The Chicago Bears have completed their preseason 4-0. Their last three games ended in blowouts. It feels like this team is poised for big things in 2024. For the first time in years, the roster looks like it has depth everywhere. While great news for what is to come, it creates a challenge for GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. They have until August 27th to cut the roster down from 90 players to 53. There is a strong possibility they will have to sacrifice somebody they like in the process, running the risk of another team picking them up on the waiver wire.
It appears things have gotten underway. Several names have already been unloaded. This tracker will help fans maintain a steady flow of information as the cuts continue over the next 48 hours.
CHICAGO BEARS CUTS:
TE Tommy Sweeney
Sweeney had a solid preseason, capping it with a touchdown against Kansas City. Unfortunately, he was outperformed by undrafted rookie Brendan Bates, especially on special teams.
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DT Keith Randolph
There was a lot of hope the Illinois product would become a presence on the interior for the Bears. It never happened. He had no pass rush and didn’t help much against the run.
DE Khalid Kareem
He’s had a solid camp and preseason. Unfortunately, the arrival of Darrell Taylor from Seattle made him expendable.
OG Ja’Tyre Carter
The former 7th round pick had carved out a decent role as a backup guard over the past two years. Sadly, Bill Murray outplayed him in the preseason, and Matt Pryor has more versatility.
LB Javin White
Not much to say here. Other linebackers like Micah Baskerville and Carl Jones Jr. have stood out far more in the preseason.
OL Jerome Carvin
Carvin showed promising results as a center, but the Chicago Bears didn’t need much help there with Doug Kramer likely established behind Coleman Shelton.
DL Michael Dwumfour
The trade for Chris Williams along with his uneventful preseason made this an easy decision.
WR Peter LeBlanc
He was a late addition to the roster as injuries mounted among wide receivers. It was never likely he’d stick on the roster.
DL Jaylon Hutchings
The defensive tackles failed to stand out much this past month. Hutchings was among their number.
WR John Jackson
Though good friends with Caleb Williams, he was trapped at a loaded position.
DB Quindell Johnson
While a quality reserve last year, it appears others managed to outpace him in the backup race.
LB Paul Moala
Like White, his failure to stand out in camp or the preseason compared to others made this inevitable.
WR Collin Johnson
He had such a great start to the preseason in the Hall of Fame game. Unfortunately, an injury setback ruined his chances of cracking the roster.
DT Byron Cowart
The injury to Zacch Pickens should’ve been a huge boost to his chances. That Chicago traded for Williams instead should tell you all you need to know.
QB Brett Rypien
He had a strong initial surge in the Hall of Fame game, but Tyson Bagent still outperformed him in the preseason. It appears the Bears won’t carry three quarterbacks.
OT Jacob Curhan
Curhan had ties to new coordinator Shane Waldron. The return of Kiran Amegadjie to practice made certain the Bears no longer had a need for backup help at tackle.
LB Carl Jones Jr.
The undrafted rookie out of UCLA was a standout in the preseason. Though trapped in a crowded position, he feels like an obvious practice squad option.
LS Cameron Lyons
He had a chance to earn legitimate playing time with Patrick Scales injured. Sadly, he didn’t perform overly well in the preseason.
TE Stephen Carlson
The veteran had opportunities to make an impression, but rookie Brendan Bates outperformed him.
S Adrian Colbert
Though experienced in special teams and having the best play of the preseason, Colbert didn’t do enough to distinguish himself in a crowded secondary.
DT DaShaun Mallory
It is pretty clear the Chicago Bears haven’t been impressed with their defensive tackle depth lately. Mallory is just another example.
CB Leon Jones
Jones had some decent moments in the preseason but he was never outpacing other established cornerbacks on the roster.
OT Aviante Collins
His exit likely signals the Bears might be hanging onto Larry Borom for another year. That or they have somebody else in mind.
P Corliss Waitman
Hardly a surprise after the team drafted Tory Taylor.
CB Greg Stroman
This is a minor surprise. The Bears have liked Stroman since he played well in brief appearances last year. Perhaps this is a sign they aim to keep Reddy Steward.
QB Austin Reed
The undrafted rookie looked strong in the preseason, but the Bears seem intent on carrying two quarterbacks. He feels like a practice squad lock.
CB Ro Torrence
Much like other corners, he wasn’t able to stand out enough in a stacked room.
TE Brenden Bates
The undrafted rookie looked great in the preseason, with four catches and four special teams tackles. He had the bad luck of being behind Gerald Everett and Marcedes Lewis.
CB Reddy Steward
This one stings. The undrafted rookie had an outstanding preseason and looked like a keeper. It is likely his lack of special teams prowess held him out.
S Tarvarius Moore
OL Theo Benedet
An unfortunate injury early in the preseason ruined his chances of cracking the roster.
DL Jamree Kromah
LB Micah Baskerville
It is somewhat surprising the Bears didn’t keep him after another quality summer, but they seem intent on giving Noah Sewell another chance.
INJURED RESERVE:
S Doug Coleman
His scary injury against Kansas City was thankfully not serious.
WR Nsimda Webster
A veteran receiver and special teams standout. He was trapped at a suddenly crowded position.
RB Ian Wheeler
He was having a strong preseason, showcasing his ability as a runner. A torn ACL is such a tragic end to what felt like a promising start.
OT Larry Borom
Since he’s been designated to return, it is safe to say he will remain on the roster for this season.
EDGE Jacob Martin
The Bears seem to like Martin and may choose to bring him back once healthy.
WR Dante Pettis
I want to hurl every time the media spins their cameras and fawns all over T Swift and that guy she’s dating but just to prove that I am not biased, I promise to feel the same if they pull the same crap with Owens and Biles. There’s a game going on and right now, IDGAF.
Scooby, I was waiting for this topic here, but I was afraid to mention it last week.
I’d cut Owens just because of his wife’s GB outfit, especially after the team gave him time off to support her in the Olympics.
@BearCub30 I do respect your honest loyalty to the Bears. I agree with you about Robinson. I believe his support has lasted too long, but he has supposedly come back this year with a new body and energy. Plus, he is still on a rookie contract. Maybe Poles wants to wait for his improvement for another half or full season just to see any real change. Unfortunately, that could mean a deserving Khalid, Hardy, or a CB gets waived/cut instead.
Sorry for RB Wheeler. But if he had not been placed on IR, the Bears might have lost him. On PS he would likely have been poached at some point. Now he should be safe for the Bears in 2025.