The Chicago Bears have to trim down their roster from 85 to 80 players before the end of business today. Things began with probably the saddest move of the bunch. Fans were so hopeful Dazz Newsome would work out. The young receiver flashed early promise in 2021 before an injury knocked the 6th round pick out for much of the season. By the time he returned, his status on the roster had already become precarious.
Still, the new regime led by Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus was willing to give him every opportunity to make the team this year. They even made him the starting punt returner going into the preseason. Sadly, he squandered his chances. Newsome muffed two punts against Kansas City and Seattle while also dropping multiple passes in training camp. As other receivers stood out during that same period, the writing was on the wall.
Now another Ryan Pace draft pick is gone.
The #Bears are waiving WR Dazz Newsome, per source. Speedy sixth-round pick last year now headed for a fresh start.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 23, 2022
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These last few practices Dazz Newsome was inconsistent. He would make a nice catch and then follow it up with a bad drop. For someone trying to make the team, he couldn't afford to play like that. https://t.co/uhc5eMF1IR
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 23, 2022
Newsome can’t blame the Chicago Bears for this.
It isn’t likely they sank tons of resources into the wide receiver position this off-season. Byron Pringle and Velus Jones were their big additions. The competition was wide open from the start. Newsome had plenty of chances to establish a connection with quarterback Justin Fields. Yet he couldn’t meet the basic demand of the coaching staff. They wanted consistency. They’re not going to accommodate mistakes. It was time to cut bait when it became clear he lacked the concentration needed for the NFL.
Jones’ 48-yard punt return against Seattle was likely the final nail in the coffin. Once his special teams value became irrelevant, his time with the Chicago Bears ended. Hopefully, he can continue his career on another team. Even with him out of the picture, the Bears have many questions left to answer at wide receiver. A strong possibility remains that they may bring in an outside name before the next week is over.
I had high hopes for Newsome and thought he would make the squad, technically only one punt return was his fault
His neck tattoos will serve him well in a few months when he’s trying to get a job selling insurance or whatever.
I saw it coming ever since they drafted him. He has never been fast or quick enough given his small size
He only muffed one punt the other one his teammate ran into him causing it.
Thanks and good luck, Dazz.
Hey Lambert: Nice attemp at a cheap shot on Ryan Pace (but you forgot to rag on Ted Phillips).