The Chicago Bears made an interesting roster move when they decided to claim Logan Stenberg off of waivers, releasing Aron Cruikshank as a resulting move. The Detroit Lions released Stenberg before the end of his rookie contract, so in claiming him, they got him on the last year of his rookie deal. Sternberg will be a free agent at the end of this season.
Chicago Bears claim Logan Stenberg off waivers
While they claimed him and inherited his deal, it does not mean that he is a lock for the 53-man roster. He is only making a fourth-round rookie salary, and there would be no dead cap, so it is a no-risk, higher-reward decision.
Stenberg did not play much in 2020 but got on the field for four offensive snaps in 2021, all as a sixth offensive lineman and then played 228 snaps in 2022 at right guard. Sternberg won the starting job out of training camp and started the first two weeks, but he struggled, and the team moved on quickly.
Sternberg got on the field in weeks five and 14, and he was much better in those starts, but not enough to gain back favor with the coaching staff. Still, a fourth-round pick with four starts in three seasons and his best play coming in his final start may be something for the Bears to invest in.
When looking at the offensive line, there are the locked-in five starters. Then, there is Lucas Patrick and Larry Borom as the core depth options. The eight offensive line spot will likely come down to Ja'Tyre Carter, Alex Leatherwood, and Logan Stenberg.
There is a chance that the Bears saw so much from Carter and Leatherwood that they decided to add some competition. Leatherwood struggled mightily at tackle, and the team tried to move him inside to guard. If that looks like a lost cause, Stenberg could easily slot ahead of him. Carter is a seventh-round pick from last season, so his job is not locked in either.
It is easy to assume that Stenberg is already ahead of Dieter Eiselen, as well as Doug Kramer, who only plays center. So, that puts him right on the roster fringe, with a strong chance to make the team over the coming weeks.