4. Kyle Long
Kyle Long is up against it and he knows it. The past three seasons Long has not been healthy. He has played in half of the games over that time period. The Bears restructured his contract this offseason as a reaction.
The deal, in essence, had Long given money back to the Bears to take on non-guaranteed money next season and void a season two years down the line. Long knows he did not live up to his contract and wants to make the most of it.
The Bears are going to let go of Long next season due to his salary. The question is, can he play well enough for them to offer him another one-year contract at a reduced cost? Can he stay healthy enough to give them a full season?
Long got a taste of the playoffs for the first time last season and wants nothing more than to get back. He has a lot on the line and has a chance to make up for it this season.