3 Players the Bears Need to Release or Trade to Get Under the Salary Cap

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2020 season with one of the highest payrolls in football. Right now they're currently above the maximum projected cap of $201 million and need to find a way to shed salary if they want to explore options in free agency and get all of their draft picks under contract.

Chicago is right at the threshold with $202.3 million committed for next year, so they don't have to conduct a significant roster overhaul.

3. WR Cordarrelle Patterson

Chicago Bears WR Cordarrelle Patterson / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

We know a threatening return man is a luxury for so many teams, but Patterson is making nearly $6 million in 2020. He will only cost $1 million if the Bears release him, which seems like the only option at this point. Patterson had 11 catches for 83 yards in 16 games last year, so it's hard to fathom the Bears paying all that money for a returner when most kicks get booted out of the back of the end zone in today's NFL.

2. CB Prince Amukamara

Chicago Bears CB Prince Amukamara / David Banks/Getty Images

The one thing the Bears cannot do is mess with the defense considering that's the only consistent aspect of the team at this point, but is Prince Amukamara worth $10 million in 2020, especially when considering his release would save the team $9 million? He's been a reliable corner for them, but he doesn't force turnovers and he's going to be 31 by the start of the season. Chicago can find a cheaper option in the draft or let Kevin Toliver or Michael Joseph get a shot at the starting gig. Also, there's certainly a team out there that would be interested in the veteran at his current price tag.

1. WR Allen Robinson

Chicago Bears WR Allen Robinson / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Woah! Relax! We know Robinson is good and he shut up all the haters last season with almost 100 receptions, over 1,100 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. But when you carry a $15 million cap hit for 2020 and your team can save $13 million by releasing you, the possibility of a release will almost always loom. The Bears could go the route of cutting ties with Patterson and Taylor Gabriel, which would save them almost $10 million if they believe Robinson is needed to further Mitchell Trubisky's development.