This is our online morning newsletter, Bear Necessities - weekly offseason edition. Subscribe to get the latest Bears news delivered to your mailbox every day.
The NFL finalized its 2023 salary cap this week, where it's expected to be a record $224.8 million, which is up $16.6 million from 2022 ($208.2 million).
That's great news for the Bears, who are projected to have $98.6 million in cap space, which is nearly double the next team (Falcons at $56.4 million).
But just because Chicago has a ton of money to spend doesn't mean GM Ryan Poles is about to go on an all-out spending spree. Poles laid out his approach for free agency, which includes being sound in their moves and getting good value.
"We've got to stay sound in free agency," Poles said after the 2022 season. "I know everyone is talking about how much money we have and we're just going to go crazy. We're going to be sound so we get the right players in here and we get good value and attack the draft, always keeping value in mind. That's not going to change just because we have the No. 1 overall pick."
The Bears have a number of holes on the roster, starting in the trenches with the defensive and offensive lines. There are some notable names set to hit the free agent market at this positions, which could help shore up the biggest weaknesses from a season ago.
But just because Poles warns they're going to be smart when it comes to free agency doesn't necessarily mean he's not willing to spend big, if the right guy comes along.
2022 review
15 Most Impactful Bears of 2022: Counting down the biggest contributors
Bears 2022 position reviews: How we graded Chicago's roster in 2022
Bears OC Luke Getsy encouraged by Justin Fields' growth in Year 2
Draft coverage
Full 7-round Bears 2023 mock draft: Pre-Senior Bowl edition
Albert Breer believes Bears will stick with Justin Fields, trade No. 1 pick
Fowler: Bears GM Ryan Poles 'very high on value' for No. 1 pick
2023 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears find multiple suitors for No. 1 pick
Ranking the Bears' potential trade partners for No. 1 pick
Bears' top 2023 draft prospects: Rashee Rice (No. 15), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 14)
5 big risers from Day 1 of Senior Bowl practice
5 big risers from Day 2 of Senior Bowl practice
Bears OC Luke Getsy explains benefit of serving as head coach at Senior Bowl
Other headlines
Stay or go: Predicting the fates of Bears free agents in 2023
How NFL's expected $224.8M salary cap will impact Bears in 2023
Mel Kiper thinks Bears' trade for Chase Claypool will pay off
Patrick Mahomes wanted to be a Chicago Bear, according to his father
Breaking down Bears' contract statuses at every position for 2023
Bears announce coaching staff, football operations changes
This Justin Fields highlight video will give you goosebumps
Michigan State WR Jayden Reed is a huge Justin Fields fan
Aaron Rodgers buzz: 'Becoming clear…trade feels more possible than ever.' READ MORE ON PACKERS WIRE.
An early look at some of the Vikings' potential free agent targets. READ MORE ON VIKINGS WIRE.
Aaron Glenn gets his 2nd interview for the Colts head coaching position. READ MORE ON LIONS WIRE.
Story originally appeared on Bears Wire
