5 Chicago Bears who must finish season strong

3. James Daniels

After a season-ending injury hurt his potential breakout year, the 2021 season became a huge one for James Daniels. Daniels had been moved from guard to center and back to guard before an injury ended his 2020 campaign.

Now, he entered 2021 having to move from left guard to right guard. He also had to do it without the benefit of knowing where he would play next season. Daniels is on the final year of his rookie contract. The Bears arguably could have tried to lock him up cheap, but coming off an injury the Bears, and even Daniels himself may have wanted to see this season play out first.

Daniels has not quite been an All-Pro performer, but he has been good. The Bears have a weak offensive line, so letting him walk would be crazy. Still, the structure, dollars, and everything around the contract are still up in the air. The Bears are hoping that Daniels can earn a bigger payday because that means he plays well. This month could earn Daniels a lot of cash.