What the Chicago Bears should do with 5 remaining big money players

Guard Cody Whitehair, backup quarterback Nick Foles, and linebacker Roquan Smith round out the Chicago Bears top-5 highest salary cap hits.

The Chicago Bears offensive line needs a complete overhaul. It struggled to protect Fields. The Bears are switching to a new blocking scheme that requires the offensive lineman to be lighter, faster, and stronger.

That being said, James Daniels is most likely set to depart via free agency. If the Bears cut or traded Whitehair, they would be looking for two new guards. Plus, Whitehair is still a solid offensive lineman. The line could use a veteran like him. It would be best for the Bears to keep him.

Foles is smart and served well as an emergency quarterback last season. With a new offensive coordinator in place, the Bears need to move on from Foles. A $10 million cap hit is too high for a backup quarterback. If Poles can even get a seventh-round pick in return for Foles, trade him. Otherwise, Foles needs to be let go and the Bears can go with a cheaper backup quarterback option.

Smith is in the final year of his rookie deal. He has really been the only first-round pick Pace made who has thrived on the Bears. He may be moved to the weak side linebacker in Eberflus’ defense or stay at middle linebacker. No matter what position he plays, he needs a contract extension to make sure he plays that position for the Chicago Bears for many years to come.

The Chicago Bears can afford to trade away Mack. They cannot afford to let Smith walk away for nothing.