Bears Cut Preseason Standout Amid Roster Reduction Deadline

The Chicago Bears face significant roster challenges heading into the 2025 NFL season under GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson. Poles has been criticized for several draft and roster decisions, including the release of defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, a former high draft pick who failed to develop as expected, and tight end Joel Wilson, a preseason standout whom the team risks losing through waivers. The Bears also released defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon after an unimpressive preseason, reflecting ongoing roster adjustments. Despite some positive moves, concerns remain about the running back room, which has seen little improvement with key players like D'Andre Swift coming off a down year and others unable to stay healthy, leaving the position uncertain. Poles is tasked with trimming the roster from over 80 players to 53 while retaining promising developmental players on the practice squad. Overall, the Bears appear to be in a critical phase of rebuilding, balancing optimism for improvement with the reality of previous personnel missteps.