Reviewing Chicago Bears preseason waiver claims

One of the more unprecedented things that Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears did this offseason was claim seven players on waivers as they were released for final cutdown days. It spoke to where Poles saw his team’s roster, as he was quick to pounce on so many guys cut from other teams.

When Poles made the decision it was universally praised, but now we can see how those decisions panned out.

Alex Leatherwood

Alex Leatherwood was obviously one of the big disappointments of the waiver-claiming process. Of course, he was also one of the most hype-up options. A non-COVID illness had him missing time to start the season, which had him off to a bad start.

From there, things progressed a bit, but mostly because injuries at right tackle forced him to be active. With Larry Borom inactive, they decided to give Leatherwood a chance to rotate into the mix for two weeks.

The first week went fine, but then he got dominated by the Eagles’ pass rush. His last snap on offense this season was a sack allowed that pushed the team out of field goal range. Leatherwood is signed for next season, so he will be back in camp, but fans should not expect much.

Armon Watts

Armon Watts was probably the biggest hit of the group. The Vikings’ change of schemes hurt him as much as the Chicago Bears’ change of schemes helped him. Angelo Blackson was not fit for the change in schemes, nor was he ready for a change in role, from depth to starter. So, the team called on Watts to play next to Justin Jones. For a player who was cut in August and had to settle into a new team a week before the season, his 2022 season was as good as you can ask for. The issue now is that he is a free agent.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Leatherwood was not great, but this is obviously the worst decision that Ryan Poles and the crew made. Poles has yet to be able to find a WR, whether it be trade, signing, the draft, or now the waiver process. ISM seemed like he was being paid to tank until the team cut him.

Sterling Weatherford

Sterling Weatherford stuck around the team all season. He did not get on the defensive field but appears to be a rusted special teams option moving forward. He was just a rookie last season, so the team has control over his contract for the next few seasons.

Trevon Wesco

You would probably have to admit that Trevon Wesco was the second most impactful move,  behind Armon Watts. Wesco swiftly beat out Ryan Griffin for the TE2 spot. Wesco also made his presence known on special teams. He is a free agent after this season, but the team should be looking to bring him back.

Josh Blackwell

Josh Blackwell can rank third in the top waiver claims. He was a special teams stud, and by end of the season, he was able to get on the field and get some work in as a slot defender. Blackwell is a rookie UDFA and appears to be in the long-term plans when you factor in his special teams play, and his ability as a backup slot.

Kingsley Jonathan 

The Chicago Bears were throwing anything against the wall hoping it would stick at pass rusher. Jonathan was in and out pretty swiftly. Names such as Gerri Green, Taco Charlton, and Terrell Lewis followed. Jonathan wound up having his best game against Chicago, while on the Buffalo Bills.

Overall:

Overall, Weatherford, Wesco, Blackwell, and Watts are hits. The decision to sign Wesco and Watts may hurt, but Blackwell and Weatherford will be on the 53-man next year. Leatherwood will be back because of his contract, and because ISM and Jonathan left so quickly, he is not the worst addition.