Last week, the Chicago Bears added 11 draft picks to their roster and then another 30 undrafted rookies. It is clear they intend to scour the landscape for as much help as possible. What’s crazy is GM Ryan Poles might not be done. His team still has money to spend, and there is a strong possibility that several teams will unload more veterans in the coming days and weeks after collecting their own draft classes.
Chicago is in a prime position to add more veteran help to their depth chart with the seventh spot in the waiver wire order. It all comes down to who may or may not become available. Usually, in these cases, it’s about position groups becoming overcrowded. Teams tend to prefer younger, cheaper players. Or players a new regime personally acquired rather than holdovers from a previous one. Here are a few that might hit the market soon.
Don’t mind us obsessing over @nate_herbig. He’s a really solid OL. #Eagles have tremendous depth at IOL. Just drafted Cam Jurgens, and have Landon Dickerson, Jack Anderson, Sua Opeta, Isaac Seumalo and Jack Driscoll so Herbig wants a chance to play.pic.twitter.com/iPN6B0CO2B
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) May 2, 2022
Chicago Bears are in an excellent spot for the cut market
Nate Herbig (OG, Philadelphia Eagles)*
Considering the Bears spent four draft picks on the offensive line, that is plenty of evidence the unit needed a lot of help. However, the odds of four rookies helping out immediately are remote. Especially since none of them are higher than a 5th round pick, the team could use another veteran presence. Those who noticed the asterisk should note Herbig has already been released. He played both left and right guard for the Eagles last season, allowing just one sack in over 200 pass blocking snaps. He doesn’t have the ideal mobility Chicago may covet, but he has enough ability worth looking into.
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I miss this Darius Slayton for the Giants. pic.twitter.com/pHNPufN4Xj
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) February 27, 2022
Darius Slayton (WR, New York Giants)
There were already rumblings before the draft that New York may look to trade Slayton. Then the team drafted Wan’Dale Robinson in the 2nd round. With a new regime in place and him coming off a disappointing 2021, the Giants might be ready to give him a fresh start elsewhere. Slayton went for over 700 yards in each of his first two seasons. He has a solid mix of size and speed. Best of all, he has deep ties to Bears wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert. He could bring much-needed experience to a very young group.
Denzel Mims (WR, New York Jets)
People are struggling to figure out what went wrong with the former 2nd round pick last year. After an encouraging rookie season in 2020, Mims rarely saw the field in 2021. It felt like he was in the Jets’ dog house for whatever reason. It probably didn’t help his standing when the team drafted Garrett Wilson with their second of three 1st round picks. Together with Corey Davis and Elijah Moore, they have a solid trio moving forward. That makes Mims’ presence somewhat redundant at this point. Despite his frustrating career start, the kid is 6’3 with 4.38 speed. A fresh start in Chicago without the pressures of draft status may be perfect for him.
How about the block by Denzel Mims pic.twitter.com/mMCIsJs3eH
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) October 25, 2020
K’Lavon Chaisson (EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars)
NFL teams salivated at Chaisson’s potential after his breakout year at LSU in 2019. His mixture of athleticism, burst, and length was tantalizing. That is why Jacksonville made him the 20th overall pick. Two years later, he has exactly two career sacks. It probably hasn’t helped he’s had two different coaching staffs already. With the Jaguars drafting Travon Walker 1st overall, Chaisson will likely lose snaps moving forward. The team may decide it’s best to cut bait. The crazy thing is he is still only 22-years old. There is time for him to rescue his career still, and the Chicago Bears might have the perfect coaching staff for him.
Bradley Roby (CB, New Orleans Saints)
Adding Kyler Gordon was great for the Bears defense, but they could still use another veteran presence on the back end to complement their newfound youth. New Orleans is in a bit of a cap crunch. Cutting Roby with a post-June 1st designation secures them over $1.12 million. Having grabbed Alontae Taylor in the 2nd round, their corner position should survive his departure without any issue. Roby has loads of experience in multiple defensive systems. He shouldn’t have any trouble meshing with what the Bears plan to do. His versatility in coverage and as a blitzer also helps.
