Matt Nagy has said the word several times over the past couple of months. One of the things he is most excited about for the Chicago Bears is how much competition they have across the roster. Lots of positions are up for grabs. This is true. There are several heated battles going on even now with some starting jobs still uncertain. That said, for all the time Nagy mentions this, it’s fair to ask.

How serious is this coaching staff about real competition. Facts are facts. Despite mentioning the word several times, there are plenty of instances where the Bears haven’t held true to it. Times where a player of less renown performed well enough to deserve an opportunity only to see a more established name hang onto the job.

For example? Look back at 2019. Despite clear evidence during the preseason that Alex Bars was a quality blocker and outperforming veteran Ted Larsen, the Bears ended up keeping Larsen anyway. Bars ended up on the practice squad where he was nearly poached by the New England Patriots. If he hadn’t accepted the team at their word that he’d get an opportunity, Chicago would’ve missed out on a solid blocker.

Now the team is threatening to do it again. Here are three names that likely will end up on the main roster come next week but shouldn’t.

These 3 Chicago Bears will determine if competition is real

Desmond Trufant

He was heralded as the guy who would replace Kyle Fuller. In reality, he has looked exactly like the player he’s been the past few years. Unreliable and injury-prone. Trufant hasn’t stood out much in training camp and has failed to log a single snap in preseason. Sure, he was a Pro Bowler at one point in time. Those days are gone. The fact he’s failed to stand out in a cornerback room that is kind of weak outside of Jaylon Johnson? That should tell people all they need to know about where Trufant’s value is. In these situations, the Bears should give opportunities to the younger guys.

Elijah Wilkinson

When the Chicago Bears signed Wilkinson, it made some sense. Having cut Bobby Massie, they needed some veteran experience at tackle as they revamped the position. In recent weeks though, it’s becoming apparent the guy is more of a liability than anything. There are way too many clips of him getting beat by pass rushers who will either be backups on their current teams or on the street next week. When Larry Borom, a 5th round rookie, easily outperforms you during a game? That is not a good look. The Bears can do better than Wilkinson, which shouldn’t be too hard.

Christian Jones

Oh yeah, him too. Look, Jones was a solid player back in 2017 for the Bears. The truth is he isn’t that player anymore. He is 30-years old and got cut by the Detroit Lions. A team that wasn’t exactly swimming in solid linebackers. This past month hasn’t shown much of anything from him. He’s failed to produce any good plays and was picked on quite a bit by Buffalo. His special teams value also hasn’t surfaced. Meanwhile, undrafted rookie Caleb Johnson has stood out in both phases. He has earned the opportunity. This team should do the right thing and give that job to him.