Bears to Terminate Willie Young’s Contract, Clearing More Cap Space … and Creating More Needs

The Chicago Bears’ round of offseason cuts has cleared ample salary cap room to spend on roster improvements, but the latest has also created a new position of need.

Bears GM Ryan Pace told reporters the team will terminate the contract of outside linebacker/defensive end/edge rusher Willie Young. While the move creates $4.5 million in salary cap savings, it also makes pass rush a position of (greater) need.

And to think, the Bears looked to be in good shape as far as edge defenders are concerned when training camp opened in 2017. Nearly eight months later, things have changed … drastically.

Young was coming off a three-year run in which he picked up 24 sacks in 46 games. Leonard Floyd was ready to take the next step in his development as a second-year player. Pernell McPhee and Lamarr Houston were prepared to put their health issues aside and return to form as a feared pass-rusher. Things didn’t go as planned for Chicago’s edge rushers, as Floyd, McPhee, and Young each ended the season on injured reserve. Houston didn’t make the team out of camp and was waived/injured before returning for the final five games of the year after a brief stint with the Texans. In the end, four Bears outside linebackers (including Young because of a triceps injury) ended the 2017 season on injured reserve.

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

What was once believed to be a strength on the defense is now a question-mark. One could make a case that pass rush is as big of a need as wide receiver. Floyd, Howard Jones, and undrafted free agent Isaiah Irving are the only outside linebackers under contract with the Bears for 2018. With that in mind, we recently offered up solutions to the Bears problems, which could be solved in free agency and the draft.

While the need has grown exponentially this offseason, at least there will be money to spend. Dan Durkin of The Athletic reports releasing Young will bring the Bears’ estimated cap space to $67.2 million. And once the team officially parts ways with Mike Glennon, that number will go up to $78.7 million.

Giddy up. Another free agent spending spree awaits … and the Bears’ needs couldn’t be any clearer.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

Latest News

Guardians vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

The Cleveland Guardians (0-0) and the Oakland Athletics (0-0) square off on Thursday at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for Opening Day. First pitch is at 10:07 PM ET.The Guardians will call on Shane Bieber versus the Athletics and Alex Wood.Guardians vs....

Mariners vs. Red Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

The Seattle Mariners (0-0) open their 2024 season with a home contest against the Boston Red Sox (0-0) on Thursday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.The Mariners will look to Luis Castillo against the Red Sox and Brayan Bello.Mariners...

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

The Arizona Diamondbacks (0-0) begin their 2024 season with a home matchup against the Colorado Rockies (0-0) on Thursday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.The Diamondbacks will give the nod to Zac Gallen against the Rockies and Kyle Freeland.Diamondbacks...

Buffalo Bills 1st Round Mock Draft: Wild Crossroads at 28 – Offense or Defense?

The Buffalo Bills stand at a crossroads. The 2024 NFL Draft looms, and the 28th pick presents a fascinating dilemma. This Buffalo Bills 1st Round Mock Draft analyzes 10 different options that could be available to them at their current...

How to Watch Celtics vs. Hawks: Live Stream or on TV

The Atlanta Hawks (33-39) hope to continue a three-game home winning stretch when hosting the Boston Celtics (57-15) on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET.In their last time out, the Celtics lost 120-118 to the Hawks on Monday....

Rangers vs. Cubs Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Texas Rangers look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-120) in a season-opening matchup with the Chicago Cubs. First pitch is on Thursday at 7:35 PM ET on ESPN, live from Globe Life Field.Texas' Nathan...

Dejounte Murray Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Celtics – Thursday, March 28, 2024

Will Dejounte Murray make four 3-pointers when the Atlanta Hawks face the Boston Celtics on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Dejounte Murray's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the CelticsDejounte Murray's over/under for three-pointers...

Bogdan Bogdanovic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Celtics – Thursday, March 28, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, Bogdan Bogdanovic needs to make three from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Atlanta Hawks meet the Boston Celtics on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET.Bogdan Bogdanovic's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the CelticsBogdan Bogdanovic's over/under...

Jayson Tatum Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, it'll be the Boston Celtics versus the Atlanta Hawks, with Jayson Tatum needing three treys to beat his 3-pointer prop.Jayson Tatum's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksJayson Tatum's over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

Jaylen Brown Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, Jaylen Brown must make three from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Boston Celtics play the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET.Jaylen Brown's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksJaylen Brown's over/under for...

more bears news