USAT: Bears Wire audio clip

USAT: Bears Wire

Mar 26, 2022

- - - It’s been a whirlwind of an offseason for the Chicago Bears so far, and it’s only March. But no doubt the biggest move — so far — was trading star pass rusher Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers, which kind of set other things into motion. - For the most part, the move has been met with praise — both on Chicago and Los Angeles’ parts. In fact, Bleacher Report’s Ian Wharton believes it’s been the Bears’ smartest offseason move so far. - - Mack’s tenure in Chicago was terrific. In four years, he compiled 36 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, and countless highlights of him dominating blockers. His impact went beyond the raw numbers. - However, the Bears are revamping their roster and clearing off the cap sheet as the Justin Fields-era begins. New general manager Ryan Poles did well to get valuable assets for an aging player with a huge contract. - - The Bears acquired a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 sixth-round selection for Mack, which might not seem like a lot considering they traded two first-rounders for Mack back in 2018. But the Chargers also took on the remainder of Mack’s contract. - Sure, the Bears have to eat $24 million in dead money in 2022. But it’s also freed up $28.5 million in salary cap space for 2023, which is when Chicago could start making moves to be a contender. - While trading Mack felt like the official end of the 2018 Bears era, it was a necessary move to get a bad contract off the books and acquire decent compensation from a team looking to contend. - - List - - Tracking where Bears' free agents signed, who remains unsigned - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Bears Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Bears Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

F i l t e r   &   S o r t