Chicago Bears salary cap hell (part 2)

I've separated this into two topics because it really is two discussions: who to keep and who to trade. The Bears probably can't afford to keep DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. Kmet, while a very good tight end, has become TE2 because Colston Loveland is that good, and Kmet's salary cap hit is $11.6 million. DJ Moore's salary cap hit is $28.5 million. There's an argument for trading Moore, but if they do, who's the senior man in the wide receiver room? Probably not Zaccheus, because even without Moore or Kmet, he's the sixth best pass catcher on the team. He drops the ball more than anybody. It is possible the Bears won't find anyone willing to take Moore's contract. His numbers may be disappointing, but as a guy who has closely watched this team, I can tell you that isn't Moore's fault. Someone would likely take Kmet though, and keeping two very good tight ends is a luxury the team most likely cannot afford. Unfortunately. I love Cole Kmet. His stability and attitude are huge pluses, and he blocks as well as any man at his position in the league.

They might be able to trade Tremaine Edmunds (cap hit $17.4, 4th highest pay for any LB in the NFL), who has been a disappointment. That really doesn't free up enough money. Remember a team wants about $9 to $10 million after free agency and the draft to manage the team through the season what with emergency replacements for injuries.

These are the problems a team gets when it actually has a good season after years of disappointment. The Bears are actually better than team management thought they would be right now, and they don't want to take a step back. They have difficult decisions to make now.