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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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3. Christian Jones, ILB

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) is defended by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Christian Jones (59) during the second half at Soldier Field. Detroit won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) is defended by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Christian Jones (59) during the second half at Soldier Field. Detroit won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Christian Jones played very well for the Bears in 2014 and many thought his versatility would be a benefit for Fangio in the 2015 season. Jones started 13 games for the Bears last season and tallied 86 tackles. When Danny Trevathan signed, Jones looked like the backer that would start next to him on the inside, but a few days later, Jerrell Freeman signed and pushed Jones to the bench.

The NFL Draft rolled around and the Bears selected Nick Kwiatkoski out of West Virginia in the fourth round. Many draft experts highlighted Kwiatkoski as one of the finds of this year’s draft and expect him to start pushing his way towards a starting position as early as 2017.

Jones becomes a victim to the fact that he is a hold over from Phil Emery. Kwiatkoski will get a lot of opportunities to work his way into the rotation and take over for Freeman when he’s ready. And John Timu and Jonathan Anderson are also going to get opportunities to try and take time from Jones because they are also “Pace guys.” It’s tough to imagine Jones losing a roster spot, but it’s also tough seeing him receiving much playing time unless there are significant injuries to the linebacking unit.

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