Cuts are Coming, Trade Winds Swirling, Roster Fits, Surprises on the Bubble, and Other Bullets

If you’re not already keeping track of who is on the chopping block ahead of the 3 p.m. deadline to trim rosters down to 53, we’ve got you covered right here.

  • Safety T.J. Ward just might be the best player who will hit free agency after the Denver Broncos parted ways with the three-time Pro Bowler on Saturday. It’s a move that’s reportedly not sitting well with his former teammates in Denver. Ward was Pro Football Focus’ 48th rated safety, but earned above average or better grades in each of the five years before 2016’s 75.9 rating.
  • I’m not sure there’s a fit for Ward with the Bears, despite having played quite well for John Fox, but there is little doubt he could provide an upgrade to whatever secondary he joins.
  • Adam Jahns and Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times have a run-down of the happenings at Halas Hall that’s worth keeping an eye on as the day progresses. One of the most interesting tidbits uncovered wasn’t a cut, but it was Ka’Deem Carey’s future placement on injured reserve – which could make him a candidate for an injury settlement down the line. Carey had wrist surgery that will keep him out of action for at least six weeks.
  • Among the players on the roster bubble who could sneak on to the Chicago Bears’ season-opening roster is outside linebacker Isaiah Irving. The Bears have already parted ways with a handful of their undrafted free agents, but Irving has been an under the radar surprise as a rookie pass rusher:
  • No Bears landed on Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week for preseason Week 4, but former Bears backup David Fales was the highest-graded quarterback for his performance in the preseason finale. Fales was impressive connecting on the deep ball, completing 3 of 4 attempts for 128 yards, and a touchdown.
  • The New England Patriots’ ability to scout, draft, and develop quarterbacks has proven to be a boon once again for the defending Super Bowl champs. In search of help at wide receiver, the Patriots have traded quarterback Jacoby Brisett to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for wide receiver Phillip Dorsett – who was a first-round pick (29th overall) in 2015. Indianapolis has quarterback concerns surrounding Andrew Luck’s health, but the fact the team is trading a former first-round pick for quarterback insurance is a reminder of how poorly the prior front office drafted after selecting Luck in 2012.
  • Sammie Coates is another receiver on the move. Coates (and a seventh-round pick) was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a sixth-round selection. That’s a relatively low cost for a receiver who turned 24 in March and was a third-round pick in 2015.
  • Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times writes the Rams are optimistic star defensive tackle Aaron Donald will report to the team soon, ending his holdout in the process. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggests perhaps they shouldn’t be in such high spirits. Florio reports the two sides aren’t close to finalizing a long-term deal, citing to a league source. Donald was the highest rated defensive lineman by PFF’s standards, earning a 98.5 grade – his second elite grade from the site in three seasons.
  • The battle between the NFL and NFLPA over Ezekiel Elliott is getting wild:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Caleb to Rome, First Day Notes, Big LSU Bet Is Off, and Other Bears Bullets

    I'm off to Springfield to play the role of Uncle Lu this weekend, so we'll have an abridged version of Bears Bullets today. Caleb Williams survived his first practice as Chicago Bears QB1. And all was right with the football...

    Tory Taylor is the First Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

    There will be no punter hold out this summer. Tory Taylor is officially locked in: https://twitter.com/chicagobears/status/1789283410294321438?s=46&t=9_XcB6r0ywNyv4WuAOFkLA The Chicago Bears announced Tory Taylor’s signing on Saturday morning. And in doing so, made him the first of the team’s five 2024 NFL...

    REPORT: Bo Nix Will Be the First of the 2024 NFL Draft First-Round QBs to Sign

    Caleb Williams might've gone first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it looks like Bo Nix will be the the first of the first-round quarterbacks to sign their NFL contract. Nix, who the Denver Broncos selected with the 12th...

    WATCH: Bears Rookie Camp Highlights With Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, Tory Taylor

    It's never too early to share Chicago Bears highlights. And while I realize it is probably a stretch to call these "highlights" but I'm not going to turn down an opportunity to share Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze clips when...

    Around the NFL: Jared Goff Extension High Priority for the Lions, Rookie Camps, WRs on the Move, More

    The Lions are making an extension for quarterback Jared Goff a "high priority." The Cardinals, Texans, and Giants added wide receivers this week. More in today's NFL Notes. Lions Making Jared Goff Extension a "High Priority" Two weeks after securing...

