It’s impossible to make everybody happy when there’s so much change to a team in an offseason. Sure a lot of guys are thrilled with the changes GM Ryan Pace made. Mitch Trubisky, Tarik Cohen, and Vic Fangio are just some of them. However, there are also several men who likely had to hide a growing lump in their throats as each success signing and draft pick was made.
It was a clear signal in their minds that their jobs were genuinely on the line for the first time. People wonder why there are holdouts all the time in the NFL? It’s because there’s nothing an athlete fears more than the lingering possibility of losing their job. That is why they constantly have to work so hard. Getting a job is easy. Keeping it is so much harder.
This is the reality several names across the Bears roster are facing. With training camp looming, who are those who find themselves on the hottest seat? Here are the ones to watch as practices begin.
Kevin White (WR)
Everybody knows this by now. Kevin White is a former 7th overall pick. He was expected to take over for Brandon Marshall as the #1 guy in the passing game. Three seasons and just five total games played later, faith in his has eroded to dangerous levels. The team can’t trust his health anymore, hence the massive spending spree at wide receiver since March.
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The good news? White has been healthy for months. Signs in minicamps reveals he’s regained much of his trademark speed. His tireless hard work continues. It’s impossible to know how much action he’ll see in the offense this year, but the Bears are willing to give him one last opportunity. It’s simple. If he fails, he’s gone.
Adam Shaheen (TE)
One man who is probably not happy about the offseason decisions to this point is Shaheen. The former second round pick showed signs of progress towards the end of 2017 but it was clear he still had work to do. Initially, people were excited for him when Matt Nagy was hired as head coach after what happened with Travis Kelce in Kansas City.
All that changed when the Bears signed Trey Burton in free agency. The buzz made it clear their plans for him will be to play that Kelce role in the offense. So where does that leave Shaheen? Twisting in the wind it seems. Perception would indicate the new staff isn’t as high on him as the previous one was. That’s why this camp may be make-or-break for him.
Bobby Massie (RT)
Anytime you’re the worst starter in a group position, it’s not going to reflect well. The Bears had a good offensive line last season but every group has a weak link. That was Bobby Massie. The big right tackle isn’t exactly terrible but he’s average as a blocker at best. His pass protection okay while his run blocking was not ideal.
The fact the Bears are switching to a more aggressive scheme that demands athletic linemen doesn’t bode well for him. Size and power were supposed to be his strengths. He’s safe for the time being but unless he turns in a rebound season, the odds are he’ll be the first one they try to replace next offseason.
#Bears CB Bryce Callahan gets better and better every year. Makes impressive catch and 52 yard return after pick pic.twitter.com/l9tBNwpPWv
— Al (@TreyBizzy) October 15, 2017
Bryce Callahan (CB)
The Bears brought Callahan back on a one-year deal. He’s expected to maintain his spot as the starting nickel corner for them. It’s a position they’ve hoped he can lock down long-term. The problem is he’s suffered a series of nagging injuries that keeps forcing him to miss time. It’s proven quite frustrating for all parties.
It seems the team wants to give him one last chance to finally put those issues behind him. If he can they’re likely to hand him a multi-year extension. However, if the health problems persist then they will seek out solutions elsewhere. The Bears did add a lot of depth at corner via undrafted free agency, the same avenue Callahan came from. If he did it, so can they.
Danny Trevathan (ILB)
Don’t be fooled. Trevathan may look like he’s firmly entrenched as the starting inside linebacker, but his credibility is hardly so solid. While he’s a good player, it must be remembered. First, he’s got a difficult history when it comes to staying healthy and has been the case since he signed with the team back in 2016.
One must also not overlook that he’s a John Fox guy. That’s not as big a deal, but it’s still a factor. Trevathan has to show he’s put the health problems behind him and is ready to lead this defense. Otherwise, the team may decide to look beyond him next year and hand the reigns over to first round pick Roquan Smith.
Pat O’Donnell (P)
People have tried to defend Pat O’Donnell since his numbers improved last year after a number of mediocre seasons. The reality is he was still average for the most part, not posting great stats in the most meaningful categories. He did just enough to warrant a one-year deal to return and see if the improvement will continue.
If it’s more of the same, don’t be surprised if new special teams coordinator Chris Tabor starts looking for a replacement. He’s proven adept at finding good punters in the past. Finding an upgrade for O’Donnell will not be the biggest challenge he’s faced.
