In this video, we break down the Chicago Bears' recent moves to save over $10.75 million in cap space by releasing veteran tight end Gerald Everett and edge rusher DeMarcus Walker. We'll take a deep dive into both players' performances during the 2023 season, and what led to their departure from Chicago ahead of the 2024 season.
Gerald Everett (TE)
A veteran of 7 seasons in the NFL, Gerald Everett was signed by the Bears as a promising addition to their offense. In the 2023 season, Everett played in 14 games, recording 35 receptions for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns. While Everett's experience and reliable hands were expected to add depth to the tight end position, his lack of explosive plays and limited impact on the field ultimately led to his release. As the Bears look to continue rebuilding their offense for 2024, cutting ties with Everett allowed them to free up valuable cap space for other acquisitions.
DeMarcus Walker (EDGE)
DeMarcus Walker, who signed a 3-year deal with the Bears in 2023, had a solid but unspectacular season, finishing with 6 sacks and 40 tackles. Although Walker brought veteran leadership and some pass-rush ability to the defensive line, his inconsistency in creating pressure and making game-changing plays did not align with the Bears' long-term vision. Despite his experience, Walker's performance did not make the impact that Chicago was hoping for, and the decision to move on from him was a financial and strategic move to continue building a more effective defense.
Why They Didn't Work Out in Chicago
Both Everett and Walker were solid contributors in their respective positions but did not live up to the expectations the Bears had when they brought them in. Everett, while competent as a reliable target in the passing game, was unable to provide the game-changing ability the Bears were looking for at the tight end position. On the other hand, Walker showed flashes of talent but lacked the consistency the Bears needed in a starting edge rusher role, ultimately making him expendable. Chicago has big plans for its future, and releasing these two veterans gives the team flexibility to make better moves moving forward.
Cap Space and Future Opportunities
Now, with over $10.75 million saved, the Bears are in an excellent financial position to make moves heading into 2024 and beyond. In fact, the team is set to have the 4th highest cap space in 2025 with over $80 million available. This gives them the flexibility to pursue top free agents and continue strengthening their roster.
Potential free agents the Bears may target include standout players like Trey Smith, the dominant interior offensive lineman from the Kansas City Chiefs, Khalil Mack, the former Bear and current pass-rushing force, and Drew Dalman, the talented center from the Atlanta Falcons. With so much cap space and a strong core already in place, Chicago is quickly becoming an attractive destination for high-profile free agents looking to win.
Possible Future Cuts to Save Even More Cap
The Bears could potentially free up even more cap space by cutting additional players such as Ryan Bates (IOL), Jonathan Owens (S), and Noah Sewell (LB), among others. These moves could push the Bears’ cap space well over $100 million, setting them up for a big offseason that could include a major splash in free agency or trade talks. With this financial flexibility, Chicago can continue to build a team that can contend for championships in the near future.
Conclusion
The Bears are clearly positioning themselves to be major players in the 2024 and 2025 NFL seasons, and these cap-saving moves are just the beginning. With a hefty sum of cap space and a strong foundation in place, Chicago is poised for a strong push toward building a championship-caliber team.
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