The cuts are coming in around the NFL, and the Chicago Bears are among the teams doing business in the morning hours.
Quarterback Brett Rypien and wide receiver Collin Johnson are reportedly on their way out:
Remember when Brett Rypien was the first quarterback transaction the Bears made this offseason? Fun times!
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero points out Rypien has vested veteran status. In other words, the 28-year-old quarterback can sign with another team immediately if he so chooses. Rypien was the Bears’ second-highest-graded offensive player (h/t Jacob Infante) during the preseason. Only fellow quarterback Tyson Bagent (89.2) had a better grade than Rypien (86.0). Considering Rypien’s rรฉsumรฉ as a backup and connections throughout the league, I don’t believe he’ll be out of a job for long.
As for what his cut means for the Bears’ overall roster picture, I wonder if this means the team will carry just two quarterbacks on the active roster. It would make sense to see undrafted rookie Austin Reed slide onto the practice squad.
And then there is Collin Johnson, the wide receiver who had a huge showing against the Houston Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game while hauling in passes from Brett Rypien. I realize the preseason isn’t for everyone, but how can you not love seeing quarterbacks like Rypien ripping it down the field to players like Johnson trying to make a name for themselves? That is what the preseason is all about, folks โ making the most out of whatever opportunity (no matter how minor) comes your way.
For what it’s worth, the Trib’s Brad Biggs expects Collin Johnson to land on the practice squad. This makes sense. The Bears have been molding Johnson as a developmental receiver since last October. Having a big-bodied pass-catcher has its perks, making Johnson an ideal practice squad stash candidate.
Chicago Bears cut tracker
You can follow our Bears cut tracker here. I’ll try to update as quickly as possible.