Five Chicago Bears’ Veterans that Will Lose Playing Time in 2016

Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball as Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) attempts to defend during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Chicago Bears defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball as Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) attempts to defend during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Chicago Bears defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears will be bringing a very large rookie class onto the roster in 2016. With nine newly drafted players and a few very good UDFA signings, the Bears could keep as many as 11 or 12 rookies on the active roster and practice squad. With a dozen or so rookies from 2015 that you would expect most, but not all to keep roster spots, you can expect as many as 20 first or second-year players on the roster.

That means there are going to be plenty of veterans that will lose serious playing time in 2016 and others that won’t remain on the roster much longer. The draft barely ended and GM Ryan Pace showed Antrel Rolle and Matt Slauson the door. Expect more recognizable veterans to be released before the Bears opening game against the Houston Texans.

The Bears are rebuilding and doing it the Ryan Pace way. If any player is near the age of 30 or brought here by a previous GM, no job is safe.

Here are five players currently on the Bears roster that you can expect to lose significant playing time, or potentially lose their spot on the roster altogether.