The Chicago Bears are heading into free agency with a number of questions this year and after the defense underperformed, names like Michael Bennett, TJ Ward, Jairus Bryd, Aqib Talib, Alterraun Verner and Michael Johnson could be free agent targets and that will be especially true for Marc Trestman and Phil Emery if Julius Peppers is released.
The Bears nearly made the playoffs in 2013 on the strength of their offense and now that they have Jay Cutler in on a contract, they can concentrate on working building back the defense that was once great under Lovie Smith. The Bears ranked last in the league in rushing yards allowed per game and they gave up over 230 passing yards per game and with names like Charles Tillman and Henry Melton hitting the market, the team may have to bring in some new players if they don't retain some of their own.
The team ditched Brian Urlacher last season and now they have parted ways with Devin Hester and now they could move on with a number of new players with the money they have to spend. According to ESPN.com, the team has about $10 million to work with and now without Hester and possibly cutting Peppers they could have more, as Peppers has a $14 million salary in 2014 and nearly $20 million cap number and if he goes as a pre June 1 cut the team will save another $10 million.
, Julius Peppers has a $14 million salary in 2014, and his cap number is over $18 million. The Bears will gain $9.82 million of cap room by releasing him before June 1.
Michael Bennett could be a replacement option for Peppers and he could come a bit cheaper, although he is expected to get some attention on the market. Last season he had 8.5 sacks and was integral to the Super Bowl win against the Denver Broncos and he has said that he will not be re-signing with the Seahawks before free agency starts. Bennett is 28 years old and is right in that sweet spot for players at his position and he will be looking for a long term deal this time around.
The Bears need to improve their defense and up front and in back are the places to start, as they likely are losing Charles Tillman and D.J. Williams. TJ Ward and Byrd will be targets in the backfield and those could be prime options for Chicago along with Aqib Talib and Alterraun Verner.