The Chicago Bears are approaching their final roster cuts next week. Some roster battles remain to be determined at this stage. One of them is the logjam they have at defensive end. Among the uncertain names was former 5th round pick Trevis Gipson. He’s been having a strong preseason thus far, but it hasn’t seemed to help his status on the depth chart. As a result, the team has granted the defensive end permission to seek trade opportunities from other teams, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
This is an unfortunate development. After 2021, it looked like Gipson was set to become a regular force on the defensive line for Chicago. However, his first impression last year didn’t impress the new coaching staff. Clearly Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams don’t see him as the best fit for their system. That might explain why Gipson is hoping to land a team running a 3-4 defense. That is what he played in during his breakout season two years ago. There could be some options out there. Philadelphia is one. Their new defensive coordinator is Sean Desai. He and Gipson worked together in 2021. There is also Atlanta, where former GM Ryan Pace worked. He drafted Gipson.
Trevis Gipson will be another Pace member to fall away.
GM Ryan Poles has systematically rid the organization of Pace’s presence since he arrived. Gipson can’t say he didn’t get an opportunity. He was a starter for most of last season. Notching only three sacks hurt his chances. The Bears have added more bodies to defensive end this off-season, led by Yannick Ngakoue, DeMarcus Walker, and Rasheem Green. When veteran Terrell Lewis began playing well in training camp, that was a bad sign.
Chicago no longer feels pressed to keep Trevis Gipson around. Trading him would make sense at this stage. It isn’t crazy to think they can land a 5th round pick for him. Pass rushers are always in demand.
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Never saw a GM who cared so much more about them being “his guy” than worrying about actual talent and performance. Gipson isn’t great, but he is def better than most of the Poles guys that they will keep over Gipson.
@Modair … naw, it’s not that he’s ‘not liked’, he just isn’t special
Gipson was good against who though? Was it quality competition? How does he look in practice?
Lots of factors. Maybe Gipson wants to be in a 3-4? Who knows. Good luck dude!
I don’t think production is the only thing Trevis is up against. He may simply not be a big H.I.T.S. principle convert. Last year he only had 3 sacks but enough QB pressures that should have turned into more production. And this offseason he was pretty invisible until he found himself at the end of the depth chart. That lit a fire under him. He may simply not be a great fit with what the coaches want to see. Maybe other players that he’s “better than” are. And that makes a difference.
I think that Gipson is another guy these coaches simply did not want. He was clearly better than Green, and his stats over the past few years are about the same as Walker’s.
It’s a little inaccurate to say he was given a chance last year. Last year the Bears defense was historically bad. A lot of that was due to overall lack of talent, but poor schemes and play calling played a big part, too. Everyone has room to improve this season. I’ll be sorry to see Gipson go.