Last-Minute Guide to the Chicago Bears' Free Agency
Free agency doesn't officially start until March 10, but the deals are coming in fast and furious under the NFL's "legal tampering" window.
The Bears have a new regime and are focused on turning over a new leaf. First-year general manager Ryan Pace will likely take a long look at fixing the defense, but he could add some complementary pieces on offense.
Want to know how much money the Bears have to spend or who's out there for them to nab? Here's your last-minute guide to 2015 free agency.
But remember, this is changing by the minute. Post your comments below, noting whom you want to see or whom the team might have missed out on.
Salary-Cap Breakdown
When the Bears traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets last week, the move freed up $3.95 million in cap space, but the team still has $5.625 million in dead money.
As it stands, the Bears have $32,552,772 in cap space, per OverTheCap.com. Ryan Pace has to decide whether he wants to make one or two big splashes on Day 1 of free agency or sit back and rebuild this team with mid-level options.
Either way, the Bears have money to spend and will likely use the majority of it on defense as they transition into a 3-4 scheme.
Game Plan
In the past few years, the Bears have made a huge effort to win Day 1 of free agency. While they might have done just that, all it got them was losing records and missed playoff berths.
Ryan Pace won't follow the plan of former general manager Phil Emery. He might go out on the first day and sign one big name, as long as he's a fit for the team. Pace won't spend money on high-profile players just to win headlines.
Look for the Bears to make a ton of mid-level signings. They will focus on players under 30 years old who can help to rebuild the defense and who have team-friendly contracts, while Pace looks for impact talent through the draft.
Potential Returning Players
The Bears have 16 of their own free agents. According to CSNChicago.com, the Bears have informed linebacker Lance Briggs he won't be back.
Cornerback Charles Tillman might be out as well, and defensive tackle Stephen Paea is generating interest from other teams.
There are a few players who could still return to the team. Cornerback and special teams ace Sherrick McManis is an option, as are long snapper Jeremy Cain, linebacker Darryl Sharpton and center/guard Brian De La Puente.
Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, tight end Zach Miller, linebacker DeDe Lattimore and corners Al Louis-Jean and Demontre Hurst have all been re-signed.
Potential Big-Splash Options
If the Bears want to make a big splash, there's no shortage of players they can go after. There's a good amount of talent, particularly on defense, that can help this team right away.
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Pernell McPhee is ready to step into a starting role and be an elite pass-rusher in the NFL. He would fit the Bears' system as an edge-rusher at the end spot or outside linebacker.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy is also an option. He comes with some baggage but is one of the league's elite pass-rushers.
Under-the-Radar Players
Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton earned the nickname "Pot Roast" while plugging up the middle in Jacksonville for the first four years of his career and in Denver for the last two seasons.
He's familiar with Bears head coach John Fox from their Broncos days and could be a better long-term fit at nose tackle than oft-injured veteran Jay Ratliff.
Another former Bronco is safety Rahim Moore. If the Bears don't want to get wrapped up in the Devin McCourty sweepstakes, then they can shift their attention to Moore. (Update: McCourty re-signed with the Patriots on Sunday.)
Wide receiver Michael Crabtree, linebacker Brandon Spikes, linebacker Akeem Ayers, linebacker Nate Irving, cornerback Patrick Robinson and wide receiver Cecil Shorts aren't huge names, but they could be on the Bears' radar.