Luke
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WR Allen Robinson
2021 cap hit: $17.98 million
Prediction: Hits the market
In recent weeks, Robinson’s frustrations with the former regime, particularly coach Matt Nagy, have come out, whether in a podcast interview or what he’s sharing on social media. Poles and Eberflus could make improving that relationship a priority this offseason. The Bears are thin at receiver. But what does Robinson want? What’s best for his career? Taking a short-term deal could turn into the longer, more lucrative one he wants, too. That’s if he doesn’t have a season similar to this last one. Robinson might like Justin Fields as a player and a person, but after making 38 catches for 410 yards and one touchdown last season, aligning with a veteran quarterback is arguably in his best interests.
DL Akiem Hicks
2021 cap hit: $12 million
Prediction: Hits the market
Hicks also appeared to have a falling-out with the last regime. His season ended with an injury but also a heated argument with Chris Rumph, his position coach. Rumph is gone, though. Nearly every member of Nagy’s coach staff is. Defensive quality control coach Ronnell Williams is the only holdover. But that doesn’t mean Hicks’ chances of returning improve. The Bears are better with him. He’s good enough to fit any scheme. But he’ll turn 33 in November, and he’s missed 20 games over the past three seasons. Hicks seemed to sense that his time was ending with the Bears when he last spoke to the media on Dec. 21. He even used the word “goodbye.” Hicks should search out his best chance to win. That will be elsewhere.
G James Daniels
2021 cap hit: $2.9 million
Prediction: Re-signed
Daniels, the 39th pick in 2018, turns 25 in September. He has started 48 games over four seasons. But Poles must decide whether Daniels has the fire and venom that he wants for his offensive front. Daniels’ body slam of a Raiders linebacker is on film. It could take the right coaching to unlock more of that. Young guards can command a payday on the open market. Some teams might still view Daniels as a center. With Poles, the Bears could be one. It’s just another reason why Daniels is an interesting evaluation for the Bears’ new staff. The last regime didn’t sign Daniels to an extension. So there are questions that must be answered. The Bears’ line also won’t be fixed in one offseason. Center Sam Mustipher is an exclusive-rights free agent, while Cody Whitehair is under contract for three more seasons.
QB Andy Dalton
2021 cap hit: $5 million
Prediction: Hits the market
A long explanation isn’t needed here for Dalton. Fields is the Bears’ starter. Dalton’s market shouldn’t be robust after last season. But never underestimate the desperation of QB-needy teams. The Bears just won’t be paying him again.
TE Jimmy Graham
2021 cap hit: $5.34 million
Prediction: Potential retirement
Similar to Dalton, what’s left to say? Graham signed with the Bears partially because of his connections to former GM Ryan Pace. Graham’s production dipped to new lows last season: 14 catches and 167 yards. He can still be a red-zone threat for the right team. Then again, at 35, retirement could be his next move. His career is Hall of Fame worthy.
DL Bilal Nichols
2021 cap hit: $2.3 million
Prediction: Hits the market
The Bears need a three-technique defensive tackle, and Nichols seemingly has the skill set to fill it. Nichols was thought to be in line for an extension heading into last season, the last of his rookie contract. But it didn’t happen. Nichols didn’t replicate his breakout 2020 campaign, but his snap count still increased. Nichols remains one to watch. He fits the free-agent mold that Poles likes: young, promising and with something to prove. It wouldn’t be surprising if he tests the market, even if that means conversations in Indianapolis, before returning to the Bears on an affordable deal.
FS Tashaun Gipson
2021 cap hit: $1.805 million
Prediction: Hits the market
Gipson is an example of how capable starters can be found later in free agency. He didn’t officially rejoin the Bears until April 19 of last year, which was more than a month after the new league began. Eberflus’ own evaluations will carry weight at safety. The Colts drafted their starters: Khari Willis (No. 109, 2019) and Julian Blackmon (No. 85, 2020).
