The Chicago Bears made some big moves ahead of free agency next week, where they shored up the interior offensive line with the trades for All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and guard Jonah Jackson, which will become official at the start of the new league year on March 12.

The offensive line, particularly the interior, is a focal point for the Bears this offseason after allowing a league-high 68 sacks on quarterback Caleb Williams last season. With the additions of Thuney and Jackson, center remains the biggest remaining need, along with depth. Although, it’s also worth noting they could upgrade at left tackle, where Braxton Jones is penciled in as the starter for a fourth straight year.

Following the trades for Thuney and Jackson, where does Chicago stand with the salary cap ahead of free agency next week?

Bears’ updated 2025 salary cap after trades

The Bears still have some pressing news to address entering free agency, including most notably center and defensive end. Before the trades for Thuney and Jackson, Chicago was slated to have roughly $80 million in salary cap space, which was the third-most in the NFL. Now, they’re still in a favorable place with $45.32 million in cap space, per Spotrac, which ranks 13th. That means the Bears could still very well target center Drew Dalman and edge rusher Khalil Mack when free agency opens next week.

Joe Thuney’s salary cap hit

The Bears are taking on the remainder of Thuney’s contract with the Chiefs, which is for one year and $16 million. With that in mind, it certainly feels like Thuney is in line for a contract extension with Chicago after they traded a fourth-round pick for him.

Jonah Jackson’s salary cap hit

Chicago is acquiring Jackson in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick, and a big reason for that is that the Bears are taking on the remainder of Jackson’s three-year, $51 million contract he signed with the Rams last offseason. That includes a $17.5 million salary cap hit in 2025, per Spotrac.