5 most surprising cuts by the Bears that hardly anyone saw coming
The Chicago Bears have released the initial 53-man roster heading into the regular season. This list is of course subject to change based on waiver claims and upcoming injury designations.That being said, the Bears' coaching staff had to make some hard and interesting decisions to trim the roster down to 53 players. Here are the […]
The Chicago Bears have released the initial 53-man roster heading into the regular season. This list is of course subject to change based on waiver claims and upcoming injury designations.
That being said, the Bears' coaching staff had to make some hard and interesting decisions to trim the roster down to 53 players. Here are the five biggest surprises from the list of players who didn't make the cut on Tuesday.
LB Micah Baskerville
This had to be the biggest snub on the Bears' initial 53-man roster. The team's former second-year linebacker shined during the preseason but was left off the list.
At the position, the team opted to keep veteran Amen Ogbongbemiga and 2023 draft pick Noah Sewell. Ogbongbemiga definitely deserved the roster spot after showing out during his first preseason in Chicago, however keeping Sewell was questionable.
Sewell missed the bulk of camp due to a lingering knee injury, including the first three preseason games. Baskerville played all four games, totaling 118 defensive snaps with seven tackles, four QB pressures, and an interception returned for a touchdown. The Bears will likely hope Baskerville can return for the second consecutive year on the practice squad, saying another team doesn't snatch him off the waiver wire first.
CB Reddy Steward
The Bears undrafted rookie cornerback out of Troy made a strong final push for the 53-man roster but was ultimately left off the final list. He's certainly a strong option for the practice squad, but again that's saying he doesn't get claimed by another team.
During his first NFL preseason action, Steward allowed 12 receptions on 15 targets while playing 109 defensive snaps. In the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, the rookie made a statement recording two interceptions, one he returned 48-yards for a touchdown.
Ultimately, it wasn't enough to crack into the initial 53-man roster. It was a hard group to stand out in considering the team kept six different cornerbacks on the roster.
TE Brenden Bates
Another undrafted rookie who did all he can to make the team, but it ultimately wasn't enough was tight end Brenden Bates. The former Kentucky pass catcher was the highest graded PFF rookie tight end during the preseason with an 85.8 grade.
He finished his first NFL preseason with six receptions on seven targets for 100 receiving yards. He also had a 77.0 pass blocking grade and 74.9 run blocking grade.
Again, it was a hard room to stand out in, even with a tight end friendly system. The team ended up cutting three different tight ends, keeping the three expected veterans in Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis. Per Brad Biggs, the Bears would like to have Bates back on the practice squad, but he's received interest from other teams.
CB Greg Stroman Jr.
This was one surprise that missed the cut that I had making the roster on my final prediction last Thursday. Greg Stroman Jr. looked really good during the preseason, allowing just four receptions on six targets while playing 119 defensive snaps.
Instead, the Bears opted to go with Josh Blackwell and Jaylon Jones as depth options at the position. Stroman played nine games over the last two seasons for the Bears, totaling two interceptions and 16 total tackles.
Stroman is definitely someone who will get picked up by another team and should get some real interest in the coming days after missing the cut in Chicago.
LS Cameron Lyons
Normally, seeing the backup long snapper not making the 53-man roster doesn't come as a surprise. But it does this time in the case of the Bears.
Starting long snapper Patrick Scales has missed time recently due to injury. The team is expected to place Scales on the short-term injured reserve tomorrow and replace him with full back Khari Blasingame on the 53-man roster when the move is made.
Lyons, who was re-signed when Scales first got injured, played 31 special teams snaps during the preseason. Instead of keeping him around, it seems like the Bears will be holding a tryout at the position to find a new short-term long snapper.
Meet the Chicago Bears initial 53-man roster following roster cuts
The initial roster has been decided.
