Chicago Bears: 4 players who should be cut before taking a snap

Ben Braunecker, TE – Chicago Bears

With Adam Shaheen out of the way, maybe Ben Braunecker can see some more playing time this season. The answer should be no. Listen, Braunecker is not a bad tight end and deserves a spot in the NFL. If he does not land a job, maybe he finds his way back tot he Bears practice squad. That said, he is not worth a roster spot on a team looking to improve at the position.

Braunecker brings stability to the position. He is a smart guy having graduated from Harvard, but he does not have any of that “it” factor. He will not bring the type of playmaking ability to the team that Matt Nagy is desperately looking for at the tight end position. Braunecker is a backup in the league and will not amount to much more.

Letting Braunecker go early is important. Just like with Shaheen, with a limited offseason program, other tight ends need to see reps. Braunecker has been here for four years. The Chicago Bears know what they have in him. He has played in Nagy’s system for two years too. Not enough changed.

With upside guys like Jesper Horsted and Darion Clark, these two should see more reps and opportunities than Braunecker. Not to mention, releasing Braunecker saves over $1 million in salary-cap space.