Chicago Bears: 3 Possible Cut Candidates After Training Camp Begins

With Chicago Bears training camp two weeks away, here are three players who could see themselves cut before the regular season begins.

We are just two weeks before the start of the Chicago Bears training camp. Once camp begins, the 2023 season will be in full swing. Players will be trying to impress the coaches the best way they can. Preseason games begin and before you know it the regular season starts.

After a 3-14 2022 season, general manager Ryan Poles set out to overhaul the roster. That he certainly did. There are so many new faces that the players might have to have “Hello my name is…” stickers.

With the new faces position battles begin. Some players from last season’s team will battle with new players. If they are not careful, those players might find themselves out of a job. Some of their 2022 game film might not be helpful, and if they don’t impress the coaching staff they’ll be looking to play elsewhere.

Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus will have some big decisions to make. After all the additions, they don’t want to have another disappointing season. They want to ensure they have the best players possible as well as players who fit well with the offensive and defensive systems implemented. Also, they want to have players who fit the new culture.

Here are three players who have to play well or risk getting cut.

Jaylon Jones, Cornerback

Jaylon Jones was a rookie free agent last year. He was able to make the team. With injuries to the cornerbacks, he got a shot at extended plays. He even started four of the 16 games he played. He recorded 47 tackles, 2 passes defended, and a forced fumble.

Jones allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 65.9 percent of their passes when targeting him. Those quarterbacks had a 97.3 passer rating when targeting him. Additionally, he allowed 11.9 yards per completion.

The Bears have Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Kindle Vildor who were on the team last season. They are likely locks to make the team. In addition, Chicago also drafted Tyrique Stevenson (second round) and Terell Smith (fifth round).

The Bears have high hopes for both rookies. They expect Stevenson to start on the outside opposite of Johnson. Smith is expected to be Johnson’s backup. The coaches feel that Smith could be a starting-caliber player.

With that said, the Bears have five cornerbacks who likely make the team. If they go with six corners, that means Jones will compete with Josh Blackwell for the final spot. Blackwell is a similar player to Jones so it will be a close battle. With each opportunity Jones gets he will have to perform well to make the team.

Dante Pettis, Wide Receiver

Dante Pettis signed a one-year contract last year. With the lack of talent in the wide receiver position, the Bears expected Pettis to be a key part of the unit.

He struggled to make an impact, however. He only had 19 catches for 245 yards. However, three of his 19 catches went for touchdowns.

Pettis averaged 12.9 yards per catch so he did make some big plays downfield. He also contributed on special teams. He had 18 punt returns for 163 yards.

Poles went all-in on quarterback Justin Fields. He did everything he could to surround the young quarterback with more talent, especially at the wide receivers position. He added D.J. Moore, one of the top receivers in the NFL. Additionally, he drafted speedy receiver Tyler Scott.

Darnell Mooney was on pace to have a big season last year. An injury shut his season down, however. He is healthy again and ready to make plays again.

Poles re-signed Equanimeous St. Brown as well. While St. Brown did not do much impressive in terms of yards, he provides great blocking. That will be helpful on run plays as well as pass plays to open up holes.

The Bears also have Chase Claypool returning. The Bears acquired him at the trade deadline last season. He struggled to get involved with the offense, though. With a full offseason to learn the offensive system better, he should be better in 2023.

Let’s not forget Velus Jones. He struggled in his rookie season but the Bears spent a third-round pick on him so they want to give him as many opportunities to succeed.

With the addition of talent on the unit and a specialist on offense, Pettis’ chances of making the team are remote. Yes, the Bears re-signed him as well. However, he only has $152,500. He already has $52,500 so if the Bears cut him they only have $100,000 in dead money.

Despite his struggles on punt returns, the Bears could use Jones there again in 2023. His speed is much too valuable to not utilize it in the open field.

That means making the team will be an uphill battle for Pettis. He could be an early cut so he gets a chance to hook up with another team.

Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Lineman

Alex Leatherwood was the Las Vegas Raiders first-round draft pick in 2021. Perhaps the Raiders drafted him too high because he struggled so much that they cut him after one season. It takes a lot for a team to give up on a player after one season after being drafted so high.

The Bears signed Leatherwood hoping they could get a steal. He was unable to make an impact, however. He played in only four games.

The Bears have their starting five set with Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, Nate Davis, and Darnell Wright. They have Lucas Patrick and Larry Borom, two backups with starting experience.

In addition, there is Ja’Tyre Carter and Doug Kramer, two draft picks from last year.

Leatherwood has to show that he is putting all his tools together. He likely battles for the final spot with Kramer. Kramer is a center and the Bears seem set with Whitehair and Patrick. Being a Poles draft pick he might have an advantage over Leatherwood.

Leatherwood has a lot of talent. He has to put that talent on display if he wants to make the team.