The Chicago Bears completed the preseason with an undefeated 3-0 record. While the games don’t matter, it was a strong indication the roster played hard, leaving head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff with some difficult decisions ahead. The team has until this afternoon to get from 80 players to 53 before the NFL deadline. It isn’t yet clear what their plans may be. GM Ryan Poles did hint the team might be active on the waiver wire, claiming some outside help for key positions of need.
This article will keep track of every cut the Bears make over the next few hours. I will try to offer small explanations for why each one happened. Be prepared for a couple of surprises.
Chicago Bears final cuts:
QB Nathan Peterman
Traditionally the Bears have carried two quarterbacks into the regular season with one on the practice squad. Peterman was never going to beat out Trevor Siemian for the backup job. So his release isn’t a surprise.
RB De’Montre Tuggle
The Bears already had solid depth at running back following the draft with Montgomery, Herbert, and Ebner. Throw in solid vet Darrynton Evans; there wasn’t much Tuggle could do. He may be a practice squad guy.
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RB Darrynton Evans
It appears the Bears are going to roll with three running backs. Evan didn’t establish himself in the preseason and never made headway in practice. When that happens, teams always tend to go young.
WR Kevin Shaa
The undrafted rookie made some nice plays in training camp, but he was never a real threat to crack the roster. That was solidified after three preseason games where he did next to nothing.
WR Isaiah Coulter
An addition from last year, Coulter was the Chicago Bears’ most productive receiver in the preseason. He made some really nice catches and ran solid routes. It feels like Dante Pettis outlasted him thanks to his growing connection with Justin Fields.
WR Nsimba Webster
His best shot to make the roster was on special teams. He did have a few nice catches in the preseason. Those were dulled by some tough drops, though. Webster may return to the practice squad, given his value.
WR Chris Finke
Another undrafted player that had some nice moments in camp. In the end his case was a common one. Not big enough or fast enough to turn heads during practice. Then he failed to do anything in the preseason.
TE Chase Allen
The undrafted rookie out of Iowa State brought good size and blocking ability. He just doesn’t have much pass-catching prowess and was quickly overshadowed by Jake Tonges, who has far more value thanks to his fullback capability.
TE James O’Shaughnessy
Cole Kmet and Ryan Griffin are the undisputed #1 and #2 guys at tight end. O’Shaughnessy looked like an early favorite for the third spot. That is until Tonges emerged during the preseason as a valuable H-back option.
OG Michael Schofield
He seemed like the favorite to start at right guard when the Bears first signed him. Then he looked rough against the Chiefs. Teven Jenkins soon shifted inside and has looked much better. Combined with younger guys like Ja’Tyre Carter stepping up? Schofield isn’t needed.
OG Lachavious Simmons
A likely practice squad option. Simmons successfully switched to guard this off-season, not allowing a pressure on the quarterback across three games. His exit likely means the Bears want to find some added experience on the interior.
OL Jean Delance
The Florida product came in as an undrafted free agent. He always had some intriguing ability, but others quickly overshadowed him on the roster. The signing of Riley Reiff made his chances remote.
OL Dieter Eiselen
The former undrafted free agent survived two years in Chicago but the arrival of a new regime hurt his chances. He played well in the preseason and showed some versatility by moving to center but it wasn’t enough.
OT Shon Coleman
A journeyman tackle that hoped to land a permanent spot in Chicago finally. He gave it his best shot. Sadly it wasn’t enough. He showed many of the same drawbacks that have hampered him for years, especially in pass protection.
C Corey Dublin
He was signed as an emergency option at center after injuries began to pile up on the Chicago Bears‘ interior offensive line. Dublin wasn’t terrible in the preseason. Still, he never distinguished himself.
DE Sam Kamara
This one stings. Kamara did everything in his power to make the roster. He led the team with 14 pressures on the quarterback, including a sack. There were just too many bodies ahead of him. He’ll be on the practice squad.
DE Charles Snowden
The former undrafted free agent had a solid preseason and made some plays on special teams. He might’ve made it had the Bears decided to carry more than four defensive end. He will be a practice squad option.
DL Mario Edwards Jr.
It felt like he would be an easy candidate to keep, given his versatility. The problem is Edwards was hurt for most of training camp and the entire preseason. This new Bears regime has no time for guys that can’t stay on the field.
DL Trevon Coley
One of the bigger surprises of the preseason. Coley finished with three sacks at defensive tackle and was a constant interior pass rush preseason. This is a minor surprise but it could be his lack of size that drove the decision.
DL Micah Dew-Treadway
He had a big sack to close out the preseason win over Kansas City. That was his only highlight, though. Dew-Treadway never popped off the screen enough. His stats didn’t stand out either. Maybe he sticks around on the practice squad.
LB Demarquis Gates
The USFL star was a later addition to the roster, but he didn’t waste his opportunity. Gates looked sharp in each of his preseason appearances. It feels like a simple case of Jack Sanborn outperforming him. Another practice squad candidate.
CB Greg Stroman Jr.
The undrafted free agent had a strong finish to the preseason with an interception and a pass breakup. It seems that wasn’t enough to sway coaches. There is a strong likelihood his lack of special teams value hurt him.
CB Thomas Graham Jr.
A sad end to what felt like such a promising beginning. Graham looked like an early favorite to win the nickel corner job. Then a hamstring injury ruined everything. He hasn’t practiced since. The Bears can’t wait for him anymore.
DB Jon Alexander
He signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of UNC Charlotte. Though it was impressive for him to survive the earlier cuts, Alexander never stood out at any point in training camp or the preseason.
DB A.J. Thomas
Another undrafted rookie that never managed to stand out in camp or the preseason. He may return on the practice squad, but there was nothing he offered the Bears that they didn’t already have.
DB Devontae Harris
Another young player that had some nice moments in the preseason. He never made any big mistakes. The problem was he didn’t offer any signs he could be anything more than a body occupying a roster spot.
Cuts from other teams to monitor:
WR Tyler Johnson
A former 5th round pick in 2020, he took a step forward in Tampa Bay last season. Then he delivered a strong preseason outing this month. Many thought he was a lock for the roster. Now he’s available and seeking an opportunity.
DT Taylor Stallworth
He had a minor breakout year in 2021 for the Indianapolis Colts with three sacks and 12 quarterback hits. Eberflus knows him well, and the Bears could use some depth at defensive tackle behind Justin Jones and Angelo Blackson.
How about OJ Howard for an addition?
I’m fine with “losing” Edwards. I hope to see Coley return on the PS and expect he will fill in some in the coming months.
This week, Ryan Poles must be the Bears’ competent GM — he can always revert to his “drama queen” role, later.
Thank goodness they finally gave Mario Edwards Jr his walking papers! Pace never should have resigned him. His poorly timed personal fouls wouldn’t cut it with this new regime.
OJ Howard is an interesting cut. His speed in this offense could be fun.