The Chicago Bears have had a roller coaster of an offseason. The team has lost key players (Kyle Fuller), gained a potential franchise quarterback (Justin Fields), and filled depth in several positions, picking up Damien Williams, rookie Khalil Herbert, and veteran cornerback Desmond Trufant.
Over the offseason, one particular position and its apparent weakness failed to be addressed. The Chicago Bears lack depth at the cornerback position, and many fans and sports analysts seem to agree. While Jaylon Johnson certainly shows promise as the starting Cornerback, few are convinced that Kindle Vildor and Duke Shelly could fill the role of CB2.
So when the Bears picked up Desmond Trufant, I was quite relieved. The veteran CB is still incredibly athletic, and I was convinced he would step in as the CB2.
Unfortunately, he did not live up to these expectations.
Due to the traumatic death of his father, Trufant missed two weeks of team practice, leaving the coaches uncertain of his skill and mental sharpness. While I believe that eight seasons of professional football is enough of a testimony to one’s skill, Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace clearly did not agree.
The one-time Pro Bowler was cut just hours before the roster deadline.
This leaves the Bears’ cornerback room on shaky terms at best. The three aforementioned cornerbacks slated to receive playing time have a grand total of sixteen career starts combined (Medina). This is a dangerously young and untested cornerback corps. For such an incredibly high-octane defense to seem comfortable with this lack of depth is seriously concerning.
I desperately hope Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace know what they’re doing.
There are, of course, hopeful outcomes. There are several free-agent cornerbacks that are possible signing options. Richard Sherman and Quinton Dunbar are both possible options.
Either way, this is the most disappointing roster cut yet. If Week 1 begins and the cornerback room remains unaddressed, be prepared for an unimpressive Bears’ secondary.