David Montgomery, Nicholas Morrow, Bears Free Agents' Projected Contracts
If the Chicago Bears want to bring back the majority of their players set to become free agents this offseason, they likely can. That doesn't mean they necessarily will, but they have the financial flexibility to at least consider re-signing any of them.
Per Over The Cap, the Bears have $98 million in available cap space, the most of any team in the NFL. With some notable players about to hit the free-agent market, Chicago could use some of that space to retain quite a few of them.
The biggest name on the list is starting running back David Montgomery. But the Bears have other players who have been key contributors who could potentially be suiting up for a different team when the 2023 season arrives.
Here's a look at the projected contracts that several Chicago players set to hit free agency could receive this offseason.
David Montgomery, RB
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David Montgomery has rushed for at least 800 yards in each of his first four NFL seasons. He's scored 30 total touchdowns, including at least six each year. When healthy, the 25-year-old has the potential to be among the top running backs in the league.
So there will likely be plenty of interest in Montgomery should he hit the free-agent market and consider not returning to Chicago. It's not a guarantee the Bears will bring him back, either, as quite a few other talented RBs will be available.
Montgomery could be a great fit in plenty of offenses, especially because of his receiving ability. But it may take a decent-sized contract for either the Bears to bring him back or for another team to land him.
Expect Montgomery to sign a multi-year deal that will get him a big raise. And if he plays up to his potential, he could fare quite well over the next few seasons.
Projected contract: Three years for $24.5 million
Nicholas Morrow, LB
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Last offseason, Nicholas Morrow signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract. It turned out to be a great investment as the 27-year-old linebacker started all 17 games and set career highs in tackles (116) and tackles for a loss (11), while also notching an interception.
Now, Morrow is set to return to the free-agent market. And this time, he should get a larger deal (potentially even for multiple years), as he proved he's a better player than he showed over his first four NFL seasons with the Raiders.
The Bears don't have a ton of linebacker depth, and they could be losing a few key players from the unit this offseason. So it would make sense if they tried to keep Morrow in the fold for 2023 (and possibly a bit longer).
Considering Morrow's cost shouldn't be too high, he may end up back in Chicago. But if not, there will surely be teams willing to pay his asking price.
Projected contract: Two years for $9 million
Angelo Blackson, DE
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Chicago needs to upgrade its pass rush in a major way this offseason. And it already doesn't have a ton of depth at those positions. Yet, it seems unlikely that Angelo Blackson will be back with the Bears in 2023.
Despite playing 15 games and making four starts last season, Blackson didn't record a sack. He finished his second year in Chicago with only 22 tackles.
Still, Blackson is 30 and has proved to be a valuable depth player in the past. So there could be other teams looking to sign him and hope that he can be a solid contributor. Perhaps that will end up being the case and that franchise will get a steal.
But Blackson may have to sign a prove-it deal and show that he can fare better. Then, perhaps he'll get a higher salary for the following season.
Projected contract: One year for $2.2 million
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