2021 cap hit: $2.75 million
Prediction: Hits the market
Injuries shortened Ifedi’s 2021 season. But that’s not the problem. The film of Ifedi strongly shoving and yelling at rookie Teven Jenkins after Jenkins tried to protect Fields won’t appeal to Poles.
No way whatsoever.
LT Jason Peters
2021 cap hit: $1.525 million
Prediction: Potential retirement
Jason, thank you for your service.
Signed,
The Bears.
2021 cap hit: $1.56 million
Prediction: Re-signed
The Kansas City blueprint should make speed a priority for Poles’ Bears. Grant can supply plenty of it. It wasn’t much, but he did eventually fill the Tarik Cohen role in Nagy’s offense last season. He also returned punts and kicks, earning Pro Bowl honors. Grant needs a new contract, but the Bears, as an organization, already have invested in him. He was acquired from the Dolphins for a 2023 sixth-round pick. If the deal is right, re-signing him just makes sense.
WR Marquise Goodwin
2021 cap hit: $987,500
Prediction: Hits the market
His speed showed up throughout training camp, but it didn’t amount to much during the season, regardless of who was at quarterback. The Bears surely will look for bargains at receiver in the second and third waves of free agency. Goodwin, though, will turn 32 during the 2022 season.
RB Damien Williams
2021 cap hit: $1.125 million
Prediction: Hits the market
Poles is familiar with Williams, who spent two seasons with the Chiefs before opting out for 2020. But the big question at running back is whether David Montgomery gets an extension. He’s heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Khalil Herbert’s rookie tape is full of positives. Teams also value backs differently. Since 2009 — Poles’ first year in Kansas City — the Chiefs have drafted eight running backs, including five on Day 3 of the draft. Their best picks were earlier: Kareem Hunt (No. 86, 2017) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (No. 32, 2020).
WR Damiere Byrd
2021 cap hit: $987,500
Prediction: Hits the market
Byrd didn’t parlay his breakout 2020 season with the Patriots into big numbers for the Bears. Their lackluster offense overall can be blamed. Byrd, though, also didn’t command a big payday last year. He’ll remain in the third (maybe fourth) wave of free agency.
Prediction: Re-signed (both)
The Bears signed punter Ryan Winslow and long snapper Beau Brinkley last week. The moves can be viewed several ways. The Bears want competition in all positions, they’re unsure if they can re-sign O’Donnell and Scales or they don’t like either of them for the 2022 season. It could be a combination of all three. But kicker Cairo Santos is under contract for two more years and there’s no reason to get rid of him. It’s in the Bears’ best interests to keep his battery in place, especially after Santos broke records that belonged to Robbie Gould. O’Donnell’s 46.2 yards-per-punt average in 2021 was his best mark since 2017. He also played for special-teams coordinator Richard Hightower in 2016 when Hightower assisted Jeff Rodgers.
LB Christian Jones, LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe, S DeAndre Houston-Carson
Prediction: Hits the market (all)
Jones and Houston-Carson were the Bears’ best special-teamers last season. It’s possible that both return after hitting the market. Similar to O’Donnell, Hightower is also familiar with them from the 2016 season. Poles and Eberflus also will connect with players they’re familiar with, but at some point, they’ll have to fill out their roster. Iyiegbuniwe already seemed to say goodbye on social media.
The other veterans
Defense: S Deon Bush, CB Artie Burns, LB Alec Ogletree
Offense: TE Jesse James, C Adam Redmond, OL Elijah Wilkinson
Prediction: Hits the market (all)
Linebacker will be a priority, especially if Danny Trevathan is released. The Bears could use help at tight end, too. The offensive line will also be addressed. But Poles’ bargain shopping should lead him to different players. Poles also has highlighted the importance of the waiver wire. His team needs to get younger. Poles could fill out his roster with players on veteran minimum deals, then release them when younger players are released around the league. Teams do it every year.
theathletic.com
WR Allen Robinson
2021 cap hit: $17.98 million
Prediction: Hits the market
In recent weeks, Robinson’s frustrations with the former regime, particularly coach Matt Nagy, have come out, whether in a podcast interview or what he’s sharing on social media. Poles and Eberflus could make improving that relationship a priority this offseason. The Bears are thin at receiver. But what does Robinson want? What’s best for his career? Taking a short-term deal could turn into the longer, more lucrative one he wants, too. That’s if he doesn’t have a season similar to this last one. Robinson might like Justin Fields as a player and a person, but after making 38 catches for 410 yards and one touchdown last season, aligning with a veteran quarterback is arguably in his best interests.
