Four Chicago Bears Players Who Could Be Cut If They Don’t Deliver a Strong Training Camp.
The Chicago Bears are entering a critical juncture as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. With new expectations, a mix of veteran talent, and younger players trying to prove themselves, the team’s training camp has taken on a heightened level of importance. Every year, training camp serves as the proving ground where roster spots are secured or lost. For some players, it’s the difference between continuing their NFL career or being released into free agency. As the Bears gear up for what they hope will be a competitive season, several players are finding themselves under immense pressure to perform. For four particular players, the upcoming training camp could define their future with the team. Without a strong showing, they could very well find themselves without a job.
Training camps are a double-edged sword. For younger players or recent draft picks, it’s a chance to show why they were selected and why they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. For veterans or players who have struggled in past seasons, camp becomes a battlefield where they must prove they still have value. The Bears, like every other team, are constantly looking to improve. The front office and coaching staff are not afraid to make difficult decisions if they believe there’s a better option available, whether that means signing a free agent, giving a rookie more snaps, or even making a mid-camp trade. This competitive atmosphere puts immense pressure on players who are already on the bubble.
The Bears’ roster is currently filled with intriguing storylines, especially as the team tries to find its footing and compete for a playoff berth. Under the guidance of head coach Matt Eberflus, Chicago is undergoing a transformation. The emphasis on a tough, disciplined defense and a more dynamic offense means there’s less room for underperforming players. While stars like DJ Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, and others are locked into starting roles, there’s a significant group of players who must show they can contribute or risk being replaced. It’s not just about raw talent but also about consistency, versatility, and the ability to fit into the team’s long-term plans.
One of the players facing serious pressure heading into camp is wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown. While St. Brown has flashed potential at times, his inconsistency has been an ongoing issue. The Bears have added depth to the receiver position, including new draft picks and free-agent signings, which has put St. Brown’s roster spot in jeopardy. The reality of the modern NFL is that teams are looking for receivers who can stretch the field, create separation, and contribute on special teams if necessary. While St. Brown has a good size-speed combination, his inability to consistently produce as a reliable target has hurt his value. If he doesn’t show significant improvement during camp, particularly in his route-running and ability to win contested catches, the Bears could decide to part ways and look to younger players who offer more upside.
Another player who finds himself on thin ice is running back Travis Homer. The Bears’ backfield is shaping up to be competitive with Khalil Herbert, D’Onta Foreman, and rookie Roschon Johnson all vying for touches. Homer was signed for depth and special teams purposes, but if he doesn’t distinguish himself in camp, he may not survive the final cuts. Running backs in today’s NFL are expected to not only run effectively but also block and catch passes out of the backfield. With younger, more versatile options available, Homer’s chances of sticking around are slim unless he can make a strong impression both on offense and special teams. Special teams contributions might ultimately be the deciding factor for him, but even then, his margin for error is razor-thin.
Veteran offensive lineman Lucas Patrick is another player who could be in trouble. The Bears have invested heavily in revamping their offensive line to protect quarterback Caleb Williams and open lanes for the run game. Patrick, who was once expected to be a key interior lineman, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. His experience is valuable, but the Bears are looking for players who can be dependable starters, and they’ve added competition at both guard and center. If Patrick cannot stay healthy or show he can hold up against the defensive front during camp, younger and cheaper players could take his spot. Offensive line depth is crucial in the NFL, but teams rarely hold onto veterans who are not performing at a high level, especially when salary cap considerations come into play.
Defensively, cornerback Kindle Vildor is another name that comes up when discussing players on the bubble. The Bears’ secondary has been retooled, with players like Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon cementing starting roles. Vildor, while once seen as a potential contributor, has struggled in coverage and hasn’t been able to consistently stop opposing receivers. With the team adding more talent through the draft and free agency, Vildor’s path to a roster spot is steep. Training camp will be his last real opportunity to prove that he can provide depth and value, whether as a rotational player or on special teams. If he falters, the Bears could opt to move forward with younger corners who have a higher ceiling.
It’s important to remember that roster decisions are not made in isolation. The front office and coaching staff evaluate each player based not just on their individual performance but also on how they fit into the overall scheme and roster construction. Injuries, salary cap implications, and positional depth all play a role in determining who makes the final cut. For these four players—St. Brown, Homer, Patrick, and Vildor—the challenge is to not only perform well individually but also to show that they can add value to the team in multiple ways. Versatility, whether it’s being able to play special teams, contribute in different formations, or adapt to multiple roles, can often make the difference between being released and being retained.
The Bears are in an interesting position as a franchise. With a young quarterback and a coaching staff eager to prove themselves, they are balancing the need for immediate success with the goal of building a sustainable contender. This means that every roster spot is precious, and underperforming players have less room to hide. Training camp becomes the ultimate test, not just physically but mentally as well. Players must showcase their ability to learn quickly, adapt to new schemes, and maintain a high level of focus and intensity every day. Those who can’t meet these demands are often replaced by hungrier, younger players who are eager to make their mark.
For a player like St. Brown, this camp is about proving he can be more than just a depth option at wide receiver. He needs to demonstrate that he can be a reliable target for Caleb Williams, someone who can convert crucial third downs and stretch defenses vertically. If he fails to separate himself from the competition, he might be looking for a new team before the regular season begins. Similarly, Travis Homer’s fate may rest on his ability to carve out a significant role on special teams. With Herbert, Foreman, and Johnson all likely to see touches, Homer must show he brings something unique to the table, whether it’s as a pass-blocker, return specialist, or in other special teams units.
Lucas Patrick’s challenge is slightly different, as offensive linemen don’t rotate as much as skill-position players. For him, it’s about proving durability and dominance in the trenches. The Bears need linemen who can handle powerful defensive fronts, and if Patrick cannot consistently hold his ground, the coaching staff may prefer to roll with younger players who show potential. Kindle Vildor, on the other hand, has the unenviable task of standing out in a deep secondary. He must show improvement in coverage and tackling while also proving he can be an asset on special teams. The cornerback position is one where teams often carry extra depth due to injuries, but that won’t save Vildor if he doesn’t perform.
Training camp battles are often decided by the smallest of margins. A strong showing in practice, a big play during a preseason game, or even displaying leadership and hustle in team meetings can make a difference. For players on the bubble, every rep counts. Coaches pay close attention to effort, consistency, and adaptability. It’s not enough to have one good day in camp; these players must string together strong performances day after day to convince the staff that they belong on the roster.
The pressure on these players is immense, but that pressure can also bring out the best in athletes. Many NFL players who are now stars once found themselves on the bubble, only to use training camp as a launchpad for their careers. The key for St. Brown, Homer, Patrick, and Vildor is to treat every drill, every snap, and every team meeting as an audition. If they can rise to the occasion, they may not only keep their jobs but also earn a meaningful role in the Bears’ plans for the season.
As the Bears continue to prepare for the 2025 NFL season, the narrative around these four players will be one of the key storylines to watch. Will they rise to the challenge and secure their spots, or will they become roster casualties as the team looks for better options? Only time, and a grueling training camp, will provide the answers. What’s certain is that the next few weeks will determine not just the shape of the Bears’ roster but also the future of these players’ careers. In the high-stakes world of the NFL, opportunities are fleeting, and for these four Bears, the time to perform is now.
