Chicago Bears quietly cleared salary cap space in risky contract restructures right before NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears quietly created $10.375 million in salary cap space just before the NFL Draft by restructuring contracts of offensive lineman Jonah Jackson and tight end Cole Komet—moves that experts say were financially risky and counterintuitive. While the restructures provided immediate flexibility to sign rookie draft picks and undrafted free agents, they locked in significantly higher guaranteed cap hits for both players in 2027, making future trades or releases far more costly. With both players entering free agency after the 2027 season, the Bears now face a dilemma: they’ve made it harder to move on from Jackson, whose durability remains questionable, and Komet, who is likely to seek a major contract extension after being drafted behind a new third-round tight end. The decision is especially puzzling given that other players—like Joe Tooney, Montez Sweat, and Kyler Gordon—offered more logical targets for restructuring, as they were under contract longer and more likely to stay with the team. Analyst Lauren Cox argues the Bears’ choice signals strong faith in Jackson’s long-term future but raises red flags about their cap strategy and long-term planning. The episode also highlights how the Bears’ cap maneuver, while necessary, leaves them with minimal room for future free agent moves. Without additional restructures, they won’t be able to pursue major signings like Cam Jordan.