These Bears veterans could be on cut watch this summer, after starting for team in years past

These Bears veterans could be on cut watch this summer, after starting for team in years past originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Instead of following key position battles for the Bears this summer, we’ll be doing things like tracking Caleb Williams completions and counting takeaways for the talented defense. After tearing down the roster in 2022, GM Ryan Poles has built it back up again. There’s significantly better talent across the board this year than last year. Accordingly, most– if not all– of the starters are already in place.

So the battles won’t be at the top of the depth chart, they’ll be at the bottom.

“It’s gonna be hard to make this team now,” said Poles last month. “It’s gonna be really hard to make this team.”

Many of the players who don’t make the roster will be undrafted free agents and practice squad guys. But with the improved talent at every position group, some veterans and even former starters could be on the cutting block this year.

Here’s a look at four Bears veterans who may not break camp with the team:

KHARI BLASINGAME – FULLBACK

Blasingame is still a good lead blocker and his significant playing time on special teams would be valuable to any team. But it’s unclear how he’ll fit into Shane Waldron’s offense. When Waldron was running the show in Seattle, he didn’t have a designated fullback and opted to throw a big wide receiver or even a linebacker in the backfield when the team called for an extra blocker. Will Blasingame’s special teams contributions be enough to keep him around? Or will the team go for an extra blocking tight end or linebacker instead?

LARRY BOROM – SWING TACKLE

Over the course of Borom’s rookie season back in 2021 it appeared like he could be on track to start at right tackle for years to come. He took over for Germain Ifedi early in the season and played well. But when Poles took over the team, he had a different vision for offensive linemen than Ryan Pace and the previous…

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Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-05-23 18:01:23

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