Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace said during a Zoom call with reporters on Wednesday that he intends on cutting the team's roster to the 80-man limit by Sunday. NFL teams must carry 10 fewer players than the traditional 90-man train camp rosters due to the agreement between the NFLPA and the league to combat COVID-19 in training camp.
Here are four Bears who could be surprise cuts in this first round of transactions.
Javon Wims, WR
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Wims certainly looks the part at 6-2, 222 pounds, but he didn't take advantage of increased playing time in 2020. The third-year wideout is facing a crowded wide receiver room with the additions of Ted Ginn and Darnell Mooney, and 2019 fourth-round pick Riley Ridley will be given at least one more season to prove he belongs. As a result, Wims could be the odd man out. He managed just 18 catches for 186 yards nad one touchdown in 2019.
Jesper Horsted, TE
The Bears have already made two moves at tight end with the trade of Adam Shaheen and the release of Ben Braunecker, but with Jimmy Graham, Cole Kmet and Demetrius Harris all locks to make the roster, Pace will have to decide between J.P. Holtz and Horsted for the fourth tight end spot, assuming Chicago keeps that many. Holtz offers more upside as a blocker in the run game and flashed some receiving chops last year too.
Stephen Denmark, CB
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A raw and developmental cornerback, Denmark might be too far away from cracking the 53-man roster for the Bears to keep him around in a training camp that requires 80 guys who can all conceivably contribute on an NFL field in 2020. He was a practice squad player in 2019 and maybe the Bears have the same hopes for him this season. But players in Denmark's roster position feel like a longshot to make it to training camp.
Tyler Bray, QB
The easiest way for Pace to free up a roster spot is by cutting Bray, who at this point in his Bears career might prove to be pointless to have around. He's served as a mentor and extra coach for Mitch Trubisky in Matt Nagy's offense, but with a full-blown quarterback competition coming this summer, there won't be any time wasted on teaching the former second overall pick. He's either capable or he isn't, so there's no reason for Bray to take up a critical spot on the Bears' roster.
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