Chicago unleashed $80 million free agency spending spree protecting Caleb Williams after franchise-worst 68 sacks suffered during 2024 rookie season.
Joe Thuney ($16M cap), Jonah Jackson ($11.83M), and Drew Dalman ($13.64M) comprise completely rebuilt interior offensive line costing $41.47 million combined annual charges.
Bears maintain $14.75 million remaining cap space ranking sixth-lowest NFL after aggressive weapon acquisition around Williams’ four-year $39 million rookie contract ($8.97M 2025 cap hit).
Montez Sweat ($25.08M), DJ Moore ($24.9M), and Jaylon Johnson ($21M) anchor defensive and offensive cores while Williams develops on cost-controlled timeline through 2027.
Discover in-depth Chicago player biographies and net worth breakdowns for each player.
Protecting the Investment: O-Line Spending Surge
Bears committed $41.47 million to three interior linemen after Williams absorbed NFL-high 68 sacks as rookie. Thuney’s three-time All-Pro pedigree and four Super Bowl rings provide elite veteran presence at $16 million annually.
| Player | Position | 2025 Cap Hit | Contract Value | Key Stats | Years Remaining |
| Montez Sweat | EDGE | $25.08M | $98M extension | 24.5 sacks since trade | 3 |
| DJ Moore | WR | $24.9M | $110M | 1,364 yards 2024 | 5 |
| Jaylon Johnson | CB | $21M | $76M | 2024 All-Pro | 4 |
| Tremaine Edmunds | LB | $17.43M | $72M | 124 tackles 2024 | 3 |
| Joe Thuney | OG | $16M | Trade acquisition | 3x All-Pro, 4x SB | 3 |
| Drew Dalman | C | $13.64M | Free agent | Falcons starter | 2 |
| Jonah Jackson | OG | $11.83M | Extension | Lions starter | 2 |
| Cole Kmet | TE | $11.6M | $50M | 73 catches 2024 | 4 |
| D’Andre Swift | RB | $9.33M | $24M | 1,049 yards 2024 | 2 |
| Caleb Williams | QB | $8.97M | $39M rookie | 2024 #1 pick | 3 (5th-year pending) |
Sweat’s trade deadline acquisition (November 2023) from Washington cost second-round pick but immediate four-year $98M extension ($72.9M guaranteed) locked elite pass rusher through 2027. His 24.5 sacks across 22 Bears games validates $25.08M annual investment ranking fifth among edge rushers.
Moore’s July 2024 extension ($110M over four years, $82.6M guaranteed) made him first NFL receiver with 10 years fully guaranteed at signing. His 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns justified Chicago’s highest WR contract in franchise history rewarding instant chemistry with Williams.
DJ Moore’s Record-Breaking $56 Million Wealth
Moore accumulated $56 million net worth through six-year NFL career totaling $78 million earnings. His 2024 extension ($27.5M AAV) plus Carolina earnings ($33M over five years) and Nike partnerships generate $2M annually beyond football salary.
| Player | Position | Est. Net Worth | Age | Career Earnings | Contract History |
| DJ Moore | WR | $56M | 28 | $78M+ | $110M extension 2024 |
| Montez Sweat | EDGE | $25M-$35M | 28 | $55M+ | $98M extension 2023 |
| Tremaine Edmunds | LB | $20M-$30M | 27 | $60M+ | $72M Bears deal 2023 |
| Jaylon Johnson | CB | $15M-$22M | 26 | $38M+ | $76M extension 2024 |
| Cole Kmet | TE | $12M-$18M | 26 | $28M+ | $50M extension 2023 |
Moore’s historic contract features first-ever 10-year guarantee structure protecting $82.6M through 2029 regardless of performance decline or injury. His 6,565 career receiving yards (97 games) averaging 67.7 yards per game demonstrates consistency justifying long-term commitment.
Sweat’s $25-35M net worth stems from Washington’s fifth-year option ($10.1M), franchise tag potential avoided through Chicago trade, and immediate $98M extension featuring $72.9M guaranteed. His Mississippi State background and 2019 first-round pedigree (#26 overall) created foundation for elite earnings.
Cap Tight After Offensive Line Overhaul
Chicago’s $14.75 million remaining space ranks 26th NFL after protecting Williams investment consumed available funds. Thuney trade (sixth-round pick to Chiefs) plus Jackson extension and Dalman signing reshaped protection unit costing $41.47M annually.
Offensive Allocation: $146.77 million total (51.2% of cap) prioritizing weapons around franchise QB versus $140.37M defensive spending (48.8%).
Dead Money Minimal: Bears carry clean books with negligible dead cap enabling aggressive spending unlike teams managing $30M+ charges for departed players.
2026 Flexibility: Projected $87 million available space (12th-most NFL) as Williams enters year three on rookie deal. Fifth-year option decision looms 2026 offseason with $25-30M estimated price protecting 2028 rights.
Restructure Options: Sweat ($25.08M), Moore ($24.9M), Johnson ($21M) conversions can free $15-25M immediate relief if midseason acquisition needed for playoff push.
Bears invested heavily in present-day competitiveness sacrificing future cap flexibility betting Williams’ development justifies surrounding talent. His $8.97M 2025 cap hit ($10.76M 2026, $11.59M 2027) provides three-year window before inevitable market-rate extension consuming 15-18% team ceiling.
FAQs
Who is Chicago’s highest-paid player?
Montez Sweat carries $25.08 million 2025 cap hit ($24.5M AAV through 2027) leading Bears roster. His four-year $98M extension features $72.9M guaranteed ranking fifth among edge rushers after November 2023 trade deadline acquisition from Washington costing second-round pick.
How much is DJ Moore’s contract worth?
Moore signed four-year $110M extension July 2024 ($27.5M AAV, $82.6M guaranteed) making him first NFL receiver with 10-year guarantee structure. His deal surpassed Bears’ previous WR high becoming franchise history’s most expensive wideout through age-32 season (2029).
What is Caleb Williams’ rookie contract?
Williams’ four-year $39M deal features $25.5M signing bonus creating $8.97M 2025 cap hit. Contract includes fully guaranteed $39M through 2027 with fifth-year option ($25-30M estimated) protecting 2028 rights. His cost-controlled timeline enables surrounding talent acquisition before inevitable market-rate extension.
How much cap space do Bears have?
Chicago maintains $14.75M available after $80M free agency spending protecting Williams. Offensive line overhaul ($41.47M Thuney/Jackson/Dalman) consumed majority of space ranking Bears 26th NFL cap flexibility. Dead money remains minimal enabling clean books versus teams carrying $30M+ charges.
Which Bears have highest net worth?
DJ Moore ($56M) leads through $78M career earnings and $110M extension guaranteeing $82.6M through 2029. Montez Sweat ($25-35M) ranks second via $98M deal, Tremaine Edmunds ($20-30M) third from $72M contract. Young roster limits veteran wealth accumulation versus established franchises.
