The Chicago Bears haven’t released their own announcement on roster cuts yet. That will change by no later than August 31st. This hasn’t stopped other teams from getting a head start. Several notable players have already been given the boot while some others were traded. The crazy part is the heavy unloading still hasn’t even begun. This doesn’t mean the Bears are idle. They most certainly are watching the growing list with some interest.
Here is a tracker that will keep growing with names as they become available:
Chicago Bears tracker of recent notable cuts
Luke Willson (TE)
This position seems to have a few guys who can catch passes but not enough who can block. Willson can do some of both. He’s made some nice catches in his career including some playoffs games. What he doesn’t get enough credit for is his blocking. In 269 career pass protection snaps, he’s allowed 27 total pressures. That’s not bad. He is definitely a better threat in the passing game than Bradley Sowell at this point.
Pharoh Cooper (WR)
The bottom of any depth chart must be about special teams. Chicago signed Cordarrelle Patterson to be their primary kick returner. Is there a law against having two guys who can do that. Cooper was an All-Pro at that job in 2017 for the Los Angeles Rams. If the Bears want a little insurance in case Patterson is injured, this would be an interesting addition to the bottom of the depth chart. It’s not like Marvin Hall gives them anything there.
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Christian Westerman (OG)
If the Bears are intent on shifting Alex Bars to tackle, they could think about bolstering their depth at guard to compensate. It’s a mystery why the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t given Westerman an opportunity. He’s flashed potential every time he steps on the field. In 112 pass blocking snaps the past two years, he’s allowed just four total pressures. He also showed considerable progress as a run blocker.
Shane Ray (OLB)
The former 1st round pick may never live up to those expectations, but there is still a reason to think he can be a quality #4 edge rusher on this defense. When healthy, he can put together a nice game from time to time. He had eight sacks three years ago in 2016. So the skill is there. All the Bears have to do is arrange it to where he is on the field to rush. That’s it. This is what he can do. Anything else is likely a waste of time.
Chase McLaughlin (K)
Technically the Bears haven’t committed to Eddy Pineiro just yet. If they’re really prepared to try another kicker, then McLaughlin is a name worth mentioning. He had a spotless preseason including a 54-yard field goal for the Buffalo Bills. Western New York is just as notorious for wind conditions as Chicago. The best part is? McLaughlin went to Illinois. So he’s used to kicking in this area of the country. Never a bad thing.
