Bears finalize roster with surprising cuts and a defensive trade
The Chicago Bears trimmed their roster to 53, releasing offensive tackles Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills while keeping rookie Ozzy Trapilo. They also traded defensive tackle Gervon Dexter to Atlanta for cornerback Clark Phillips and a fifth-round pick. Eleven rookies, including safety Dillon Thieneman, made the initial squad.
The Bears' preseason finale against Tennessee showcased rookie receiver Zavion Thomas, who turned his first NFL touch into a 97-yard touchdown on a double move called by coach Ben Johnson. Thomas finished with 140 receiving yards and added a 39-yard punt return, though his roster spot was already secure as a third-round pick. Quarterback Tyson Bagent, who made the team as an undrafted rookie in 2023, threw the scoring pass.
The Dexter trade signals confidence in the defensive tackle room's depth. Sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg, called a "beast" by Johnson, and ninth-year veteran Kentavius Street helped justify the move. Grady Jarrett remains the starter, with Neville Gallimore, undrafted rookie Jayden Loving, and pass-down specialists Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Stewart filling rotation roles. Phillips, the return piece, is undersized at 5-foot-9 but brings versatility and special teams value.
This roster shakeup could ripple through the Bears' season and fan expectations. Trading a proven interior lineman for a cornerback with injury history is a gamble that may pay off if the young defensive tackles develop quickly, but it could also weaken the run defense if those bets fail. The decision to keep 11 rookies suggests a rebuilding mindset that may frustrate fans hoping for immediate contention, while also potentially building long-term stability.