
Bengals extend Lawrence after blockbuster trade
Cincinnati Bengals extend Dexter Lawrence II for $28 million after trade from Giants
The Chicago Bears freed up significant cap space this offseason, notably after Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman's retirement, which added approximately $10 million. These moves position the team well for upcoming free agency.
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Draft Prospect's Admission Makes Him Perfect for Ben Johnson's Offense
Although it was a relatively quiet offseason for the Chicago Bears, they made a lot of moves to free up cap space for free agency.
Before free agency even started, the Bears got some unfortunate news that still freed up space. Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman announced his retirement, but it gave them roughly $10 million in cap space since the remainder of his salary was forfeited.
Then, the Bears made two big moves to give them more cap space.
They released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and traded D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills for a 2026 second-round pick. Both of those moves combined freed up $31.5 million in cap space.
The Bears got younger at receiver, which is a good thing, but could still use one for added depth.
I think Ole Miss receiver De'Zhaun Stribling would be a great option for the Bears, not only because of his physical traits, but also because he would be a good fit in Ben Johnson's offense after a recent admission from him.
Stribling is listed at 6-foot-2, and ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. However, while that's an insane number for someone of his height, that's not what I'm focused on.
Stribling recently spoke with Bears Analyst Jacob Infante and shared his philosophy on blocking as a receiver. The Ole Miss standout noted that you realistically get around seven targets each game, so you need to block to make the most of the rest of your snaps.
"As a receiver, you get maybe seven targets a game," Stribling said. "So out of 50 plays, what are you doing the rest of the 43 snaps? You have to go out there and block and make the most of it.”
The Chicago Bears gained approximately $10 million in cap space from Drew Dalman's retirement.
The Chicago Bears made several moves, including the retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman and additional strategic decisions to increase their cap space.
Ben Johnson is the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, and the draft prospect's admission indicates he may fit well into Johnson's offensive scheme.
Drew Dalman's retirement impacts the Bears' roster by creating additional cap space, allowing them to pursue free agents and strengthen their team.

Cincinnati Bengals extend Dexter Lawrence II for $28 million after trade from Giants

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It's no secret that Johnson prioritized establishing the running game on offense last season. The Bears had a dynamic duo in the backfield of D'Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai, who helped the team achieve the third-most rushing yards (144.5) per game.
The offensive line is obviously a big part of running the football successfully. Bears General Manager Ryan Poles understood that, and acquired Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Dalman last offseason.
However, if the receivers are willing to block in the running game, it makes things go even smoother. Having a receiver like Stribling who wants to block can help running backs get into the second or third level of the defense, making the running attack that much more effective.
If the Bears do like what they see and want to take Stribling, it would be interesting to see where he is projected to go. Stribling is currently ranked as the No. 106 overall prospect and No. 17 WR, courtesy of nflmockdraftdatabase.com.
Based on his overall ranking, he is likely a Day 3 pick. However, given how well he tested at the combine, his stock could rise to the second round.
I don't think that Chicago should take Stribling in the first round. A defensive lineman or edge rusher needs to be taken to improve this team's pass rush or rush defense. However, Stribling could be a solid Day 2 or 3 pick for the Bears.
He already knows how important it is for a receiver to block in the running game. This sounds like a match made in heaven.