Bears' Updated Salary Cap After Reportedly Restructuring 3 Contracts Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles could be clearing space for a roster move ahead of next Sunday's season opener at the Carolina Panthers.

The Bears created about $17 million in 2026 salary cap space by restructuring three contracts, ESPN's Field Yates reported Friday.

The contracts impacted belonged to guard Joe Thuney, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and linebacker T.J. Edwards, according to Yates.

Chicken equity? This may be the wildest jersey number trade yet

The move could potentially create about $4.5 million in cap space for the Bears. Over the Cap projected they were about $12.5 million over the 2026 salary cap prior to the moves.

All three players are currently signed through the 2027 season. Thuney was carrying a $21.5 million cap hit distributed between a $16 million base salary, $5 million signing bonus and $500,000 workout bonus prior to the restructuring, according to Over the Cap .

Over the Cap reported Odeyingbo carried a cap hit of $20.5 million ($15.5 million base salary, $4.5 million signing bonus, $500,000 workout bonus).

Edwards carried a $10.8 million cap hit ($8.25 million base salary, $2.3 million signing bonus, $250,000 workout bonus), per Over the Cap .

The trio's combined cap hit will now be reduced from $52.8 million to about $35.8 million, according to Yates.

The news comes after ESPN's Dan Graziano reported the Bears are "still looking for a strong edge presence opposite Montez Sweat."

Graziano reported Poles "has been an active and aggressive trader in his time with the team, and he'll turn over every rock he can looking for an impact player up front."

That report led to speculation tying the Bears to Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat, although Graziano reported earlier this week the Cardinals have told other teams they aren't interested in trading Sweat.

The salary cap moves also come as the Bears brace for upcoming contract negotiations with quarterback Caleb Williams, who will be eligible for an extension next offseason.

Keeping salary cap space open for the 2028 season could be key as Williams looks to raise the price of his extension with a strong upcoming campaign.