DL Akiem Hicks
2021 cap hit: $12 million
Prediction: Hits the market
Hicks also appeared to have a falling-out with the last regime. His season ended with an injury but also a heated argument with Chris Rumph, his position coach. Rumph is gone, though. Nearly every member of Nagy’s coach staff is. Defensive quality control coach Ronnell Williams is the only holdover. But that doesn’t mean Hicks’ chances of returning improve. The Bears are better with him. He’s good enough to fit any scheme. But he’ll turn 33 in November, and he’s missed 20 games over the past three seasons. Hicks seemed to sense that his time was ending with the Bears when he last spoke to the media on Dec. 21. He even used the word “goodbye.” Hicks should search out his best chance to win. That will be elsewhere.
G James Daniels
2021 cap hit: $2.9 million
Prediction: Re-signed
Daniels, the 39th pick in 2018, turns 25 in September. He has started 48 games over four seasons. But Poles must decide whether Daniels has the fire and venom that he wants for his offensive front. Daniels’ body slam of a Raiders linebacker is on film. It could take the right coaching to unlock more of that. Young guards can command a payday on the open market. Some teams might still view Daniels as a center. With Poles, the Bears could be one. It’s just another reason why Daniels is an interesting evaluation for the Bears’ new staff. The last regime didn’t sign Daniels to an extension. So there are questions that must be answered. The Bears’ line also won’t be fixed in one offseason. Center Sam Mustipher is an exclusive-rights free agent, while Cody Whitehair is under contract for three more seasons.
QB Andy Dalton
2021 cap hit: $5 million
Prediction: Hits the market
A long explanation isn’t needed here for Dalton. Fields is the Bears’ starter. Dalton’s market shouldn’t be robust after last season. But never underestimate the desperation of QB-needy teams. The Bears just won’t be paying him again.
TE Jimmy Graham
2021 cap hit: $5.34 million
Prediction: Potential retirement
Similar to Dalton, what’s left to say? Graham signed with the Bears partially because of his connections to former GM Ryan Pace. Graham’s production dipped to new lows last season: 14 catches and 167 yards. He can still be a red-zone threat for the right team. Then again, at 35, retirement could be his next move. His career is Hall of Fame worthy.
DL Bilal Nichols
2021 cap hit: $2.3 million
Prediction: Hits the market
The Bears need a three-technique defensive tackle, and Nichols seemingly has the skill set to fill it. Nichols was thought to be in line for an extension heading into last season, the last of his rookie contract. But it didn’t happen. Nichols didn’t replicate his breakout 2020 campaign, but his snap count still increased. Nichols remains one to watch. He fits the free-agent mold that Poles likes: young, promising and with something to prove. It wouldn’t be surprising if he tests the market, even if that means conversations in Indianapolis, before returning to the Bears on an affordable deal.
FS Tashaun Gipson
2021 cap hit: $1.805 million
Prediction: Hits the market
Gipson is an example of how capable starters can be found later in free agency. He didn’t officially rejoin the Bears until April 19 of last year, which was more than a month after the new league began. Eberflus’ own evaluations will carry weight at safety. The Colts drafted their starters: Khari Willis (No. 109, 2019) and Julian Blackmon (No. 85, 2020).
The starting linemen
RT Germain Ifedi2021 cap hit: $2.75 million
Prediction: Hits the market
Injuries shortened Ifedi’s 2021 season. But that’s not the problem. The film of Ifedi strongly shoving and yelling at rookie Teven Jenkins after Jenkins tried to protect Fields won’t appeal to Poles.
