The Chicago Bears probably aren’t too worried about the upcoming roster cuts following the preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans. They know who they’re keeping and who they don’t want back. They also have a pretty good idea of who they can add to the practice squad after cuts. The problem is that there is always a significant risk that some of the players you let go get scooped up by other teams, either on waivers or as free agents. Since the Bears have a deeper roster than in years past, that risk is higher for them.
So who should they be nervous about losing if cut? Here is a list of five names to watch carefully. All of them bring something to the table, but are caught in tough situations. How head coach Ben Johnson navigates those decisions may set the tone for the upcoming season.
These Chicago Bears will be the toughest cut decisions.
WR Scotty Miller
Under normal circumstances, Miller would be an easy choice for that sixth and final wide receiver slot. He has big-game experience, works well in the slot, and can be helpful in the return game if needed. Sadly, these aren’t normal circumstances. Kaden Davis has played out of his mind all summer. The Bears can’t justify cutting him after all of that. It would send a terrible message. Jahdae Walker and Zavion Thomas were never in any danger. So, unless the coaches want to carry seven receivers, Miller is the odd man out. That stings because he could have helped the team, and there will be someone out there ready to grab him.
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C Jaren Kump
We already know the Bears are set at center with Garrett Bradbury and Logan Jones. Carrying three centers doesn’t seem like something the team will do. That is unfortunate since Kump appears to have had a pretty good summer. He’s handled himself well in practice and put together two good preseason games, allowing just 1 quarterback pressure in 20 snaps. If you look around the NFL right now, there are several teams with pressing concerns at the center position. You can bet they will be eyeing the waiver wire for help. Despite being a rookie, Kump will be a target for depth.
DT James Lynch
How many defensive tackles will the Chicago Bears keep? Coach Johnson mentioned how much he loves the depth of this unit, and Lynch has played really well in the preseason. Grady Jarrett, Neville Gallimore, and Jordan Van Den Berg are locks. Gervon Dexter is probably a lock, but remains a bit of a wild card because of trade rumors. That is four. Will they carry a fifth? That seems less likely since they know Dayo Odeyingbo will shift inside on passing downs pretty often this season. Lynch may need another really strong performance in Tennessee to try forcing the issue. Otherwise, another team will quickly scoop him up.
S Skyler Thomas
Coby Bryant is on IR. That leaves Dillon Thieneman, Elijah Hicks, and Xavier Woods as locks for the roster. Here’s where it gets complicated. Will the Chicago Bears classify Cam Lewis as a safety or a cornerback? This may determine whether Thomas makes the roster. It is highly doubtful the team carries five safeties. The undrafted free agent has put together a strong camp, punctuating it with an impressive interception against Cincinnati last week. He offers certain traits that could make him valuable in the right situations. Can they justify it despite his lack of presence on special teams? It’s a tough call.
CB Jaylon Jones
Cornerback has become a problematic position for the Bears as injuries mount. Kyler Gordon is still out. Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson were both nicked in the most recent practice. That makes these depth decisions more important for the coaches. Jones is a big conundrum. He does have playing experience, but has never been overly good. Serviceable mostly. The tricky part is that he’s a very good special teams player. We already know the Bears will keep Josh Blackwell, who is probably their best special teams player. Would they double down to keep Jones as well? If not, his services will be in high demand for those seeking third-phase help.
