The Chicago Bears have some tough decisions to make over the next four days. Most of it centers around pinpointing the final 27 players they need to cut in order to reach the 53-man limited. August 31st is the deadline. That makes the upcoming preseason finale on Saturday against Tennessee important for several names on the roster. However, that might not be the only thing the team is doing.

GM Ryan Pace and his scouts likely will be monitoring all the other scheduled games as well. This in order to get some extra film on potential players that other teams might cut. Players who could help the Bears in some key areas of need. While they aren’t always active on the waiver wire, it feels like that could be different this year. Chicago has depth concerns at a number of positions.

So here are some names on the bubble across the NFL that might fit with this roster.

Chicago Bears should have several chances to find help

OT Yodny Cajuste (New England Patriots)

There was a lot of optimism around Cajuste going into the 2019 draft. He had all the physical traits for an NFL tackle including long arms and quick enough feet. The primary concerns lay with his inconsistent technique. So when the Patriots drafted him in the 3rd round? It felt like a steal. Their track record with offensive linemen is legendary. Sadly, injuries got in the way. A quad injury ended his rookie year and then in 2020 it was a knee issue. He is finally healthy now but it appears to be too little, too late. New England has other options. The 25-year old has talent and might be worth a look for the Bears who need tackle depth badly.

All aboard the Yodny Cajuste hype train (LT, #72). #Patriots pic.twitter.com/KJegNPbj5r

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) August 24, 2021

EDGE Whitney Mercilus (Houston Texans)

Though never the star in Houston, it’s easy to forget how good of a player Mercilus has been for the past decade or so. He has 54 sacks to his name along with 13 forced fumbles. While the 31-year old wasn’t great in 2020 with just four sacks, it wasn’t entirely his fault. The Texans’ secondary was a joke. Mercilus should still be able to help a pass rush, even in a rotational role. Chicago has depth question marks behind Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. Given the latter’s health issues, it wouldn’t hurt to add another body to the mix that can hunt quarterbacks. It depends on how much the team trusts Trevis Gipson and Jeremiah Attaochu can do the job.

WR Pharoh Cooper (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Special teams has looked like a mess for the Chicago Bears this preseason. Not a huge surprise when their best gunner (Sherrick McManis) and best kick returner (Cordarrelle Patterson) are both gone. Their best punt returner (Tarik Cohen) is also likely out for the first six games on the PUP list too. They need options to help the third phase. Cooper would be a solid acquisition. While the former 4th round pick never became a viable offensive weapon, he is a former All-Pro kick returner. That is something this team can absolutely use. Perhaps he might give them a big play or two on offense from time to time.

Darqueze Dennard with a stellar interception in the endzone ripping the ball from Allen Robinson.

As 50-50 as it gets. Was initially ruled a TD.

Would have been controversial either way, but on review INT was the right call. Tough for Nick Foles.

pic.twitter.com/nE6LMNyFbs

— Dion Caputi (@nfldraftupdate) September 27, 2020

CB Darqueze Dennard (Arizona Cardinals)

Nickel corner is probably the one position that is growing faster in importance than any other in the NFL. Teams that don’t have a good one tend to suffer. The Bears have had a capable one for the past few years between Bryce Callahan and Buster Skrine. That streak is in danger of ending. Duke Shelley has not impressed and nobody seems poised to overtake him for the job. While he’s dealt with some injury issues the past two years, Dennard has proven to be a serviceable nickel corner in both Cincinnati and Atlanta. He likely won’t be expensive to sign if and when Arizona does cut him.

S Jamar Johnson (Denver Broncos)

The Broncos are loaded at safety so it was always possible somebody unexpected would get cut. It was a genuine surprise that Johnson lasted until the 5th round back in April. His mixture of size and athleticism allowed him to line up all over the place at Indiana. He collected six interceptions and four sacks during his final two years there. The Bears aren’t hurting for safeties compared to other positions but Johnson is the sort of talent that is worth a serious look. This isn’t just a high-end backup. He has enough ceiling to believe he’ll be a starter in the future.