301.2 to $305.7 million. This substantial increase will provide the Bears, along with other teams, more resources to strengthen their rosters. While the team had limited cap space at the close of the last season, strategic maneuvers and the additional $20 million influx will create ample opportunity to address critical needs. This analysis will explore the implications of this financial shift, focusing on key player decisions and their potential impact on the Bears' future.
A recent evaluation by Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN), which considers factors such as player performance, age, earning potential, and both short-term and long-term value, highlighted two Bears players among the top 100 free agents for 2026. One notable player is Nahshon Wright, a cornerback who, against all odds, achieved Pro Bowl status in 2025 after being released by the Vikings the previous offseason. Wright's remarkable season included five interceptions and eight forced turnovers. Despite some inconsistencies in his play, such as allowing eight touchdowns and incurring eight penalties, his impressive 6'4" frame and extensive wingspan enable him to consistently make game-changing plays. His exceptional ball-hawking skills are expected to secure him a starting position with a new team in 2026.
Given the Chicago Bears' challenges with injuries in their defensive backfield last year, retaining Wright would be a desirable outcome. However, his outstanding performance and Pro Bowl selection are likely to elevate his market value beyond what the Bears can realistically offer. It is anticipated that Wright will command a long-term contract potentially exceeding $10 million per season, a figure that may be financially unfeasible for the team. This situation underscores the difficult choices teams face when a player's value dramatically increases, forcing them to weigh financial constraints against on-field contributions.
Another player under scrutiny is Braxton Jones, a left tackle whose 2025 season was hampered by injuries. After sustaining a major injury at the end of 2024, which led to him missing training camp, Jones started the initial four games of the season before being benched and subsequently suffering a season-ending knee injury. This series of events made 2025 a far-from-ideal contract year for him. Despite these setbacks, Jones demonstrated league-average performance as a starting left tackle during his first three NFL seasons. Such players are in high demand in the free-agent market, and it is widely believed that Chicago will allow him to explore other opportunities, potentially making him a buy-low option for teams in need of offensive line support.
The current landscape of the NFL free agency market suggests that Jones, assuming his medical evaluations are positive, will likely be a sought-after player. The precedent set by Jaylon Moore, who signed a substantial two-year, $30 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs after only 12 starts over four years, indicates the high value placed on capable offensive linemen. Prior to his 2025 injuries, Jones had accumulated 40 starts in his initial three seasons, showcasing his reliability and experience. An unforeseen injury to Ozzy Trapilo could potentially open the door for Jones to consider a one-year deal with the Bears, allowing him to re-establish his market value for a larger payday in subsequent offseasons. However, it is more probable that Jones will secure a more lucrative long-term contract from another team, further emphasizing the competitive nature of player acquisitions in the NFL.