Durkin: Bears' 2016 Free Agency Primer
By Dan Durkin--
(CBS) Just more than a month after crowning the Denver Broncos as Super Bowl champions, the NFL will turn the page on the 2015 season. The 2016 league year officially starts on Wednesday, March 9 at 3 p.m. CT.
Here are some pertinent details to be aware of as the new league year approaches for the Bears.
Negotiating period starts Monday
Back in 2013, the NFL instituted a "legal tampering" period prior to free agency. Originally, this was a three-day window, but last year, a resolution to amend the anti-tampering language passed and reduced it to two days.
So for the 2016 offseason, the legal tampering window runs from 11 a.m. CT Monday, March 7 through 3 p.m. CT Wednesday, March 9.
During this window, teams and agents of unrestricted free agents can discuss contract terms — but not reach an agreement — and jockey to be the first visit on a free agent's docket.
Agents already have a feel for what positions teams are in the market for, as discussions originated during the week of the Senior Bowl, then amplified at the NFL Scouting Combine. But by having this negotiation window, teams can wait to disclose their specific contract figures. If they release this information too soon, agents will then shop that offer around, which could ultimately cost a team an opportunity to sign a player they coveted.
Bears' unrestricted free agent list
* Sam Acho, outside linebacker, 27
* Alan Ball, cornerback, 30
* Vladimir Ducasse, guard, 28
* Matt Forte, running back, 30
* Rob Housler, tight end, 27
* Alshon Jeffery, receiver, 26 -- franchise tagged (one year, $14.599 million)
* Jarvis Jenkins, defensive end, 27
* Marc Mariani, wide receiver, 28
* Sherrod Martin, safety, 31
* Shea McClellin, linebacker, 26
* Sherrick McManis, cornerback, 28
* Zach Miller, tight end, 31
* Will Montgomery, center, 33
* Ryan Mundy, safety, 31
* Tracy Porter, cornerback, 29
* Chris Prosinski, safety, 28
* Jacquizz Rodgers, running back, 26
* Mitch Unrein, defensive end, 28
Bears' restricted free agent list
* Nick Becton, tackle, 26
* Patrick Omameh, guard, 26
* LaRoy Reynolds, inside linebacker, 25
* Deonte Thompson, receiver, 27
Bears' exclusive rights free agent list
* Josh Bellamy, receiver, 26 -- received tender offer (one year, $760,000)
Salary cap update
The 2015 salary cap limit has been set at $155.27 million per club, an 8.36 percent jump from last season. Currently, the Bears have 54 players under contract and will start free agency with approximately $46.34 million in free cap space.
For a detailed breakdown of the Bears' cap situation, click here.
Rule of 51
Recall, if you will, that in the offseason the Rule of 51 is in effect. This rule stipulates that only the top 51 contracts are accounted for in the offseason period. This rule goes into effect on Wednesday, March 9.
Please note the free cap space estimate listed above was calculated using the Bears' top 51 salaries.
Once teams transition from the offseason to the regular season in September, all contracts – including practice squad players – count against the salary cap.
June 1 cuts
June 1 is a frequently mentioned date during free agency. It specifically refers to the "acceleration" provision in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), article 13, section 6, paragraph 5 (ii).
To summarize, the acceleration provision allows teams to either designate two players as June 1 cuts or outright cut players on or after June 1, to spread their remaining dead money over two seasons. Thus, this is a useful tool for teams in a cap crunch that have a player whose dead money exceeds the cost to keep them on the roster.
The misconception that needs to be cleared up about this provision is the money isn't available immediately. The salary of a player who's designated as a June 1 cut remains on the books in full until that date.
Market for need positions
The Bears have a long list of needs, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Here are some of their top need positions and some of the top unrestricted free agents available.
* Defensive end: Malik Jackson (Broncos), Jaye Howard (Chiefs), Akiem Hicks (Patriots)
* Inside linebacker: Danny Trevathan (Broncos), Jerrell Freeman (Colts), Derrick Johnson (Chiefs)
* Guard: Kelechi Osemele (Ravens), Brandon Brooks (Texans), Jeff Allen (Chiefs)
* Safety: Eric Weddle (Chargers), George Iloka (Bengals), Reggie Nelson (Bengals)
* Cornerback: Sean Smith (Chiefs), Janoris Jenkins (Rams), Casey Heyward (Packers)
* Edge rusher: Olivier Vernon (Dolphins, working under transition tag), Bruce Irvin (Seahawks), Tamba Hali (Chiefs)
Final thoughts
General manager Ryan Pace is heading into a crucial offseason with a healthy salary cap situation and nine draft picks. They'll need to make the best use of every available resource to rebuild the roster and close the gaping talent gap.
Last season, Pace was forced to use holdovers from former general manager Phil Emery's scouting staff, as well as Emery's grading system. This offseason represents the first opportunity for Pace to use his scouting staff and grading system. Thus, the honeymoon period is over. This is Pace's operation across the board, any lingering fingerprints have been wiped away.
Since the end of last season, the buzzword coming from Halas Hall has been "playmakers." The Bears need several of them, particularly on defense. Free agency has some intriguing options that could help create more consistent pressure on the quarterback and make plays on the football once in-flight.
Buckle up for a busy offseason, Bears fans.
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.
