The Chicago Bears are gearing up to face off against the Green Bay Packers in what is set to be their third encounter this season during the Wild Card Round. While the excitement of making it back to the playoffs is palpable, the Bears find themselves in a challenging position with a rookie head coach and an unproven quarterback in playoff situations. This context raises questions about potential roster changes that may occur should the Bears suffer a first-round exit.
The anticipation of roster adjustments looms large, as it seems certain that various players might be looking for new teams regardless of how the playoffs progress. Here are three players who are likely to be on the outside looking in if Chicago’s postseason journey is cut short.
First on the list is Olamide Zaccheaus, the wide receiver who, despite having been a valuable depth option, has struggled to find his footing with the Bears this season. As new talents like Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze continue to emerge alongside veteran DJ Moore, Zaccheaus has found his involvement diminishing. His stat line of 39 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns this season is a drop-off from his previous campaign. With free agency on the horizon, Saturday could mark his final appearance in a Bears uniform as the team looks to make room for fresh talent.
Next is safety Jaquan Brisker, whose performance throughout this season has been a source of disappointment. Allowing a high completion rate of 75.6% on 41 targets, Brisker has been unable to demonstrate consistent coverage skills, finishing the year with a troubling 118.1 passer rating against him. His future with the team hinges on delivering a strong playoff performance, but if the Bears fall short on Saturday, it’s highly probable that his time in Chicago will come to an end as the Bears seek alternatives either through the draft or free agency.
Lastly, Durham Smythe has not been able to replicate his previous production since joining the Bears, largely due to the strong presence of established tight ends like Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland in a run-heavy offense. Smythe’s limited activity, with just four catches this season compared to his former highs, indicates that he may be headed for greener pastures this offseason, as he searches for a team that can better utilize his talents.
As the Bears prepare for this critical matchup against their rivals, the speculation around these players highlights the pressing changes that may be necessary for the organization to improve and build a more competitive team moving forward. The playoffs present an opportunity not just for success on the field but also for shaping the future of the franchise, offering hope for a brighter next chapter regardless of the outcome in this playoff round.