Recent NFL Cuts The Chicago Bears Must Pounce On

The NFL cuts deadline and come and gone. Teams whittled down their rosters from 90 players to 53. That means several are now available as either free agents or waiver wire additions. That means the Chicago Bears are in a great position to bolster their depth chart with more help. GM Ryan Poles claimed six players on the wire last season. The Bears hold the #1 spot on the priority list.

It feels like almost a foregone conclusion that they will utilize it to fortify the back end of their roster. As always, it comes down to who is available and what they can offer this team.

The Chicago Bears could get great use out of these players.

Trent Taylor (WR/PR)

In recent years, the Bears have had plenty of success on the kick return front. The same can't be said for punt returns. Ever since Tarik Cohen got injured, they've had rough luck trying to find stability at that position. Velus Jones was a failed experiment. Tyler Scott doesn't seem suited for it. Their best option might be to find somebody on the market with experience. Enter Taylor. The 29-year-old posted a career-best 340 yards last season for Cincinnati, averaging 10.3 per return. He should be cheap to acquire and has experience playing in a wide-zone offense, having spent three years in one with San Francisco.

Jamison Crowder (WR)

Despite being trapped with two of the most consistently bad franchises in the NFL (Jets and Commanders), Crowder still carved out a reputation as one of the best slot receivers in the league. Last season was unfortunately cut short by injury, and the Giants decided to go younger at the position. Crowder is only 30 and healthy now. The Bears are also young at receiver. Perhaps a veteran presence like him would be a big help. If that weren't enough, he has a history of success returning punts.

Chandler Brewer (OG)

The former undrafted free agent spent his first four seasons as a backup with the Los Angeles Rams, occasionally getting playing time here and there. So, he already knows the wide-zone offense the Chicago Bears run. He spent this summer with Jacksonville and played pretty well in the preseason. While he didn't make the roster, he's only 26 and has some experience. Poles and Eberflus like guys with versatility. Brewer played both guard spots during his time in Los Angeles.

Raymond Johnson III (DL)

Don't forget this Bears staff like defensive linemen with inside-outside versatility. That means they can rush the quarterback both from the edge and interior. Johnsoagain n demonstrated that ability for Cincinnati, posting two sacks and eight pressures across three preseason games. He did get some playing time as a rookie in 2021 with the Giants. It appears he's learned some things since then. If Chicago isn't sure about their depth at defensive end, Johnson would be somebody who fits their style of play.

Justin Bethel (CB)

One thing smart teams never overlook is special teams. Bethel has quietly been one of the best special teams players in the NFL for several years. Though 32 years old in 2022, he had eight tackles for the Miami Dolphins. The Bears like their depth at cornerback. However, signing Bethel is an easy decision if they're not certain about their special teams coverage. While not young anymore, he remains a reliable presence that can be counted on for at least seven or eight tackles every year.