As we continue to unpack the Chicago Bears' latest victory over the New England Patriots, it's just about time to turn our attention to the Monday Night Football matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
But, before we do, let's check in on some of the Bears' players who are set to enter free agency in 2027.
There are some notable names on the list of free-agents-to-be, and some of them likely won't see a second contract in Chicago while others should be brought back with the way they're playing this season.
Tyrique Stevenson could have yet another chance to impress after Malik Muhammad's injury
Against the Patriots, rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad left a bit early with what ended up being a toe injury. Muhammad played 18 snaps in this one, forcing Tyrique Stevenson into a larger role once again.
In total, Stevenson allowed two receptions on three targets for 32 yards while playing 26 coverage snaps against New England.
We don't know, yet, the severity of Muhammad's injury or if he will miss any time. But, the fact that Stevenson is now on call to start is a bit alarming to Bears fans. His erratic play is obviously not ideal, nor has it been for the vast majority of his career.
If Stevenson is forced into action against Seattle, that's about the worst outcome we could ask for as the Bears defense prepares for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is leading the NFL in receiving by a mile (867 yards, 8 TD).
Now, for Stevenson, I suppose this would be another golden opportunity for him to put some positive film out there as he continues to prepare for free agency in 2027.
I just wouldn't bet on that positive film.
Roschon Johnson was completely uninvolved vs. Patriots
Following Roschon Johnson being regularly involved against the Atlanta Falcons, he was essentially shelved against the Patriots. And, even though D'Andre Swift has been playing while feeling a little sore and beat-up, he got 26 of the 28 running back touches.
Johnson rushed twice for 13 yards and that was it. Now, was this a punishment for his fourth-quarter fumble against Atlanta? Some have argued that it might be, but quite frankly, if the Bears wanted to punish him for the fumble, they wouldn't have thrown him right back in on that final drive against the Falcons.
This might have just been Ben Johnson going with the only viable option, as Johnson truly isn't one. As involved as he was, initially, without Kyle Monangai, he still wasn't as efficient as you'd like to see. He continues to move quite stiff-mannered and has fans begging for the return of Monangai.
As Monangai now works his way back, Johnson will again be relegated to the bench.
Devin Bush may be one and done in Chicago
Devin Bush was supposed to be better, at least in theory. But, he's had so many up-and-down performances through seven weeks. He's not only had some bad plays; he's had bad drives.
Against the Patriots, he had one drive where he was flagged for being offsides and then was burned by tight end Eli Raridon for a touchdown.
The way the Bears' linebacker group is playing, as a whole, certainly makes it look like Bush isn't needed after this year. He signed a one-year deal and that looks like it'll be all she wrote.
He's had some good moments, this season, but he's not a long-term answer. He's proven that.
Noah Sewell quietly keeps playing himself into a second Bears contract
Speaking of the linebackers, both Noah Sewell and D'Marco Jackson are playing well enough to make Bush expendable. And, while Jackson was able to sign a two-year deal earlier this year and has 2027 still to go in Chicago, Sewell might be soon joining him on his second contract as a pro.
Sewell played 18 snaps against the Patriots and notched two tackles, both of which were run stops.
He's shown up time and time again when he's been on the field. It's even more impressive that he's worked his way back from an Achilles tear and is playing this well. He's become one of those glue guys that you just don't want to leave off the roster.
Whether it's assisting on special teams or filling in on defense, Sewell has proven about everything he can prove as a former fifth-round pick. He's playing his way into more time in Chicago.
Kalif Raymond less of a factor vs. New England
After starting out the season as a huge focal point of the offense, Kalif Raymond put up a stinker against New England, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Raymond had two targets in this one but was unable to haul either of them in.
Now, the lack of involvement from Raymond led to the Bears finally featuring their big three: Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland. That's a good thing, obviously.
While Raymond is on a one-year deal and has become more sporadic with his offensive contributions, he should still be on the Bears' radar to return in 2027. At this point, he's still extremely valuable on special teams and as a veteran presence. He's one of those guys who just does everything the right way, and you need those types on the roster.
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In a pinch, if he's needed to step into the WR2 role, he's proven that he can indeed do that.
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