One of the deciding factors on why the Chicago Bears' new head coach Ben Johnson chose this team over other openings, such as the New York Jets or New Orleans Saints, was the salary cap space.
Bears' president and CEO Kevin Warren is trusting his general manager Ryan Poles to make the necessary decisions for his team. The roster has some glaring holes and eye sores on it.
According to multiple reports, including one by Harrison Graham with Chicago Bears Now by Chat Sports, Chicago is projected to have about $63 million in cap space. That number potentially could be higher after the usual transactions that take place in the offseason: extensions, contract restructuring, and even releases.
The estimated cap number for 2025 for all teams could be $275 million. Here are the two most likely candidates. That's right. Even with the sixth-most cap space in the NFL, the Bears could benefit from creating even more available capital to spend.
1. Gerald Everett, TE
One of the easiest cases to look at on who could be a cap casualty is an underperforming position player for Chicago's offense. The team looks committed to starting tight end Cole Kmet at roughly $11 million next season.
Thus, the backup tight end is expendable when he makes about half the amount of Kmet. Veteran Gerald Everett could be out the door this spring.
He started his career with the Los Angeles Rams. In the three seasons prior to joining the Bears, Everett hauled in a total of 11 touchdowns. Last year was the first time the 30-year-old failed to record one.
Lauded as a steal in free agency last March, Everett did not live up to the hype or expectations. Having played in a Super Bowl as a rookie, the Atlanta, Georgia native has seven playoff games to his resume. That's more than Kmet, Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, and Roschon Johnson combined.
The durability of Everett isn't the issue, as he suited up and played in all 17 games for Chicago. Statistically, 2024 was the worst season of Everett's career.
It was the first time he didn't collect more than 10 receptions in addition to clearing more than 100 yards receiving. The lack of productivity makes this an easy cut candidate.