Such a bold move as the exchange of Khalil Mak is always controversial. To some, it may seem that the returned trade package is too scarce. Some may be caught in their feelings, upset that their favorite player has left for another team. Some, for obvious reasons, may be wary of another rebuild or reconfiguration (to be honest, it’s the same thing, oh well).
But what is undeniable is the financial flexibility that trading with someone like Mac gives you. This is almost certainly what general manager Ryan Poles had in mind when he dumped the 31-year-old pass rusher.
The Chicago Bears are expected to receive approx. $121 million cap in 2023.
One hundred twenty-one million dollars.
— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) March 10, 2022
Now let’s be precise.
$123 million is kind of generous for a team with no significant stars. This is bad. This means that the Bears are a terrible team and have nothing to look forward to in the future. Very bad!
On the other hand, $123 million is also the kind of generous ceiling that a new general manager should want to own. It’s good. It’s the limited financial commitment that anyone new to the job should want because it allows them to build their team basically the way they see fit. Fine!
If you’re smart, forward-thinking, and have a quarterback, it won’t take long to create an NFL winner. If Justin Fields becomes a star before 2023, the Bears will have what it takes to build a long-term league game.
If not, well, at least they had room for a lid or something. I don’t have nose skin. All I ask is that you don’t tell me “the closet was empty!” as an excuse in the 3rd year. Hopefully, based on what happens next March, Ryan Poles has grander ambitions for the Bears.