The Chicago Bears are entering the offseason with several players who are set to become free agents. As the team considers which players to retain and which to let go, it’s important to take a closer look at the expiring contracts and the impact they may have on the Bears.
One of the most notable players set to become a free agent is Allen Robinson. The veteran wide receiver has been a consistent target for the Bears’ offense, putting up over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. Robinson’s contractual situation has been a point of contention between him and the team, with the Bears placing the franchise tag on him for the 2021 season. However, it remains to be seen if Robinson will be content playing under the tag or if the two parties will be able to work out a long-term deal.
Another player whose future with the Bears is uncertain is Mitchell Trubisky. The former second overall pick has had an up-and-down career in Chicago, with some flashes of brilliance interspersed with inconsistent play. Trubisky’s rookie contract is set to expire, and it’s unclear if the Bears will try to bring him back on a short-term deal or move on from him altogether.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears have several key players set to hit free agency. Safety Tashaun Gipson has been a solid contributor in his first season with the team, but at 30 years old, his age may work against him in negotiations. Fellow safety Deon Bush and linebacker Barkevious Mingo are also set to hit the market, and while they aren’t marquee names, they have provided depth and special teams contributions.
Finally, kicker Cairo Santos is set to become a free agent after a standout season filling in for the injured Eddy Pineiro. Santos went 30-for-32 on field goals and was perfect on extra points, making him a valuable asset for the Bears. However, kickers are sometimes overlooked in free agency, and it remains to be seen if the Bears will prioritize bringing Santos back or look for a cheaper option.
As the Bears approach the offseason, they will have to make tough decisions about which players to prioritize in negotiations and which to let walk. While the expiring contracts of Allen Robinson and Mitchell Trubisky are sure to get the most attention, it’s important not to overlook the impact that role players like Tashaun Gipson, Deon Bush, Barkevious Mingo, and Cairo Santos can have on a team’s success.
