The Chicago Bears have a solid core, but it’s clear with the way the 2020 season has gone that they have some holes that need to be filled to help take this team back to the top of the NFC North.
According to Spotrac.com, the Bears are only projected to have around $2.7 million in cap space to work with, but there are some ways to open up some cap space.
The Bears’ defense looks good, but especially on offense this team needs to improve. It’s clear the Bears need a new quarterback, but the cap space issues could creep in and make it limited for what players they could go after.
Let’s take a look at three players the Bears should be targeting in free agency.
Marvin Jones Jr, Wide Receiver
The first goal for the Bears this offseason should be to get Allen Robinson back, but only if it’s the right number.
With the cap numbers where they are, and depending on where else they plan to spend money, maybe getting a solid wide receiver at a little cheaper price would be the way to go. Jones Jr is 30 years old, but he would still be a great option for whoever is under center for the Bears in 2021.
So far this season, Jones has caught 33 passes for 404 yards and five touchdowns. If the Bears can get Jones on a one or two-year deal at a nice price, Jones makes a lot of sense in the Windy City.
Cam Newton, Quarterback
Cam Newton hasn’t looked elite for the New England Patriots, but that actually could help the Bears this offseason with a cheaper contract.
This offseason, the Bears made the wrong decision by trading for Nick Foles instead of bringing in a guy like Newton.
Over the last three games, Newton has only thrown one touchdown, but he hasn’t thrown any interceptions, something that had been a big problem earlier this season. Newton isn’t as good as he once was with the Carolina Panthers, but he is still an upgrade over the quarterbacks currently on the roster.
If the Bears decide to use a first-round pick on a quarterback, Newton doesn’t make sense, but if they don’t, Newton does makes sense.
Mike Davis, Running Back
Mike Davis had already signed a two-year contract with the Bears back in 2019, but he was put on waivers during the season.
Davis has taken on a bigger role with the Carolina Panthers with Christian McCaffrey out, something he has thrived with. On the season, Davis has rushed the ball 92 times for 385 yards and two touchdowns. He has also caught 47 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen will still be under contract for the 2021 season, but Davis is another playmaker that makes a lot of sense at the right price.
Davis might not want to come to the Bears after being cut last season, but if he wants to come back to Chicago, the team should offer him a contract.
