Chicago Bears Offseason Stock Watch: James Vaughters
Where is the stock trending for the Chicago Bears second-year outside linebacker?
The Chicago Bears are hoping that James Vaughters can have a similar run to Isaiah Irving, if not better. Irving made the roster as a rookie in 2017 and has stuck around as a depth and special teams asset for 207-19.
However, Irving is a free agent after this season. The Bears could be looking at Vaughters as a cheap replacement for a year or two if they let Irving go.
Vaughters was a UDFA, but he was able to make the roster after a strong preseason. Vaughters did not see the field much as a rookie, playing just three games.
So, while the Bears may hope that Vaughters can replace Irving, Irving was ahead of Vaughters on the depth chart all of last season.
Beyond that, the depth chart was easier to navigate this year than it was last year. The team swapped Leonard Floyd for Robert Quinn, but also added Barkevious Mingo, and Trevis Gipson. With Gipson being a rookie, and Mingo having special teams upside, both seem to be locks for the roster.
Vaughters has not proven himself on special teams or any area to assume that he will be ahead of those rushers. Where he does have a head up on his competition is making it on the practice squad. He could use another year developing as depth behind the veterans, and as noted, once Irving leaves next offseason, a spot could be open for Vaughters.
Next. Trevis Gipson NFL comparisons. dark
That is a nice way to keep him around, but the issue is that he made the roster last year, and was active for three games. Going to the practice squad is a step down for him.