Chicago Bears Anticipate $69 Million Cap Space for 2025 Free Agency

The Chicago Bears are preparing for an active offseason ahead of the 2025 free agency, with general manager Ryan Poles expected to utilize approximately $62.9 million in salary cap space to address key roster needs, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. The NFL has announced that the per-team salary cap will rise significantly to between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, which could provide further opportunities for the Bears to make necessary roster adjustments. Among potential cap casualties, players like Ryan Bates and Gerald Everett are under scrutiny, as cutting them could free up additional cap space without incurring significant dead money. The Bears are also considering the future of veteran safety Kevin Byard, whose $8.5 million cap hit for 2025 poses a dilemma given his age and performance. As the organization aims to build a competitive team around a potential franchise quarterback, the upcoming weeks will be critical for making strategic roster decisions. Overall, the Bears are focused on revamping their roster while maintaining financial flexibility to attract new talent.