Kyle Long has called it a career — at least in Chicago. Although his tweets indicate that the seven-year veteran is indeed calling it a career.
Long was one of the best guards in the NFL when he was healthy. But ultimately, injuries were his downfall. Long finished his last four seasons on injured reserve, including this past season when his season was cut short with a hip injury following Week 5.
So how does Long’s impending Chicago departure affect the Bears moving forward in 2020? Aside from having to find a replacement at right guard, the Bears will benefit in terms of the salary cap.
Long, whose contract was set to expire following the 2020 season, was due to make $9.6 million this upcoming season.
If the Bears release Long before March 18, they’ll free up $8.1 million in cap space — $6 million against the 2020 cap and $2.1 million on roster and workout bonuses — with a dead money hit of $1.5 million.
The Bears are projected to have roughly $16 million in cap space for 2020, according to Spotrac.
