If there is one thing we've learned about the Chicago Bears under GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, they are big on accountability. They promised to hold this team to a high standard. If you don't live up to it, you won't play. It doesn't matter what your draft status might be or who you might've been with another team. Chase Claypool found that out the hard way when the Bears dumped him after less than a season despite giving up a 2nd round pick for him. Trenton Gill, Darnell Mooney, Cody Whitehair, Eddie Jackson, and Justin Fields also got similar treatment.
Another name could soon be added to the list, which might be the most shocking yet. Most people went into this off-season presuming Nate Davis would remain the right guard in Chicago. He'd signed a hefty contract last year to handle that job. However, it appears last season left a bad taste in their mouth. Davis missed most of training camp and six regular season games with physical and mental health issues. When he actually played, he was inconsistent. Matt Eberflus made it clear at his latest presser that Davis' grip on the starting job isn't nearly as firm as people think.
The Chicago Bears need to see something from Davis.
Eberflus did say they expect him to be the starter, but that quote suggests they're open to multiple possibilities. Keep this in mind. They traded for Ryan Bates from Buffalo in March. Many presume he is in competition for the center job despite his primary position in the NFL being right guard. It is possible they acquired more as insurance in case Davis continues his usual streak of not being on the field enough. They could go with Bates as right guard and put Coleman Shelton, who they signed as a free agent, at center.
The Chicago Bears have no intention of waiting for Davis to finally get himself right. This team has high expectations for the 2024 season. They aren't going to let a guard they paid a lot of money end up derailing things because he can't stay healthy. Unlike last year, they have an escape plan this time. If he can do anything this year, they won't hesitate to kick him to the curb next off-season. He will only command a $2 million dead cap hit. If Davis has any plans to reach his full potential, it better be now.
