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Chicago Bears Roster Review: Possible Performance and Cap Casualties

By Bryan Dietzler

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) for a safety in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) for a safety in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) pressures Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) as he throws the ball int he end zone for an interception 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; Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) pressures Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) as he throws the ball int he end zone for an interception during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Chicago Bears defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston’s career with the Bears has been a tumultuous one.  He went on injured reserve in October of 2014 with a torn ACL missing the rest of that season.  He did have a decent 2015 campaign recording eight sacks but this season, he tore his ACL in September.  Houston has been on IR since.

You can’t fault a guy for being injured but the Bears have spent a lot of money on Houston.  What have they gotten from him? Just about a season and a half of play in three years.  That is not enough for someone who earns as much money has Houston does/has.

In 2016, the Bears paid Houston $5,950,000 for a handful of games and a trip to injured reserve.  If the Bears decide to pay him for 2017, they will owe him the same amount of money in addition to a $990,000 signing bonus and a $50,000 workout bonus.  That’s a cap hit of $6,990,000.

If Chicago were to let Houston go this off-season, they would have $1,980,000 in dead cap space this year and another $990,000 in 2018.  Would it be worthwhile letting him go and have $2,970,000 they can’t use?  Knowing Houston’s injury history, it just might be worth it.

The Bears have an up and coming outside linebacker in Leonard Floyd but do have some question marks with Pernell McPhee and Willie Young.  Unless the Bears have a plan to bring in additional help at the outside linebacker position this off-season, they may want to keep Houston. This is going to be a tough call.

What should the final verdict be?  The medical staff needs to clear him and give some assurance that he might not be such a big injury risk.  He needs to be healthy.  But the risk may be too great.  The Bears may want to let him go and bring in some additional talent this off-season.  With that, they may have a much more reliable and productive player in Houston’s spot.

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