The Chicago Bears and GM Ryan Pace always have to keep their eyes looking forward. That means determining possible moves they could make one, two or even three years down the line. Most of the maneuvers for 2018 are concluded barring an unexpected turn of events. This means their visions for 2019 have no doubt begun to form.
One thing they could be doing is examining the cap situations for the other 31 teams. By doing so they might be able to find certain bargain trades for quality veterans due to future salary problems. The common phrase is “cap casualty.” Looking over the landscape of next year as things stand, there may be a small handful of interesting names the Bears could go after.
Malik Jackson (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Of all the teams in the league, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have one of the biggest cap headaches to deal with. According to overthecap.com, they’re projected to be upwards of $17.8 million in the red next off-season. That means they will likely have to unload at least one big contract in the books just to get into a more comfortable position.
Malik Jackson, whom we touched on a couple months ago, looks like the sacrifice they’ll have to make. For starters the Jaguars just added rookie Taven Bryan to the mix, making his place on the roster less critical. Also, the removal of his contract in 2019 will bring $11 million in cap relief. In return, the Bears would be getting a dynamic presence on their defensive line (8 sacks in 2017) with experience in a 3-4 scheme from his days in Denver.
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Terron Armstead (New Orleans Saints)
The Saints are always in some sort of cap pickle. It’s the nature of paying a Hall of Fame quarterback like Drew Brees year after year. So sometimes they have to unload somebody else on the roster to ensure flexibility with their pay structure. They’re projected to have just under $11 million available next year, so it’s possible they could make a move.
New Orleans has long been a team that places greater emphasis on guard and center in their offense. Tackles are important too but not considered vital. That makes Terron Armstead and his $15 million cap hit something worth discussing. The Bears are looking for a solution to replace Bobby Massie at right tackle. Armstead is a much better athlete and would fit the Matt Nagy system well.
Ryan Kerrigan (Washington Redskins)
One of the most underrated pass rushers in the league for years. Ryan Kerrigan may not be flashy but he knows how to get to the quarterback. He’ll be 30-years old in 2019, so the talk will begin about whether it’s time for the Redskins to move on. With barely $12 million in cap space projected, his $10 million in relief would be most welcome for them.
The Bears are in desperate need if a secondary rusher opposite Leonard Floyd. Kerrigan may be on the older side but he wouldn’t have to shoulder near the burden he does in Washington thanks to Floyd’s presence. Problem is the Redskins don’t really have younger options at edge rusher right now, so his being available for trade is a big if at this point.
Derek Wolfe (Denver Broncos)
He was drafted to play in a 3-4 system as a defensive end, something Derek Wolfe was quite good at. However, the Broncos have since begun a shift to a 4-3 scheme, something their head coach knows well. This could force him to move inside to defensive tackle While he still can be effective it doesn’t seem like his impact would be the same level it was prior to a switch.
Denver will have upwards of $16 million in cap space next year. So they won’t be pressured too much to make a move. However, 2019 will be the final year of his current contract. So they may wish to get something back for him before he becomes a free agent. He could make a strong addition to their front alongside Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman.
