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

By Bill Zimmerman

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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5. Willie Young, OLB 

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 /

Willie Young was one of the lone brightspots for the Bears in 2014 despite the team’s defense being one of the worst in franchise history. Young tallied 10 sacks as a DE in the Bears 4-3 scheme. With a new regime in 2015, many thought Young would struggle to switch to a 3-4 OLB, but he manage to do so and had another nice season with 6.5 sacks in limited time.

Ryan Pace continues to emphasize the linebacker position and drafted Leonard Floyd with the ninth pick. Floyd won’t be able to start this year, as he needs time to bulk up and develop, but the Bears are going to make sure the utilize him as much as possible and John Fox and Vic Fangio also like what Sam Acho brings to the table. Lamarr Houston should be starting opposite Pernell McPhee, which leaves very little opportunity for Young. Look for Pace to shop Young heavily to see if they can land a future draft choice for him (even if it’s just a seventh round pick), otherwise there is a chance Young might even be released in the month of August.

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