Chicago Bears: Potential cap casualties in 2021 offseason
By Usayd Koshul
1. LT Charles Leno Jr.
A former seventh-round pick, Charles Leno Jr. has become a key part of the Bears offensive line over the last few years. However, he regressed in 2019, as did the rest of the Bears offensive line. Now, heading into 2020, Leno is entering the last two years of a deal that was signed in 2017.
There are a few reasons as to why the Bears could end up cutting Leno next offseason. First, his cap hits for 2020 and 2021 are set to be $10.3 million and $11.3 million dollars per OverTheCap. However, next offseason, the Bears can save $6.2 million dollars by cutting him.
Second, the Bears have a number of young offensive lineman on the roster such as Arlington Hambright that they will hope to develop in 2020 and then eventually take over as starters in 2021. Leno is also set to be 30 years in 2021. As he continues to get older, this could be a factor for the Bears, who have made it clear that they want to win now and in the future.
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Overall, for Leno to stick around in 2021, he’ll need to have a massive turnaround in 2020. He’s one of the leaders on the offensive line along with Cody Whitehair and Bobby Massie. If Leno turns it around, the Bears will bring him back in 2021 but they will have a decision to make about his contract in 2022 when he’s set to hit free agency.