Chicago Bears: Who’s On the Hot Seat Heading into 2017?

Unfortunately, the Chicago Bears’ 3-13 record in 2016 was their worst season in franchise history since the implementation of the 16-game season. Primarily, injuries to key players was the reason for this, forcing the team to constantly mix-and-match personnel throughout the year, never giving the ball club time to develop any type of chemistry.

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As a result, some changes have been made. Jay Cutler’s time in the Windy City has finally come to an end, and Alshon Jeffery will be catching passes for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Tracy Porter was recently released, as well as defensive lineman Ego Ferguson. The silver lining around last year’s disappointing season and all of these drastic changes is the fact that the Bears have signed some free agents that could make a positive difference this upcoming season. In addition, Chicago does have the third-overall pick in this month’s 2017 NFL Draft.

With the questions of who the Bears will select in the draft, and who will win position battles in training camp still unanswered, we can get a clear indication of who will be on the hot seat entering the 2017 season.

Kevin White

As the elder statesman of the receiving corps, it’s a fact that Eddie Royal does have some pressure on him to not only produce big-time in 2017, but to lead as well. However, Kevin White, the Bears’ 2015 first-round pick, has yet to live up to his top billing. White has only played four games throughout his two seasons in the league, due to fractures to his tibia and fibula. Somehow, the 24-year-old will have to find a way to stay healthy enough to be on the field. Because if he doesn’t, fellow wide receiver Cameron Meredith, and newly acquired receivers Kendall Wright, Markus Wheaton, and Rueben Randle could easily take his place on the depth chart.

Pernell McPhee

Just like White, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee has battled with injuries since arriving in Chicago in 2015. McPhee did play in 14 games during his first year with the Bears, but only played in nine games in 2016 (none of which he started). After losing weight this offseason, McPhee says that he feels much better and more confident about this upcoming season. After landing a five-year $38.8 million dollar contract that brought him to the Bears in 2015, it’s about time for Chicago’s highest-paid defensive player to live up to his end of the bargain.

Mike Glennon

Although he hasn’t taken a snap in a Bears uniform, quarterback Mike Glennon is already being looked at under a microscope. Glennon is Chicago’s biggest acquisition of the offseason, signing a three-year, $45 million contract. It’s clear that he’s looked upon as the team’s starter for 2017, but coincidently hasn’t started a game since 2014. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Glennon in the third round in 2013, and started in 18 games in his first two seasons. However, Josh McCown was Tampa Bay’s starter for the majority of 2014, and the Bucs drafting Jameis Winston in 2015 kept Glennon on the bench. Will there be any rust to knock off of Glennon’s arm? Only time will tell. But to get the approval of Bears fans, he will at least have to be more consistent than Cutler.

Kyle Fuller

Kyle Fuller is another first-round draft pick that has yet to pan out. Fuller showed much promise early in his rookie campaign in 2014, but since has underachieved. A knee injury kept the 25-year-old cornerback sidelined for the entire 2016 season. Fuller will have to return to the field only to compete against newly acquired cornerbacks Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper, as well as second-year cornerback Deiondre’ Hall. Fuller is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract. A good 2017 season may persuade general manager Ryan Pace to exercise the fifth-year option in Fuller’s contract. But if Fuller is subpar once again, this may be his last season in the Windy City.

John Fox

John Fox’s track record as a head coach in the NFL had many fans in Chicago excited when he arrived in 2015. Fox led both the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos to Super Bowl appearances. Unfortunately, he seems lightyears away from doing the same with the Bears anytime soon. In 2015, the Bears finished the year with a 6-10 record, only to follow up winning three fewer games the following season. If this ship doesn’t turnaround soon, Fox could face a possible firing after the third year of his four-year contract.