Looking at the last few drafts for the Chicago Bears, we have seen some big-time hits. On the other hand, we have definitely seen Ryan Poles swing and miss a few times.
Whether they've been hits, misses or right in between, there are some veterans whose time in Chicago should be coming to an end, though. Looking at the state of this roster, it is not crazy to think that there are some current starters who won't be around in 2027.
Whether they're a starter or reserve, the Bears have three notable names on their roster who need to be let go eventually.
The Bears have 3 key veterans whose clocks are ticking in Chicago
The Bears should move on from Roschon Johnson
Do the Bears cut Roschon Johnson right now? Do they wait? It is clear that this coaching staff doesn't trust him, and he wasn't a Ben Johnson guy to begin with. He was an inherited fourth-round pick from a few years back. Last year, he only handled two carries. The year prior, he averaged less than 3.0 yards per carry on 55 totes. Chicago needs to let him go.
The catch
In order to justify letting Johnson go, the Bears need to go out and sign another veteran who can come in and offer some versatility. Sure, they might end up finding out they've got a gem in Coleman Bennett. But, at the very least, Chicago could go out and sign someone like Dare Ogunbowale who would give them someone that's an experienced pass blocker and third down back.
Cole Kmet's time with the Chicago Bears has to be dwindling
Do the Bears need to cut or trade Cole Kmet right now? Absolutely not. They will keep him for the 2026 season as the NFL leans more into three-tight end sets. But, after the 2026 season? It'll be open season.
The catch
Kmet can be cut next offseason while saving the Bears about $10 million. The Bears have one of the best young tight ends in the league in Colston Loveland and they drafted Sam Roush in the third round this year, who shows a lot of similarities to Kmet.
Because of Loveland and Roush, the Bears have every reason to try and trade Kmet after the 2026 season. If they cannot find a trade partner, then releasing him while saving the money is a likely scenario. The capital invested in Loveland and Roush shows a changing of the guard, and you cannot be paying your second or third tight end that kind of money.
This will be Kmet's last season in Chicago.
The Bears must let Tyrique Stevenson hit free agency in 2027
This seems too obvious. Tyrique Stevenson has been up and down with his performance since coming to Chicago. At times, he shows exactly the kind of tenacity and physicality you like to see out of a Bears defensvie back. Other times, it's his tenacity that mixes with the risk-taking mentality, and a little attitude, and gets him in trouble one way or another.
Although this seems obvious, the catch is a massive one.
The catch
If the Bears do not feel like Malik Muhammad can take over the starting role in Year 2, then they are in quite the predicament. Chicago already let Nahshon Wright go, and Terell Smith has proven to be a solid backup, but isn't a starting-quality corner.
It's truly Muhammad or bust, right now. Sure, they could go out and sign another veteran next year, if Muhammad needs the competition. But, it's the Texas product's job to lose in 2027.
Read more: Packers radio host just proved Bears' Ryan Poles right without even trying
Stevenson's mishaps have become too great to overcome and justify paying him, especially alongside Jaylon Johnson, who will likely need another contract extension after the 2026 season.
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