Regarding the Bears’ offseason spending, Amon-Ra St. Brown says, “They have unlimited money.”

In the world of professional sports, particularly in the NFL, the offseason is a time of tremendous activity, anticipation, and speculation. For teams, the offseason represents a unique opportunity to reshape their rosters, address weaknesses, and make bold moves to improve. And for the Chicago Bears, 2025’s offseason was marked by an unprecedented spending spree that caught the attention of both fans and pundits alike. Amon-Ra St. Brown, the wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, made headlines when he referred to the Bears’ offseason spending with the bold statement, “They have unlimited money.”

This statement, while seemingly simple, touches on deeper aspects of team management, player acquisitions, and the financial structures within the NFL. What does it mean for a team to have “unlimited money,” and why would St. Brown make such a remark? Let’s take a deep dive into what St. Brown’s comment implies, why the Bears had the financial capacity for such a lavish offseason, and the potential implications for the team and the NFC North.

The Context of the NFL Salary Cap

Before diving into the specifics of the Bears’ spending, it’s important to understand the NFL’s salary cap structure. Unlike other professional sports leagues where teams can spend freely, the NFL imposes a salary cap each year. This cap sets a limit on how much money a team can spend on player salaries, ensuring parity in the league and preventing teams from outspending each other to the point where only the wealthiest franchises could compete.

In 2025, the NFL salary cap is set at around $235 million per team. However, this cap can be manipulated through various strategies, such as restructuring contracts, re-signing players to long-term deals, and making strategic cuts. Teams often rely on a combination of player development and free agency to build their rosters, and the spending of teams like the Bears must be understood within this financial framework.

The Chicago Bears’ Offseason Spending Strategy

The Chicago Bears’ spending spree in the 2025 offseason was one of the most aggressive in recent memory. Under the leadership of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, the team entered free agency with the mission of transforming a roster that had underperformed in recent seasons. The Bears, having finished with one of the worst records in the league the previous season, possessed significant cap space, an advantageous draft position, and a desire to make a splash.

Key Moves:

1. Acquiring Superstar Players: The Bears were able to make high-profile signings in the offseason, landing top-tier free agents who could immediately contribute to the team’s success. Among these signings was a major move to bolster their defense, bringing in a star pass rusher and a shutdown cornerback. These players commanded high salaries, but the Bears’ cap flexibility allowed them to afford such marquee names without fear of crippling their long-term financial health.
2. Trade for Impact Players: The Bears were not only active in free agency but also in the trade market. They acquired a high-impact wide receiver and a veteran quarterback to provide both leadership and skill to a young, developing team. By trading away some of their lesser-valued assets and future draft picks, they were able to land established talent that could help accelerate their rebuild.
3. Investment in the Offensive Line: Knowing that quarterback Justin Fields’ development depended on better protection, the Bears made a concerted effort to invest in their offensive line. They signed multiple veteran linemen, including one of the top tackles on the market, to provide stability and create running lanes for their backfield. Protecting Fields was a top priority, and the Bears ensured they had the financial resources to overhaul their offensive line.
4. Depth and Special Teams: It wasn’t just about big names; the Bears also focused on building depth throughout their roster. They signed valuable role players to round out their squad, ensuring they had strong depth at key positions. Special teams were another area of emphasis, with several signings aimed at improving the kicking game and return units.

These moves were all made possible by the Bears’ large amount of cap space, which set them apart from other teams in the league. This surplus of financial flexibility is likely what prompted Amon-Ra St. Brown to make his remark about their “unlimited money.” For a team like the Bears, who had spent the last few seasons rebuilding and had accumulated draft capital and financial resources, the ability to make such splashes in the market made them a powerful offseason force.

Why Did the Bears Have the Financial Capacity?

