The Bears’ top ten salary cap hits in 2025 following recent reductions
The Bears’ Top Ten Salary Cap Hits in 2025 Following Recent Reductions
As the Chicago Bears prepare for the 2025 NFL season, their salary cap situation is under significant scrutiny. The Bears, under general manager Ryan Poles, have been actively reshaping their roster and managing their finances with an eye toward long-term flexibility and sustainability. After a number of moves designed to lower the team’s salary cap hit, the Bears have positioned themselves to make a run at free agents in the future, but for now, they need to carefully balance their financial commitments.
In this article, we’ll examine the Bears’ top ten salary cap hits for the 2025 season, following recent reductions and adjustments to their roster. We’ll explore how these decisions impact the team’s ability to build a competitive roster, and what it means for their short- and long-term success. By breaking down the team’s financial commitments, we’ll better understand how the Bears are balancing their immediate needs with the broader strategy of developing a team capable of winning championships down the line.
Understanding Salary Cap Hits and Their Importance
A salary cap hit is the amount of money a team is paying a player in any given season under the rules of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. This cap hit includes both base salary, signing bonuses, and other forms of guaranteed money. In recent seasons, NFL teams have had to carefully balance big-money contracts with the overall financial health of their roster. Teams are limited in how much they can spend in total, and managing the cap hit is critical for long-term success.
In 2025, the Bears will be working with a cap that, while manageable, will require some savvy decision-making to ensure they have enough room for key additions in free agency, extensions for current players, and any additional financial moves that may arise.
Top Ten Salary Cap Hits for the Chicago Bears in 2025
After a flurry of moves and contract adjustments in 2024, the Bears’ salary cap situation is considerably more favorable heading into the 2025 season. Let’s look at the top ten players whose contracts contribute most to the Bears’ salary cap in 2025, and evaluate their impact on the team.
- Caleb Williams – $12.5 million
As the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams carries a significant salary cap hit in his second year. However, this is typical for a rookie quarterback selected at the top of the draft, with the team investing heavily in the long-term future of the franchise by making Williams the centerpiece of the offense. The Bears have structured Williams’ deal with significant guaranteed money upfront, which allows them to lock in their star quarterback without needing to worry about a contract extension for a few years. As the future face of the franchise, Williams’ cap hit will grow over time, but for now, it’s a manageable figure that won’t put a strain on the team’s salary cap flexibility.
- Darnell Mooney – $11.4 million
Darnell Mooney, the Bears’ star wide receiver, continues to be a valuable asset in the passing game. After a solid season in 2024, Mooney is earning a significant cap hit in 2025 as part of his rookie contract extension. Mooney has developed into one of the top wideouts in the NFC, and his production is expected to rise even further with Caleb Williams at quarterback. Mooney’s ability to stretch the field and act as a reliable target is crucial for the Bears as they continue to develop their offensive identity. His cap hit in 2025 reflects his importance to the Bears’ passing attack.
- Teven Jenkins – $9.2 million
Teven Jenkins, the Bears’ starting offensive guard, has quickly become one of the anchors on the offensive line. After a breakout 2024 campaign, Jenkins’ cap hit grows in 2025 as a result of his solidified role as a starter. Jenkins has developed into a key piece of the Bears’ protection scheme, both as a pass protector and a run blocker. Given the high importance of building a strong offensive line to protect Caleb Williams, Jenkins is viewed as one of the key figures in the team’s future success. His cap hit in 2025 is a fair reflection of his growing value on the roster.
- Roquan Smith – $8.3 million
Roquan Smith, the Bears’ linebacker and captain of the defense, has consistently been one of the most dominant players on the team. After a strong 2024 campaign, Smith is expected to continue leading the defense in 2025. As a sideline-to-sideline linebacker, Smith’s ability to read offenses and make tackles in the open field remains crucial to the Bears’ success. His leadership is invaluable, and his contract reflects his status as one of the top defensive players in the league. Smith’s cap hit represents the Bears’ investment in keeping their defensive cornerstone locked up for the long term.
- Jaquan Brisker – $7.8 million
Jaquan Brisker, the standout safety, continues to be one of the bright spots on the Bears’ defense. After being selected in the 2022 draft, Brisker has shown impressive growth and development at the safety position, making him one of the team’s most important defensive players. As the leader of the secondary, Brisker is responsible for calling plays and helping to shut down opposing passing attacks. His 2025 cap hit reflects his value and his role as one of the future stars of the Bears’ defense.
- Justin Jones – $7.1 million
Justin Jones has emerged as a key piece in the Bears’ defensive front, and his 2025 cap hit reflects that importance. While Jones is more of a traditional 3-technique defensive tackle, his contributions as a pass rusher and run stopper are crucial to the Bears’ defensive scheme. The team has been pleased with his performance and sees him as a key veteran presence in the middle of the defensive line. As one of the more experienced players on the roster, Jones’ cap hit in 2025 is a direct reflection of his value in the defensive trenches.
- Jalen Johnson – $6.4 million
Jalen Johnson, the Bears’ cornerback, is another young player who has impressed over the past few seasons. Johnson has the ability to match up with the top wide receivers in the NFL and is viewed as a cornerstone piece of the secondary moving forward. In 2025, Johnson’s cap hit represents his continued growth into one of the top cornerbacks in the league. As the Bears continue to build their defense, Johnson will be a critical part of their efforts to improve their pass defense and neutralize high-powered offenses.
- Khalil Herbert – $5.9 million
Khalil Herbert, the Bears’ starting running back, has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic ball carriers. After a breakout year in 2024, Herbert’s cap hit increases in 2025. As one of the more explosive players in the Bears’ backfield, Herbert is an essential weapon for both the running and passing game. His ability to break big runs and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield makes him a versatile and dangerous player. Given his dual-threat nature, Herbert’s growing cap hit is seen as a wise investment for the team’s offense.
- Cole Kmet – $5.2 million
Cole Kmet, the Bears’ top tight end, continues to be a favorite target for quarterbacks. His ability to block in the run game and stretch the field as a pass-catching tight end makes him one of the most important pieces in the offense. In 2025, Kmet’s cap hit is reflective of his growth into a reliable and dangerous receiving weapon. As the Bears look to further develop their passing attack under Caleb Williams, Kmet’s contribution will be essential, and his cap hit aligns with the importance he has in the offense.
- Tashaun Gipson – $4.9 million
The veteran safety, Tashaun Gipson, remains a reliable force in the Bears’ secondary. After a solid 2024 season, Gipson’s cap hit in 2025 remains relatively high, but it’s justified by his veteran leadership and continued effectiveness on the field. Gipson is a key communicator in the secondary and a player that can help bring along younger defensive backs. His leadership in the back end of the defense will remain important as the Bears continue to build their defense under head coach Matt Eberflus.
Analyzing the Bears’ Salary Cap Flexibility in 2025
While the Bears’ salary cap hits for 2025 feature some high numbers, particularly for their key players like Caleb Williams and Darnell Mooney, the overall flexibility of their roster remains favorable. With a combination of young players on affordable contracts and veterans in pivotal positions, the Bears are in a good position to continue to build without being burdened by bloated contracts.
This flexibility allows the Bears to remain active in future free-agent markets, potentially making moves to address areas of need, especially on defense and the offensive line. Additionally, the team is well-positioned to extend or re-sign key players like Jaquan Brisker or Jalen Johnson in the near future, keeping the core intact as they continue their rebuild.
