With free agency set to begin on March 11, the Chicago Bears are emerging as a serious suitor for the top offensive lineman on the open market.
The Bears cleared up $16.5 million in salary cap space this Thursday by trading wide receiver D.J. Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2026 second-round pick. The veteran pass catcher was set to have a $28.5 million cap hit this upcoming season.
Just hours after trading away Moore, the Bears opened up an additional $15 million in cap space by releasing former Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
With Edmunds and Moore no longer on the Bears, fans are convinced general manager Ryan Poles will make a strong run at Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.
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"LA Chargers sign Tyler Biadasz to a 3 year $30 million contract. A possible center for the Chicago Bears off the board," a Chicago fan said. "My feeling is the Bears are either going all in for Linderbaum or will use their new cap space somewhere else and draft a C."
"The Bears have created $45 million in cap space," a second fan pointed out "Tyler Linderbaum, get ready to learn Chicago Bears buddy."
"I think the Bears are out of the Maxx Crosby conversations…. GIVE ME TYLER LINDERBAUM," another fan declared.
"Tyler Linderbaum to the Bears to kick off next Monday morning/afternoon would be fannnntastic," a social media user wrote.
Tyler Linderbaum would be perfect for Chicago.
Earlier this week, Chicago learned that Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman is retiring at the young age of 27. His decision leaves Ben Johnson's offense with a huge hole in the trenches.
Signing Linderbaum to a long-term contract would immediately ease any concerns about Chicago's offensive line. However, the Bears won't be the only team interested in acquiring his services.
Linderbaum is expected to receive interest from the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders.
