There is a reason why the Chicago Bears have not come to terms with any of their draft picks just yet.
The Chicago Bears have brighter days ahead and ones that could finally give optimism to the fan base. Although GM Ryan Pace offered the 2021 first-round selection, his move to select Justin Fields with the No. 11 pick was downright genius for Matt Nagy’s offense.
Fields, who prior to the national championship against Alabama was considered by many as the sure-fire No. 2 pick when the New York Jets were on the clock, fell down draft boards. Instead of waiting, the Bears landed an upside quarterback with potential to expand plays outside the pocket.
A few minor tweaks and Chicago could be looking at the future of the position and a top 10 passer for the next decade.
Everything now is about securing Fields to a rookie deal worth the asking price. However, Chicago has yet to come to terms with any of the rookies selected in the 2021 NFL Draft as May rolls to an end.
There is a reason behind that and it should be answered soon. Chicago will add an extra $9 million in cap space when the release of Pro Bowl left tackle Charles Leno Jr. becomes official. Expect by June 2 for other players to be signed.
Bears can begin signing Justin Fields, draft picks in June when they get cap space
Fields will be the highlight from Chicago’s rookie class, but Pace made sure to enhance near every flaw with an upside player. Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins is expected to take over for Leno at left tackle while Missouri’s Larry Borom should find a home at guard or right tackle.
Oregon’s Thomas Graham Jr. has tremendous value as either a slot defender or outside cornerback. North Carolina’s Dazz Newsome was a machine in the slot for the Tar Heels over the past two seasons.
None of the players will be on the active roster until signing the contracts. According to OverTheCap, the Bears currently have the 31st-ranked salary cap and are one of three teams under $1 million. The departure of Leno will expand that to near $10 million before the start of training camp.
No one knows the exact time Fields will make his first start, but one shouldn’t worry about why he and his teammates have not been signed yet. Once Leno’s deal is finalized, expect pens to hit paper left and right.