Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the Chicago Bears.
2016 record: 3-13 — 4th place, NFC North
What’s new? For the first time since 2008, it appears Jay Cutler won’t be the starting quarterback.
Projected salary cap space: $52 million — The ninth-highest projected total in the NFL.
Key in-house free agents: WR Alshon Jeffery — The talented but somewhat unreliable receiver is the only key contributor slated to hit the open market. That is unless they release Cutler, who has four years remaining on a seven-year, $127 million contract.
Key needs: Quarterback, especially if Cutler departs; wide receiver, especially if Jeffery leaves; offensive tackle
Bookend tackles Charles Leno and Bobbie Massie are horrible.
Draft breakdown: The pick third overall, giving them a top-three pick for the first time since 1972. They also have two fourth-round picks but no sixth-rounder.
Other potential priorities: Their best defensive lineman, Akiem Hicks, is entering a contract year.
Outlook: They have a lot of work to do, especially on offense, and head coach John Fox might be running out of time. It’s imperative they have a reliable starting quarterback with at least a strongish supporting cast. They certainly have the money and the draft currency.