    I Love This Caleb Williams Quote About Leadership

    The first Caleb Williams minicamp press conference is in the books, and without a glitch. Whew! Limiting the drama this season is atop of my Chicago Bears 2024 wishlist. Caleb Williams had some interesting things to say in his first...

    EA Sports College Football 25 Cover Leaked

    I've written about this a few times since EA Sports first announced the return of the long-awaited College Football Video game. And while part of me is keeping my hopes tempered until that game is actually downloaded onto my XBOX...

    Don’t Freak Out, But Bears Rookie Kiran Amegadjie Will Miss Offseason Practices

    I am going to preface this by saying there isn't a reason to freak out over news that Kiran Amegadjie will miss the Chicago Bears upcoming rookie minicamp practices. And there is definitely no reason to be alarmed about a...

    There Is No Competition: Caleb Williams is the Chicago Bears QB1

    The Caleb Williams Era is officially underway. So says Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus: https://twitter.com/BrendanSugrue/status/1788962639520960945 MORE: Caleb Williams Wasted No Time Organizing Team Activities You'll remember this moment for as long as you're a Bears fan. The Caleb Williams...

    The Rookies Are Here, Local Rooting Interests, What’s Your Chipotle Order? And Other Bears Bullets

    I'm trying to put myself in a mindset where I don't take it for granted that I made it to Friday. Not everyone does, so be mindful of that as you go throughout your day. Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, and...

    Latest News

    Top Player Prop Bets for Pacers vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 on May 12, 2024

    Player props are listed for Pascal Siakam and Jalen Brunson, among others, when the Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET.How to Watch Pacers vs. KnicksDate: Sunday, May 12, 2024Time: 3:30...

    Braves vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 12

    After winning their past four games, the Atlanta Braves (24-12) visit the New York Mets (18-20) at Citi Field on Sunday at 7:10 PM ET.The Braves will call on Bryce Elder (1-1) against the Mets and Luis Severino (2-2).Braves vs....

    Avalanche vs. Stars NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 4 Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Monday, May 13, 2024

    The oddsmakers give the edge to the Colorado Avalanche on home ice (-135) over the Dallas Stars (+114) when they play on Monday, May 13 at 9:30 PM ET.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Avalanche vs. Stars Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Avalanche (-135)Underdog:...

    Hurricanes vs. Rangers NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 5 Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Monday, May 13, 2024

    The Carolina Hurricanes are slight favorites (-118) versus the New York Rangers (-102) on Monday at 7:00 PM ET, at Madison Square Garden.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Hurricanes vs. Rangers Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Hurricanes (-118)Underdog: Rangers (-102)Total: 5.5Best Hurricanes vs. Rangers...

    World Championships Updates, Great Stars, Canes Survive, Still No Q, and Other Blackhawks Mother’s Day Bullets

    Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there. My sons are incredibly fortunate to have a great mom and two wonderful grandmas still in their lives. We hear Blackhawks players talk about hot much they appreciate their...

    Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Happy Mother's Day to the mothers among you, and to the mothers in my life! I'll be doing some extra family stuff today, so I'm gonna cruise through these Bullets ... Up front, because this was certainly the thing most...

    Mariners vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

    Two of the league's top power hitters meet Sunday when the Seattle Mariners (21-19) and Oakland Athletics (19-22) take the field at 4:10 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA. Caleb Raleigh has 10 home runs for the Mariners (-240 favorites on...

    Royals vs. Angels Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

    Jo Adell leads the Los Angeles Angels (15-25) into Sunday's matchup with the Kansas City Royals (24-17) on a two-game homer streak. His Angels are underdogs for the contest, however, with bookmakers naming the Royals as -136 moneyline favorites. The...

    Dodgers vs. Padres Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (27-14) visit the San Diego Padres (21-21) at 4:10 PM ET Sunday in a meeting between two of the league's best hitters. Shohei Ohtani is batting .352 this year (second in the league) for the favored...

    Giants vs. Reds Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

    The San Francisco Giants (18-23) and the Cincinnati Reds (17-22) meet in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday at 4:05 PM ET. The Giants are -131 favorites on the moneyline to win the series over the Reds...

    more bears news

    Latest News