Something to keep on your radar this afternoon, as we might see quite a few transactions around the NFL, and not just because the Draft has now passed.
The deadline for free agents to factor into the compensatory draft pick formula is this afternoon at 3pm CT.
That means, any free agent who WOULD have factored into the formula no longer factors in if he’s signed after 3pm CT. That could spur some teams to try to retain comp free agents before that deadline (for example, someone like Jadaveon Clowney with the Seahawks, who, incidentally, just cleared a bunch of cap space (on the O-line, which is of interest to the Bears)). But, of more interest to us, it could mean a flurry of signing activity after that deadline passes.
That’s because, for the Bears, if they can wait until after the deadline to sign a would-be comp free agent, then they would stay in line to pick up a maximum four compensatory picks next year, per OTC’s current calculations. No, none of the picks are especially high, but you want as much maneuverability as possible.
The Bears currently still have about $9 to $10 million in projected cap space for 2020, so there is room to add on the offensive line, at safety, and maybe an offensive weapon.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we learn about a whole lot of deals today that are put in place – or have long been in place – but won’t actually be inked until after 3pm CT. Stay tuned.