Bears mailbag: Nick Chubb, J.K. Dobbins and the running back situation
The offseason program is officially on. We wouldn’t characterize that as a major NFL tentpole event, but it’s a sign that the player acquisition portion of the calendar has officially closed.
The Bears have upgraded their roster through trades, free agency and the NFL draft, to the point that they should be considered contenders if they play to potential.
That’s a big if, however, and is completely dependent on the play of an immensely talented quarterback. There’s plenty to parse throughout the course of the offseason, especially heading into this week’s rookie minicamp.
Let’s dive into your questions about the Bears and what happens next in this Wednesday edition of Bair Mail:
Charlie Newbern from Plainfield, Ill.
Do the Bears have a chance to get Nick Chubb?
Bair: In a word: Yes. But, as we all know, it’s always a bit more complicated than that. The Bears have roughly $4 million in effective salary cap space, which is code for the funds available after they sign all of their draft picks. Teams need a certain amount of space available for the inevitable roster-churn signings that occur throughout the year due to injuries and whatnot, so even that number’s a bit high for what’s left to spend.
There’s also the player side of things, with an awesome running back trying to come back after a significant knee injury. There’s no telling what form he’ll return to. If it’s peak potential, then every team in the league would jump at the opportunity to add him. It’s clear that the Browns have moved on, and the Bears could provide an opportunity for steady carries and a chance to restart his career on a prove-it deal. I’d go for a one-year prospect with some serious incentives, considering the Bears’ need for a physical running back that’s required in Ben Johnson’s scheme.
There’s also a reason why he hasn’t been signed yet. Maybe his agent is holding out for a higher annual value or his medicals aren’t great. The Bears should be cautious in either of those scenarios. Chubb’s pedigree is enticing, as is the dream that he can return to form. If he can even find a flash of his potential, it’s worth the risk. The terms of the deal are key here, but the Bears could be enticing to Chubb with D’Andre Swift and an elite interior line to work with.
Steve Wells from Holland, Mich.
Ruben Hyppolite is undersized for the linebacker spot, but way fast. Has anyone raised the possibility of him playing strong safety?
Bair: Ruben Hyppolite is officially listed at 225 pounds, which is a bit light for a linebacker, as Steve points out. I don’t think it’s prohibitive to him playing his natural position and with his speed.
The Bears clearly have a plan for his skill set, which is why they made him the first non-combine invite to get drafted. Coordinator Dennis Allen loves speed at the linebacker spot, and Hyppolite has plenty of it.
I think he stays put in this defense, as a weakside linebacker who has solid coverage skills. Allen has talked about Kyler Gordon playing at different spots, and could be an outside corner and in the slot. Jaquan Brisker is an excellent box safey and Kevin Byard plays well in the back, another reason why Hyppolite should stay put. He’ll be an instant-impact guy on special teams, too, and the coaching staff definitely has a plan for someone with plus traits.
Kent from Dubuque, Ill.
What are the real chances DJ Moore is traded and what are the salary cap implications this year and next year?
What’s the deal with Nick Chubb? Is JK Dobbins a better choice?
Bair: I’m gonna answer both of Kent’s questions, as a follow up to the Nick Chubb-ness of it all.
First of all, DJ Moore isn’t getting traded. He’s a true No. 1 receiver who can do so much so well. That doesn’t change, even with all of the offensive playmakers currently on this team. In terms of cap implications, the Bears would owe a ton in dead cap space. The Bears would have $35.485 million in dead space if they cut him in 2026, though the number shrinks to $8 million the following year. He’s under contract through 2029, when he’ll be 32.
While he might not be an elite receiver, he’s worth his freight. We still haven’t seen him work with a top tier quarterback, even during his time in Carolina. If Caleb Williams can start dealing, his numbers might reach elite levels even with so many targets in the pattern.
Now on to J.K. Dobbins. He was someone I previously mentioned as an excellent free-agent option for the Bears. He’s a tough and physical runner with good yards after contact. The Chargers placed a rarely-used unrestricted free agent tender on him, meaning they hold exclusive negotiating rights with him once training camp begins.
Might as well get him in quickly, and the Bears could work a deal that satisfies the player and keeps Chicago in a good space with the cap.