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How Al-Quadin Muhammad’s release impacts Bears’ salary cap in 2023

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By: Alyssa Barbieri

The Bears are cutting defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, who becomes the first salary cap casualty of the offseason for general manager Ryan Poles.

Muhammad followed head coach Matt Eberflus from the Colts, where he was brought in with an understanding of the new defensive scheme. But he faced a tall order serving as a key contributor that lost defensive stars Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn.

Muhammad’s release doesn’t come as a surprise after his disappointing season, where he notched just one sack in 16 games. Muhammad signed a two-year deal worth $8 million with $3.33 million guaranteed.

The Bears don’t need to clear up any salary cap space, as they’re expected to have $98.6 million, which is the most in the NFL by a wide margin. Still, it was hard to justify keeping Muhammad on the roster, especially given his $4.5 million cap hit.

Muhammad’s release will free up $3.96 million in salary cap space and cost just $500,000 in dead money. That bumps Chicago over the $100 million salary cap mark.

The Bears currently have $102.56 million in cap space for the 2023 season with other potential cuts and free agency just around the corner.

With Muhammad’s departure, former fifth-round picks Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson are the big names left on the roster at defensive end. Clearly, edge rusher will be a huge focal point for GM Ryan Poles this offseason, where there are options both in free agency and the NFL draft.

Originally Posted On Bears Wire