Chicago Bears: 3 potential surprise roster cuts before the deadline

Chicago Bears Surprise Cut Candidate: Riley Ridley

There are plenty of times when a team will draft a player and that player just does not work out. This is the case with Riley Ridley who has struggled to see opportunities to make plays. Honestly, I think the kid can play in the NFL and I think he will do better on a different roster. Should the Chicago Bears decide to waive him, I don’t think he will clear those waivers.

Riley Ridley may not be as good as his brother Calvin who has become a dominant weapon in the NFL, but he has great hands and makes plays when given the chance to do so. Ridley was a fourth-round draft pick in 2019. To bail on him after only two seasons might seem crazy, but with the emergence of Rodney Adams this year, Ridley is now on the bubble.

Ridley has caught nearly everything thrown his way when given an opportunity on the field. He has caught 10 of 11 targets for a 90.9 percent catch rate. I know the sample size is slim, but that’s still a sign of a great pass-catcher. What might be even more telling is that seven of his 10 catches went for first downs. I am hoping he makes the team, but I’d like to see him given more opportunities and that might not happen here. It might be better for Ridley if he is waived.

My prediction is that the Bears will only keep six wide receivers again this year. Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin, Damiere Byrd and Rodney Adams are my top five to stick around. This leaves the last spot for either Riley Ridley or Dazz Newsome. The only way I see Ridley sticking around is if Newsome is put on the practice squad.