The Chicago Bears have made significant moves during the 2026 NFL free agency period. They have secured contracts with two prominent defensive players: linebacker Devin Bush and safety Coby Bryant.
Key Contracts Signed
- Devin Bush: Signed a three-year contract worth $30 million, with $21 million guaranteed.
- Coby Bryant: Signed a three-year contract valued at $40 million.
Impact on Team Rankings
Bush’s contract positions him as the 11th highest-paid linebacker in the NFL, while Bryant’s deal ranks him 12th among safeties. These rankings are based on total contract value, according to Over the Cap.
Additional Signings
The Bears have also added defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, who joined the team on a two-year, $12 million agreement. They re-signed D’Marco Jackson with a two-year, $7.5 million contract. These transactions highlight the Bears’ commitment to bolstering their defensive line.
Cap Space Considerations
Before the negotiation period began, the Bears had $23.15 million in cap space. With these recent signings, almost all of that cap space is allocated. By the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, the team must comply with the league’s salary cap of $301.2 million.
Future Maneuvers for the Bears
This heavy spending could lead to further moves, including potential trades or restructuring existing contracts. The Bears’ strategy may involve targeting specific positions of need in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold seven picks, starting at No. 25.
High-Paid Players
For the next season, the Bears are set to allocate over $91 million in cap space to their four highest-paid players, which include:
- Montez Sweat
- Jaylon Johnson
- Joe Thuney
- Dayo Odeyingbo
Additionally, they have six other players with cap hits exceeding $10 million, such as Jonah Jackson and Grady Jarrett. Given these figures, Johnson may be a candidate for contract adjustments, having previously restructured his deal to facilitate additional financial maneuverability for the team.
As the Bears navigate through the complexities of salary cap management, their focus will be on building a competitive roster through both free agency and the draft.
