Bears To Bring in 3 for Tryouts, Including Ex-Cardinals First-Round Pick

Bears tryouts Manti Ye'o Deone Bucannon

Getty Deone Bucannon will work out with the Bears this week

The Chicago Bears keep looking at ways to add depth to the middle of the field. Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears plan to host three linebackers for workouts this week: Manti Te’o, Justin Phillips and Deone Bucannon. It’s an interesting mix, filled with veterans and a relative-newbie — two of whom came with a good deal of hype once.

Both T’eo and Bucannon were high draft picks; The Chargers selected T’eo in the second round (38th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft, and the Cardinals chose Bucannon with the 27th pick of the first round in 2014. Neither became the player their respective teams hoped they would become, but both possess undeniable physical abilities.

If the Bears do decide to add one of the three, they will most certainly be a practice squad addition.


Manti T’eo: A Refresher on the Ex-Notre Dame LB

Bears work out Manti Te'o

GettyLB Manti Te’o was drafted by the Chargers, where he spent the first four years of his career. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

T’eo spent his first four seasons with the Chargers before heading to New Orleans, where he played with the Saints for three years. In his time with the Chargers, T’eo saw his playing time severely affected by the numerous injuries he sustained. He tore his Achilles in 2016, and he also dealt with various ankle and foot injuries throughout his career.

In his seven seasons, T’eo amassed 307 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks. Many remember him from his days at Notre Dame, where he became one of the best linebackers in the nation. He never quite reached his full potential as a pro due to the injuries he sustained, and he hasn’t played since last season — but neither has Bucannon.


Deone Bucannon Stats: Could He Fill Practice Squad Vacancy Created By Devante Bond?

The former first round pick played for the Cardinals his first five seasons, and he spent time with both the Buccaneers and the Giants in 2019, starting one game and playing in 14. In his six year career, he has 434 tackles, seven sacks, 28 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five fumble recoveries. He has also displayed a knack for causing turnovers, forcing seven fumbles throughout his career.

Based on stats and experience, Bucannon seems like the best candidate to fill the vacancy left by Devante Bond, whom the Bears just placed on practice squad injured reserve.

Phillips is the dark horse to make the practice squad. He went undrafted in the 2019 draft, and has less experience than both T’eo and Bucannon. He signed with the Cowboys after the draft last year, but he was released a few months later. The Raiders then picked him up, signing him to their practice squad before eventually promoting him to their active roster due to a slew of injuries, where he played in four games. He registered seven tackles in limited action.

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