No way whatsoever.
LT Jason Peters
2021 cap hit: $1.525 million
Prediction: Potential retirement
Jason, thank you for your service.
Signed,
The Bears.
The offensive threats
WR/KR Jakeem Grant2021 cap hit: $1.56 million
Prediction: Re-signed
The Kansas City blueprint should make speed a priority for Poles’ Bears. Grant can supply plenty of it. It wasn’t much, but he did eventually fill the Tarik Cohen role in Nagy’s offense last season. He also returned punts and kicks, earning Pro Bowl honors. Grant needs a new contract, but the Bears, as an organization, already have invested in him. He was acquired from the Dolphins for a 2023 sixth-round pick. If the deal is right, re-signing him just makes sense.
WR Marquise Goodwin
2021 cap hit: $987,500
Prediction: Hits the market
His speed showed up throughout training camp, but it didn’t amount to much during the season, regardless of who was at quarterback. The Bears surely will look for bargains at receiver in the second and third waves of free agency. Goodwin, though, will turn 32 during the 2022 season.
RB Damien Williams
2021 cap hit: $1.125 million
Prediction: Hits the market
Poles is familiar with Williams, who spent two seasons with the Chiefs before opting out for 2020. But the big question at running back is whether David Montgomery gets an extension. He’s heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Khalil Herbert’s rookie tape is full of positives. Teams also value backs differently. Since 2009 — Poles’ first year in Kansas City — the Chiefs have drafted eight running backs, including five on Day 3 of the draft. Their best picks were earlier: Kareem Hunt (No. 86, 2017) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (No. 32, 2020).
WR Damiere Byrd
2021 cap hit: $987,500
Prediction: Hits the market
Byrd didn’t parlay his breakout 2020 season with the Patriots into big numbers for the Bears. Their lackluster offense overall can be blamed. Byrd, though, also didn’t command a big payday last year. He’ll remain in the third (maybe fourth) wave of free agency.
The special-teamers
P Pat O’Donnell, LS Patrick ScalesPrediction: Re-signed (both)
The Bears signed punter Ryan Winslow and long snapper Beau Brinkley last week. The moves can be viewed several ways. The Bears want competition in all positions, they’re unsure if they can re-sign O’Donnell and Scales or they don’t like either of them for the 2022 season. It could be a combination of all three. But kicker Cairo Santos is under contract for two more years and there’s no reason to get rid of him. It’s in the Bears’ best interests to keep his battery in place, especially after Santos broke records that belonged to Robbie Gould. O’Donnell’s 46.2 yards-per-punt average in 2021 was his best mark since 2017. He also played for special-teams coordinator Richard Hightower in 2016 when Hightower assisted Jeff Rodgers.
LB Christian Jones, LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe, S DeAndre Houston-Carson
Prediction: Hits the market (all)
Jones and Houston-Carson were the Bears’ best special-teamers last season. It’s possible that both return after hitting the market. Similar to O’Donnell, Hightower is also familiar with them from the 2016 season. Poles and Eberflus also will connect with players they’re familiar with, but at some point, they’ll have to fill out their roster. Iyiegbuniwe already seemed to say goodbye on social media.
The other veterans
Defense: S Deon Bush, CB Artie Burns, LB Alec Ogletree
Offense: TE Jesse James, C Adam Redmond, OL Elijah Wilkinson
Prediction: Hits the market (all)
Linebacker will be a priority, especially if Danny Trevathan is released. The Bears could use help at tight end, too. The offensive line will also be addressed. But Poles’ bargain shopping should lead him to different players. Poles also has highlighted the importance of the waiver wire. His team needs to get younger. Poles could fill out his roster with players on veteran minimum deals, then release them when younger players are released around the league. Teams do it every year.
Allen Robinson? Akiem Hicks? James Daniels? Predicting the Bears’ unrestricted free-agent decisions
New Bears general manager Ryan Poles has plenty of money to use in free agency. How many Bears UFAs will he re-sign?
theathletic.com
