Former 3rd-Round Pick Expected to Be Released by Bears Ahead of Season.
The Chicago Bears have always been a team that thrives on competition, especially during the offseason and leading up to training camp. Every year, players on the roster find themselves fighting for their spot, whether they are veterans, high draft picks, or undrafted free agents trying to make a name for themselves. In 2025, one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Bears’ training camp is the potential release of a former third-round pick who, not long ago, was considered a cornerstone for the team’s future. This looming decision underscores just how much the landscape of the NFL can change in a short period of time and highlights the harsh reality that draft status only guarantees an opportunity, not a long career.
When a team invests a third-round pick into a player, there is a significant expectation that the player will develop into a starter or, at the very least, a key contributor. Third-round selections are highly valuable, as they often bring a blend of talent and upside without the immediate pressure of being a first-round pick. For the Bears, this particular player was seen as someone who could eventually become a major part of the team’s core. His college film was filled with flashes of potential — athleticism, versatility, and a high football IQ. He was projected to fit seamlessly into the Bears’ scheme and to provide depth and future starting capabilities. However, as is often the case in the NFL, things did not go as planned.
Since being drafted, the former third-rounder has struggled to meet the expectations placed upon him. His rookie season showed some promise, with flashes of the potential that the front office saw during the draft process. He was given opportunities in both special teams and rotational roles, but consistency became a problem. Coaches noted that while he had the physical tools, his transition to the speed and complexity of the professional game was slower than anticipated. By his second season, injuries started to play a role, limiting his ability to showcase improvement or secure a consistent role. Those setbacks, combined with the Bears’ aggressive roster-building approach, have pushed him further down the depth chart.
The Bears have not been shy about upgrading their roster over the last few years, particularly under the leadership of the current front office. General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have both emphasized a culture of accountability and competition. No player’s position on the team is guaranteed — a message that has been delivered repeatedly in interviews and through roster moves. Chicago has consistently targeted both veterans and rookies who can step in and contribute immediately. This offseason alone, the Bears added multiple players at positions where the former third-rounder was expected to compete. These acquisitions have made the path to a roster spot even narrower for him.
Training camp and the preseason are critical periods for players on the bubble, and the Bears’ coaching staff will closely monitor every snap. For this particular player, every rep could determine whether he remains on the roster or becomes a free agent before the season even begins. Unfortunately, recent signs suggest that his chances of sticking around are slim. Insiders and analysts who follow the team closely have already started predicting his release, noting that younger players and recent draft picks have outperformed him during offseason workouts. Even in OTAs and minicamps, reports indicated that he was running with the third or fourth team — a clear sign that the coaching staff may have moved on from the idea of him being a long-term contributor.
One of the biggest challenges for players in his situation is that the NFL is a business first and foremost. Teams are constantly evaluating not only performance but also contracts, potential upside, and roster construction. A player who was once a third-round pick does not get infinite chances simply because of his draft pedigree. If a lower-cost undrafted free agent or a younger draft pick is showing more potential, the team will almost always go with the player who brings both talent and financial flexibility. The Bears have several young players on rookie deals who are turning heads, making it harder for the former third-rounder to justify his spot on the 53-man roster.
Another factor working against him is that the Bears’ defensive and offensive schemes have evolved over the past few seasons. Scheme fit is a critical component of success in the NFL, and sometimes, a player’s skills do not match the direction the coaching staff wants to take. While he might have been an ideal fit under the previous coaching regime, the new staff appears to prefer different attributes at his position — whether that means greater speed, coverage ability, versatility, or even leadership qualities. Players who do not align with the new vision often find themselves phased out, regardless of past potential or draft status.
The preseason will be the final test for him, but even that might not be enough. Preseason games are limited, and snaps are valuable. Coaches want to see how players perform under game conditions, but they also need to evaluate a wide range of personnel. If the former third-rounder does not make a strong impression early, he could see his playing time diminished as the team focuses on evaluating younger talent. This puts even more pressure on him to stand out during practices, scrimmages, and any special teams opportunities.
Fans of the Bears have mixed feelings about the situation. Some are disappointed, as they remember the excitement that came with his selection during the draft. They saw his highlight reels, read the scouting reports, and believed he would be part of the Bears’ future. Others, however, recognize that the NFL is unpredictable and that not every draft pick pans out. They view this as simply part of the team’s evolution and a necessary step to build a competitive roster capable of contending in a tough NFC North division. With teams like the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings all vying for playoff contention, the Bears cannot afford to carry players who are not making a consistent impact.
There is still a possibility that another NFL team might take a chance on him if the Bears release him. Former high draft picks often get second or even third opportunities because of their potential. A change of scenery, a different coaching staff, or a new scheme might be what he needs to finally unlock his talent. In some cases, players who are cut by one team go on to have successful careers elsewhere, proving that timing and fit are just as important as raw ability. If he does end up leaving Chicago, it would not be surprising to see him land with a team that believes it can develop him into the player he was projected to become.
For the Bears, however, the focus is on the present and building a roster that can compete now. They have made significant moves to improve both sides of the ball, and they believe they are closer than ever to being a playoff contender. Every roster spot matters, and tough decisions must be made. Cutting a former third-round pick is never easy, as it represents a missed opportunity from the draft, but it is also a necessary step if the player is not meeting expectations.
The story of this player serves as a reminder of how difficult it is to succeed in the NFL. Talent alone is not enough; players must also stay healthy, adapt to coaching, perform under pressure, and continually improve. Even those who were highly regarded coming out of college can find themselves out of the league in just a few years. For this former third-rounder, the next few weeks will likely determine his future, both with the Bears and in the NFL as a whole. He will need to bring his best performance, work ethic, and focus to every practice and preseason opportunity, knowing that the margin for error is razor-thin.
The Bears will continue to evaluate all of their options, and while there is always an outside chance that he can earn a spot with a standout performance, the odds appear to be stacked against him. Whether this is the end of his time in Chicago or the start of a new chapter elsewhere, it is clear that his journey has not gone as planned. Still, as the NFL has shown time and time again, careers can be unpredictable. Sometimes, being released can be the catalyst for a player to refocus and reignite their career, leading to success in unexpected places.
In the meantime, the Bears’ front office and coaching staff will keep their attention on building the best possible 53-man roster. They know that every decision they make in the offseason will have a ripple effect on the regular season and beyond. Cutting ties with a former third-round pick might not be the headline they want, but it could be the move that allows another young, hungry player to step up and help the team win. For fans, this situation is yet another glimpse into the constant, high-stakes chess game that is NFL roster building. And for the player in question, it is a pivotal moment — one that will define the next chapter of his career, whether in Chicago or elsewhere.
