Chicago Bears salary cap hell (part 1)

After a promising 2025, the Chicago Bears have a tight salary cap situation in 2026. It's not exactly salary cap hell, so consider the title click bait. The team is $9.6 million over the current cap, although it is increasing somewhat. The following players have expiring contracts:

Ryan Bates
Kevin Byard
Andrew Billings
Jaquan Brisker
Joe Tryon
Jonathon Owens
D'Marco Jackson
Braxton Jones
Dominique Robinson
Elijah Hicks
Chris Owens
Durham Smythe
Case Keenum
Travis Homer
Olamide Zaccheus
Nick McCloud
Jaylon Jones
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Devon Duvernay
Scott Daly
Nahshon Wright
Jordan McFadden
Theo Benedet

Now, most of these guys are far from important. Some of them didn't even see the field for one play in the past season. Others while not starting play helpful roles on special teams. Jonathon Owens, Homer, and Duvernay all played huge roles on special teams last year. Smythe played well as a third tight end. The Bears will probably try to keep these guys. Nahshon Wright will most likely get $16 million from somebody next year; the Bears can't afford him. Some players they'll be delighted to show the door, like Bates. I expect them to draft a DT and let Billings waddle - um, walk - away.

Among the most important names above are the two safeties, Byard and Brisker; and the two left tackles, Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet.

Byard is going to be 32 next season and is expected to command about $7 million. Brisker is expected to earn about $10 million. I believe there are smart general managers in the NFL who would be willing to pay Brisker more, because he has a knack for showing up at just the right times to make terrific plays... and his last game was nothing short of amazing. He does have a history of concussions, but played 17 games this season. Byard led the NFL in interceptions last year. His leadership on and of the field is unquestioned. No one expects the team to keep both safeties. Teams simply don't pay big money to two safeties.

Neither Jones nor Benedet is expected to break the bank, but it is unlikely the Bears will keep both. Benedet played well enough to get a couple starts after Ozzy Trapilo blew out his knee (and won't be back until 2027, probably), but they moved Thuney to left tackle for the Rams game.

So: Brisker or Byard, and why. Benedet or Jones, and why. What do you think?