The Chicago Bears are busy cutting down their own roster ahead of the deadline. That said, they’re also monitoring the activities of other teams. Seeing which players they happen to release. Maybe some of them might look good in navy blue and orange. This is sometimes a busy time of year for GM Ryan Pace. He’s never been shy about placing waiver claims on players who are cut.
Eric Saubert was a recent example from last season. With a number of question depth concerns on the roster, it stands to reason he’s keeping an eye out for help. As the action reaches its climax, several interesting names have become available. Here are a few the Bears should look into over the next 24 hours.
NFL cuts the Chicago Bears should definitely look into
Anthony Gordon (QB, Seattle Seahawks)
The Bears haven’t made any sort of significant move at quarterback in terms of youth since they drafted Mitch Trubisky in 2017. It’s been strictly veterans like Chase Daniel, Tyler Bray, and Nick Foles. Grabbing Gordon presents them an opportunity to have an intriguing talent they can develop. He was highly-productive for Washington State last year, throwing for over 5,500 yards with 48 touchdowns. He’s known for accurate passes and a quick release. What he lacks in polish in his fundamentals and footwork. The Seahawks may try to put him on their practice squad. The Bears should work to convince him to head their way instead.
Jonathan Williams (RB, Detroit Lions)
If Trubisky is going to be the guy for the Bears, then they need to do everything in their power to help him. One way this is possible is running the football. Something they failed to do with any success in 2019. This goal is made even more of an issue with David Montgomery nursing a groin injury. That leaves the position in the hands of Tarik Cohen, Ryan Nall, and Artavis Pierce. A scat back and two players with little to no NFL experience. Williams bounced between teams since 2016 but was a quality backup for the Colts last season, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
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Hakeem Butler (WR, Arizona Cardinals)
A 4th round pick last year, Butler was sidelined with an injury that ended his rookie year. A lot of people were upset because the 6’6 kid from Iowa State had so much potential. A guy who knew how to use his size and was a serious problem after the catch. By the time he got back though, the Cardinals had traded for DeAndre Hopkins. This reshuffled the depth chart, forcing Butler to play catch-up. It didn’t happen. Now he needs a fresh start. The Bears should look into him. His talent alone is worth it. Mike Furrey is a respected receivers coach who can get him pointed in the right direction. Having his former teammate Montgomery around won’t hurt either.
Todd Davis (ILB, Denver Broncos)
Considering the Broncos run a similar defense to the Bears, it makes sense to have interest in their types of players. Todd Davis was one of the more surprising cuts. The 28-year old was their most productive linebacker in 2019, racking up 134 tackles. Nobody will accuse him of being a supreme athlete who makes a ton of plays. Yet he finds his way to the football. Not to mention he was part of the 2015 Super Bowl team. Having that kind of experience as a backup could prove invaluable for the Bears. There is the uncertainty of if Joel Iyiegbuniwe or Josh Woods can fill the void left by Nick Kwiatkoski. Davis would ease those fears.
Rasul Douglas (CB, Philadelphia Eagles)
Chuck Pagano likes his defensive backs big, long, and physical. Douglas checks all of those boxes. He was solid his first two years in Philly, grabbing five interceptions and 16 passes defended. He was also a presence against the run game. The problem a lot of people have with him was his general lack of speed. This can sometimes lead to him giving up big plays. Douglas is boom-or-bust player. He’ll get torched from time to time but also forces a lot of incompletions and can get turnovers too. He won’t start but if the Chicago Bears are looking for credible depth who can step in when needed? They could do a lot worse.
