Final cuts always lead to surprises around the NFL. As the Chicago Bears enter a rebuilding phase, it is reasonable to assume that new GM Ryan Poles would be active on the waiver wire trying to find players that can help his roster. He even hinted something was likely to happen over a week ago. It was a question of which position he might target. Most experts agreed that wide receiver would be an obvious one. Their depth was already a concern before training camp began. Injuries to Byron Pringle, N’Keal Harry, and Velus Jones haven’t helped.
Now, as cuts have begun, two notable names have already hit the market. Preston Williams was the subject of trade rumors for weeks before the Miami Dolphins finally released him. The former undrafted free agent flashed big potential as a rookie with 428 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. Sadly injuries stunted his progress and resulted in him losing playing time last year.
An even bigger shock soon followed when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Tyler Johnson. The former 5th round pick improved considerably in 2021 with 360 yards on 55 targets. He followed that up with a great preseason. Yet it still wasn’t enough. That is how stacked the Bucs receiver room is.
The #Dolphins cut WR Preston Williams, per source.
Multiple teams reached out over the last few weeks about a possible trade. Now, he's on waivers.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 30, 2022
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Here's a big and surprising cut: Bucs are waiving receiver Tyler Johnson today.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2022
Chicago Bears are in a good spot to land somebody they want.
They hold the seventh spot on the waiver wire list thanks to their rough season last year. That means only six teams sit ahead of them in the pecking order. It offers favorable odds of at least one of those names slipping through to them. Johnson feels like the more likely candidate of the two. He’s younger and has a better health history. Then the again Pole may also wait to see if he can land an even bigger fish.
Rumors persist that names like Darius Slayton and Denzel Mims could also be on the chopping block. Either of them would be strong acquisitions for the Chicago Bears. Don’t expect wide receivers to be their only targets either. Offensive line, defensive line, and cornerbacks are all possibilities as well. It comes down to who is available.
OT’s and especially 3 Techs for sure are needed.
We need a few linebackers too big time