Training camp for the Chicago Bears is just around the corner.
After an impressive 11-6 season last year, under the helm of quarterback Caleb Williams, the stakes are even higher. With higher stakes come roster shake-ups, and these three players are on the chopping block.
3 Bears players who need to step up during training camp
Cole Kmet, TE
The veteran tight end had his worst season last year since his rookie year. It's not because he's not capable of more, but because rookie Colston Loveland came to Chicago and stole his shine. After Loveland's breakout, Kmet had another role for the offense, becoming a great blocker.
Despite Kmet finding a way to be impactful, he is being paid starting tight end money without being the starter. Compared to Loveland, his contract is almost double, proving that Loveland is a steal and there's no need for Kmet.
To make matters worse for Loveland, the Bears selected wide receiver Sam Roush during the third round of the draft, who could prove his worth as a backup for Loveland. If he does, then Kmet's time in Chicago will certainly be ending, and the Bears could trade him for other positions that they need. Even if Roush doesn't work out, the team can still easily find another tight end for less money.
Dayo Odeyingbo, DE
The defensive end had a horrible season last year, only recording one sack in eight starts before his season-ending Achilles injury. The Bears replaced Odeyingbo with Austin Booker, a second-year defensive end, and he made a lasting impression.
Booker made a quick impact, recording 4.5 sacks in 10 games. Training camp will be a battle between the two for a starting spot. Odeyingbo is on a three-year, $48 million contract, which the Bears will certainly want to dump if he has another lackluster season.
If Booker wins the battle for the starting spot, Odeyingbo can say goodbye to Chicago.
D'Andre Swift, RB
It was a dream for Bears fans to have D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai as running backs at the same time, but it's just not sustainable. Swift had the best season of his career last year when he rushed for 1,087 yards and had 10 touchdowns. The problem is that Swift is in the last year of his contract, and if he keeps up his career-highs, his stock will certainly go up, making the Bears have to choose between him and Monangai.
Swift proved that he is a starter on NFL teams, but they will need to pay him as such, and the Bears won't be able to do that after this season. He might not start for the Bears this year, but he has the capability after keeping up with Swift in only his rookie year. Monangai had a huge rookie year, and if he looks even better this season, it makes more sense for Chicago to keep the younger guy.
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Regardless of the decisions made for these players, the Bears have options, and the future looks bright, which is a good sign for Chicago.
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