Recently I talked about how the NFL is considering a big change to practice squads. Not only could they be expanded beyond 16 players. They also might include a higher number of veterans with limitless experience. In essence, the Chicago Bears would be able to pretty much sign anybody they wanted to it who would be willing. Not just undrafted rookies or deep depth guys with two years or less of experience.
This leads into the obvious question. If this new amendment passes, who are some possible names the Bears could exploit it with? Veterans on their roster will get first consideration but with so many slots to fill it stands to reason they'll add a few from the outside. Here are five names that make sense. Both for the areas they can help and also the possibility they'd accept a spot on the practice squad.
Veterans the Chicago Bears could sneak onto the practice squad
Jonathan Williams (RB)
There's nothing overtly special about Williams. He's an old school type of running back. A guy who gets fed the ball and runs forward. He did that successfully quite often at Arkansas. Then in Indianapolis last season he averaged a healthy 4.8 yards per carry. At 26 he's not too old for his position and has shown he can step in at a moment's notice and produce.
Jermaine Kearse (WR)
He was never the budding star many thought, but Kearse has always proven to be a big-play threat when given opportunity. He has that knack for finding his openings down the field and making those big catches. Sadly his career took a downturn. He struggled with a rookie QB in 2018 with the Jets and then broke his leg with the Lions during the preseason last year. He hasn't found a new home since. So signing with a practice squad shouldn't be an issue for him. He's not to old and averaged at least 500 yards four-straight years from 2014 to 2017.
Ronald Leary (OG)
The Bears have added a ton of depth at guard this offseason. No surprise after losing Kyle Long to retirement. What they don't have much of is experience. Germain Ifeid, Rashad Coward, Lachavious Simmons, and Arlington Hambright? None of those guys have more than one season playing guard in the NFL. So trusting one of them to step in and play well enough if the starter goes down is dicey. Leary has played guard for years in places like Dallas and Denver. He's smart, steady, and functional. Exactly what's needed in a pinch.
Preston Brown (ILB)
Probably the worst career move Brown ever made was accepting a switch to 4-3 middle linebacker. A decision that saw him go from a guy producing 100 tackles or more per year to bouncing between three different teams in three seasons. The guy is not a premier athlete but he's instinctive, tough, and plays a downhill style that fits the defense the Bears like to play. He's also only 27-years old, so age isn't a big factor either. He'd make for quality depth at that position. Even if it's on the practice squad.
Kurt Coleman (S)
This man has had a wild roller coaster of a career. He's played for five different teams and gone from Pro Bowler in all but name to forgotten backup and back again. He didn't do much last season with Buffalo and it feels like his career might be winding down unless he takes an opportunity like this. Coleman has shown he can play either safety position and do it pretty well. He's got ballhawk skills, lots of instincts, and tackles pretty well. He also has ties to Matt Nagy, having played for Kansas City in 2014.
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