There are several key reasons why the Chicago Bears were able to spend so freely during the 2025 offseason:

1. A Clean Financial Slate: Heading into 2025, the Bears had been in a rebuilding phase for several years. They had moved on from expensive contracts, including those for aging veterans, and had not made any significant high-cost signings in recent seasons. This allowed them to enter the 2025 offseason with a clean financial slate, freeing up a significant amount of cap space to pursue new players.
2. Big Contracts Gone: The Bears had previously made some costly contracts, but many of those contracts either expired or were traded away, leaving the team with fewer financial obligations. These moves helped create the space necessary to go after top-tier free agents, as well as the flexibility to make bold moves like restructuring contracts and creating cap room for additional acquisitions.
3. A Rebuilding Team: A rebuild often means that a team isn’t paying as many high-priced players in their prime, which allows for more spending. The Bears’ roster had several younger, less expensive players, allowing them to allocate money toward bringing in veteran players who could make an immediate impact. While other teams might have needed to maintain expensive contracts with established stars, the Bears could focus on getting key pieces for a faster rebuild.
4. Salary Cap Manipulation: The Bears made expert use of salary cap manipulation strategies, such as restructuring contracts and converting base salaries into signing bonuses to spread out payments over the course of a contract. This allowed them to keep their books balanced while still making large acquisitions. In the NFL, where money management is as much about strategy as it is about resources, the Bears’ front office demonstrated an astute understanding of the financial landscape.

Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Perspective

For Amon-Ra St. Brown to make the comment that the Bears have “unlimited money” is a testament to how far the team has come in terms of financial flexibility and the expectations that this has created in the league. As a division rival, St. Brown likely feels the weight of the Bears’ offseason moves. The comment is a mixture of admiration for their ability to spend and perhaps a touch of caution as the Bears look poised to make a serious challenge in the NFC North.

The NFC North, traditionally one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL, has seen its dynamics shift in recent years. The Bears, once the doormat of the division, are now positioning themselves as a legitimate contender, and their offseason spending is a clear indicator of that. With the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings all vying for supremacy in the division, St. Brown’s comment underscores the significance of the Bears’ moves and the challenges ahead.

The Implications of the Bears’ Spending Spree

1. A New Contender in the NFC North: The Bears’ aggressive spending suggests that they are ready to compete now, not just in the future. With their revamped roster, including a much-improved defense, a more competent offensive line, and added depth, the Bears could quickly become a force in the NFC North. Their ability to attract top-tier talent in free agency sends a message that they are serious about contending for the division title in 2025 and beyond.
2. Potential for Future Success: If the Bears’ investments pay off, they could find themselves in the playoffs sooner rather than later. However, much of their success will depend on the performance of quarterback Justin Fields. If Fields continues his development and thrives behind a better offensive line, the Bears could be one of the surprise teams of the season.
3. Pressure on Other Teams in the NFC North: The Lions, Packers, and Vikings will now have to adjust to the Bears’ new roster. The Packers are in the midst of a transition to a new quarterback, the Vikings are facing questions about their long-term viability, and the Lions will need to maintain their consistency. The Bears’ moves add an extra layer of pressure on their divisional rivals, who must now account for a more talented and well-equipped Chicago team.
4. The Risk of Overspending: Of course, the Bears’ spending spree carries risks. While the team made several important acquisitions, there’s always the possibility that some of these players may not live up to expectations or that the team could face cap issues down the road. If the Bears’ roster doesn’t perform as expected, the financial flexibility they once enjoyed could turn into a burden, limiting their ability to address weaknesses in the future.

Amon-Ra St. Brown’s comment that the Bears have “unlimited money” encapsulates the sense of shock and awe that many around the league feel about Chicago’s aggressive approach to the 2025 offseason. With a remarkable combination of cap space, strategic financial planning, and bold moves in free agency, the Bears have set themselves up to challenge for the NFC North title. While the phrase “unlimited money” is clearly an exaggeration, it symbolizes the Bears’ newfound financial power and their readiness to make a significant impact in the NFL. Whether or not the Bears can capitalize on their spending remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: they are no longer a team that can be ignored.