The Chicago Bears have undergone a massive roster transformation this offseason. There is a new quarterback, a new running back, and a couple of new receivers. The team also added another pass-catching tight end and several key pieces on defense. Rookies Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, with veterans D'Andre Swift, Keenan Allen, and Gerald Everett, give this offense the highest floor it's had in quite some time.
With the incoming talent, some players from the 2023 roster will not be around for much longer. For example, the wide receiver room is much more competitive than it was this time last year. The secondary also looks more competitive, with veterans Kevin Byard, Jonathan Owens, and Tarvarius Moore.
There is still plenty of time for players to improve this summer and in the preseason. However, let's go ahead and take a look at the players who could be in trouble come roster cut time.
Larry Borom, Offensive line
Larry Borom has been a valuable fill-in on the Bears' offensive line over the last few years. Borom is a former fifth-round selection from Missouri who has started 23 games since 2021.
Unfortunately, Borom has not been the most dependable piece. The tackle earned a 48.0 PFF grade in 2023, which was the lowest grade of his career. Borom allowed three sacks and was penalized five times in 411 snaps. While it may be nice to keep an experienced tackle like Borom around, the Bears may prefer to give that job to the developmental rookie Kiran Amegadjie. Amegadjie is considered a raw prospect who needs time to develop, but with a strong summer, the rookie could win the job.
Moving on from Borom would save money and allow Amegadjie to get valuable experience. This could be the direction the Bears go depending on how the summer shakes out.
Elijah Hicks, Safety
Just a few months ago, I mentioned Elijah Hicks as a possible successor to Eddie Jackson. However, there is another scenario in which Hicks isn't even on the Bears in Week One.
The team added veteran Kevin Byard this offseason. Byard has been a First-team All-Pro twice and has been selected to two Pro Bowls. The veteran had a down year in 2023, but has an elite pedigree and should be viewed as the starter going forward. The team also added Jonathan Owens and Tarvarius Moore to the safety room this offseason.
Byard and Jaquan Brisker are the starters. Hicks, Owens, Moore, Quindell Johnson, Adrian Colbert, and Douglas Coleman III will all be battling for two or three spots. If Hicks stumbles this summer, one of the other guys could easily surpass him in the pecking order.
Tyson Bagent, Quarterback
Tyson Bagent was one of the best stories in the league last year. The QB not only made the team after playing his college ball at DII Shepherd University and going undrafted, but he was the primary backup for the team. Bagent even got into five games and started four.
There were flashes that Bagent could become a solid backup in the NFL. However, there were also times when it was clear that Bagent played at the DII level. The QB ended his rookie campaign with 859 passing yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. The QB performed well enough to stick with someone, but the Bears may have other plans at backup QB.
Journeyman Brett Rypien and 2024 UDFA Austin Reed are Bagent's competitors. Reed is friends with Caleb Williams which may help his case. With a strong summer showing, it's not crazy to think the Bears could once again go with a UDFA as the primary backup. There's also the potential that a veteran QB is added from the outside. Either way, Bagent is far from a lock.