Five potential surprise Bears players to get cut

4. Lamarr Houston

Houston has had a rough go since signing with the Bears back in 2014. He has started 10 games since then, been injured for 22 and nine sacks over the past three seasons. The team has been paying him a lot of money, but his dead cap hit has been reduced from $8.9 million to $1.9 million. Cutting Houston this season would free up roughly $5 million, but more importantly, $8 million next season.

With such a huge cap relief coming next season it would be stunning to see him retained on that same deal in 2018. This opens the door for others with more future considerations to beat him for a job.

Dan Skuta and Sam Acho were brought in this offseason, and they are likely the competition for Houston. Barring injury, Leonard Floyd, Pernell McPhee, and Willie Young are guaranteed roster spots. It means that they will likely carry at least one, but no more than two of the three linebackers. Special teams will become a factor, and the two both have experienced over Houston in that regard. Houston will have to show that he is healthy and worthy of the cap hit for one more season to earn a roster spot.