Why Tajae Sharpe is perfect to make Chicago Bears roster

The Chicago Bears will have some tough decisions to make regarding the final roster, particularly at wide receiver. However, a position that once was a jumbled mess is now becoming a bit more clear, as there are five strong candidates to make the roster.

A sixth option is Tajae Sharpe. Sharpe flashed in the Chicago Bears preseason debut but then did not get on the field the following week. As long as his injury is not serious, he could get himself onto the roster, though.

Tajae Sharpe can help N’Keal Harry make the Chicago Bears roster

The Chicago Bears are likely planning to keep N’Keal Harry on the 53-man roster, then move him to the IR. By doing this, they allow for him to return later in the season. However, to do this also means having to release a player for just a few hours so that they can submit their initial 53, then move Harry to the IR.

The team cannot do this with any player on a rookie salary deal because they will have to go through waivers. So, most teams find a veteran, tell him what is going to happen, and have them wait in the parking lot for a few hours before re-signing.

Typically, the team will then throw in a small bonus on top of the initially signed contract for their efforts. Tajae Sharpe is the perfect player to fill this role.

Sharpe is a veteran, so he will not have to clear waivers. Beyond that, he is a journeyman, so it is not like teams will be falling all over themselves to give him a million or so more than Chicago wants to.

Sharpe not playing last week arguably helps the team, as there will be even less interest for a player with an injury that teams do not know about.

The Chicago Bears do not have to go wide receiver for wide receiver when placing Harry on the IR, but if they are going to keep six, and the sixth is a veteran like Sharpe, it only makes sense. Sharpe will get a small raise, and the Chicago Bears will give him a few weeks to prove himself before Harry returns.