The Chicago Bears cuts proved delayed in being revealed, which is typical of Ryan Pace. However, they have finally arrived. Somehow despite having a largely stable roster, the team found a way to surprise fans with some of their decisions. They cut former 3rd round pick Jonathan Bullard early in the day but some of the bigger shocks were held back until the evening. Most of them coming along the line of scrimmage.
Perhaps the one that disappointed people the most was rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars. It felt like the undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame did enough in the preseason to warrant a roster spot. Especially given the depth concerns up front. Instead the team chose to keep Cornelius Lucas given he primarily played tackle. This despite him looking less than adequate against backups this past month.
Another sad story is James Vaughters. The outside linebacker brought down from the CFL really came on late in the preseason, producing three sacks including two forced fumbles. He did enough to outpace former 6th round pick Kylie Fitts. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to have been enough to unseat Isaiah Irving who continues his remarkable survival run.
Chicago Bears cuts weren’t all downers though
There were some merciful moves though. Taquan Mizzell, whom fans had grown quite tired of seeing gobble up offensive snaps is gone. The same goes for Fitts who’d proven a constant disappointment. While these moves have no effect on the top of the depth chart, it does leave considerable questions on the bottom. There are serious issues of depth at offensive tackle, outside linebacker, and tight end.
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Everybody knows how quickly injuries can strike in the NFL. If they hit at one of those positions, as they have in the past, the Bears are in serious trouble. Perhaps they still have some moves in mind. The waiver wire is still to come. Despite a lower position in the order, they may be able to claim one or two players who can help. Much will depend on how Pace and the coaches wish to play this.
