One thing that is inevitable when you change a team's power structure is that roster changes will follow. Everybody should've known that when Ben Johnson took over as head coach, things weren't going to stay the same. Nor should they after a 5-12 season. The only question was which players were under the biggest threat to lose their spots. There were some easy predictions like the interior offensive line, the starting defensive end spot opposite Montez Sweat, and running back. However, GM Ryan Poles may have let slip that another position is in play.
Darnell Wright was Chicago's best blocker last season. The big right tackle showed encouraging progress from his rookie year, flashing the ability that made him a top 10 pick. There was no reason to suspect he was in danger of losing his spot. Poles just countered that notion during the recent episode of 1920 Football Drive. He made it clear that 2nd round pick Ozzy Trapilo has the green light to compete for a starting job. While most presume it would be at left tackle against the uncertain Braxton Jones, it appears Wright isn't safe either.
Ryan Poles is making it clear nobody is safe.
In truth, this is a good sign. The Bears have talked about raising the standard since the GM took over in 2022. This is how you do it. The only way to send a message is by letting everybody on the roster know their jobs aren't guaranteed. Going 5-12 and losing ten straight games makes that a certainty. Wright was good last year. That shouldn't make him safe. Only elite players deserve that level of security. Outside of Jaylon Johnson, nobody else on the roster should feel comfortable with their current status. Ryan Poles sent similar messages to D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, and Gervon Dexter. Johnson said from the beginning that players should get comfortable being uncomfortable. He wasn't lying.
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