Report: Robert Quinn, Bears Restructure Contract; Creates $3.5M in Salary-Cap Space

The Chicago Bears and outside linebacker Robert Quinn reportedly agreed to restructure his five-year, $70 million contract to create $3.5 million in salary-cap space for 2021.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the news Friday and noted the Bears were operating with just $800,000 in cap space before reworking Quinn's deal.

The 31-year-old edge-rusher signed with Chicago in 2020 after previous stops with the Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys.

Quinn is off to a strong start to the 2021 season with 15 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble through five games. He's received a 75.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

It represents a nice statistical bounce-back from the UNC product, who explained last week he was in a "rough place" last year but took the offseason to heal from every perspective.

"Honestly, I'm just mentally and spiritually happy," Quinn said. "I took some time to myself this offseason to put myself in a better mind state. I talked to some good friends and pastors and got myself mentally and spiritually right."

Fellow linebacker Khalil Mack (five sacks) is also playing well to help push the Bears to the top of the NFL's sack rankings with 18.

The contract restructure for Quinn was merely a procedural move to give Chicago a little flexibility under the cap to sign players as injuries arise in the coming weeks. He's under contract through 2024, and the slightly reworked deal shouldn't impact his future with the franchise.

For his career, the two-time Pro Bowl selection has tallied 325 tackles and 87 sacks in 145 games. He posted a career-high 19 sacks with the Rams in 2013.

Quinn and the 3-2 Bears return to action Sunday when they host the rival Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.