The offseason is in full swing, and we’re just a couple months away from the start of the new league year and free agency. And the Bears have some important decisions to make when it comes to in-house free agents.
It’s impossible for the Bears to keep everyone — especially considering their salary cap situation, where they currently have just over $7 million in available cap space, according to Over The Cap.
But there are some players that the Bears need to make it a priority to keep in Chicago in 2020 and beyond.
Here are 4 pending free agents the Bears must re-sign this offseason:
1. ILB Nick Kwiatkoski
When it comes down to it, the Bears are going to have to choose between Danny Trevathan and Nick Kwiatkoski. Earlier in the season, it would’ve been an easy win for Trevathan, who was playing some of his best football. But Trevathan’s elbow injury in Week 10 and Kwiatkoski’s subsequent impressive performance soon made things more difficult.
But when it comes to deciding who to sign to an extension, the answer becomes obvious. Naturally, the Bears should sign the younger, healthier and cheaper option, which is Kwiatkoski, to pair with Roquan Smith in 2020.
2. DT Nick Williams
It might’ve taken him a few years, but veteran defensive tackle Nick Williams finally had his breakout season in 2019. Stepping up from a reserve role as the Bears battled injuries on the defensive line, Williams shined when called upon. Williams had 42 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakouts in 2019.
Considering Williams’ impressive season, there are surely going to be teams interested as free agency fast approaches. Williams has expressed a desire to remain in Chicago, and he’s proven to be a productive player on an already-dominant Bears defensive front. So pay the man, Chicago.
3. ILB Kevin Pierre-Louis
Another impressive surprise this season was the emergence of veteran inside linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, who shined in relief of the injured Roquan Smith in the final three games. In those last three contests, Pierre-Louis had 23 tackles and one interception.
If the Bears can snag Pierre-Louis as depth in their inside linebacking corp., Chicago will be in good shape moving forward with Roquan Smith and Nick Kwiatkoski likely leading the way.
4. DB/ST Sherrick McManis
Sherrick McManis is the current longest-tenured player on the Bears, and for good reason. McManis has been a special teams mainstay and reliable defensive back for the Bears for the last eight years.
At this point in his 10-year career, McManis isn’t looking for a big payout. The Bears, if they want him, will likely be able to lock McManis down to an extension and return a valuable special teams ace. And they need to do just that.
