Chicago Bears
Projected cap: $50 million
Top target: Trumaine Johnson (CB)
The top priorities for the Bears are pretty straightforward for 2017. It starts with retaining wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, by far their biggest in-house free agent. Despite his inconsistencies of late he remains their best offensive threat in the passing game. After that the needs on the roster line up clearly enough. On offense they need upgrades at offensive tackle while the defensive secondary is easily their biggest weakness. Adding a playmaker at corner would be huge.
Trumaine Johnson was a hot name this past off-season among cornerbacks before he was franchise tagged by the Los Angeles Rams. Since then the team has struggled, and his stock as a top corner took a tumble. Nevertheless the 6’2″ defender is still a presence on the back end. He tackles really well and has improved steadily in coverage over the years. If Los Angeles isn’t able to retain him he could make for an underrated building block in Chicago.