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The Chicago Bears are whittling down their roster to 53 players, and while the majority of cuts they have made have raised no eyebrows, the Bears surprised several analysts when they released rookie cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., as reported by Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune.
Other notable cuts for Chicago are prized undrafted free agent Charles Snowden, per Biggs, former fourth-round wide receiver Riley Ridley, as reported by Ian Rapoport, running back Ryan Nall, who was on the 53-man roster last year, via Tom Pelissero and veteran linebacker James Vaughters, who played in 17 games for Chicago over the last two seasons, via Biggs.
Veteran corner Desmond Trufant, who had missed the last several weeks after the death of his father, was also released, per Adam Schefter.
The Bears selected Graham in the sixth round (No. 228 overall) of the NFL draft this year, and many considered him to be a steal, as he was the 76th-ranked overall prospect in the entire draft by Pro Football Focus last year. Thus, it’s quite possible Graham will catch on somewhere else and won’t clear waivers.
Another surprise cut was wide receiver Dazz Newsome, who the team drafted in the sixth round this year, according to Tom Pelissero.
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Graham & Snowden Among Biggest Surprise Cuts
While letting Graham and Snowden walk aren’t likely franchise-altering moves, both young defenders had showed promise, and Graham’s release, especially, was a tad surprising, as Chicago had just spent precious draft capital on him, and cornerback is currently a huge position of need for the team. In three preseason games, Graham had 7 total tackles, and a pass defensed. He’ll surely be a candidate for the practice squad if he doesn’t land elsewhere.
In his three preseason opportunities, Snowden showed some definite promise, netting 7 tackles (1 solo, 2 for loss), two sacks and four QB hits. Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked Snowden as the top undrafted free agent of this draft class, saying this about the young edge rusher out of Virginia:
“Snowden is a lanky, flexible athlete with the read/react skills and range to impact the game in different ways. He plays physical at the point of attack and works hard to stay detached, but he must continue to add mass and bolster his play strength. Overall, Snowden comes with position and scheme fit questions, but his fluid athleticism, long-limbed frame and reaction skills are an intriguing combination.”
Snowden, like Graham, could very well be scooped up by another team, but if he does clear waivers, he’ll be a definite candidate for the practice squad.
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Bears Roster Cuts: Who Else Was Let Go?
Per Biggs, the Bears also waived offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr., kicker Brian Johnson, outside linebacker Sam Kamara, wide receiver Jon’Vea Johnson, o-lineman Adam Redmond, tight end Scooter Harrington, defensive lineman Daniel Archibong and wide receiver/returner Isaiah Coulter.
Other Bears reported to be headed out the door include running back Artavis Pierce and wideout Chris Lacy, via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, defensive back Dionte Riffin, per Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times and offensive lineman Arlington Hambright, per Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic.
Biggs also reported that Chicago terminated the contracts of defensive backs Marqui Christian and Artie Burns, while also reaching an injury settlement with defensive lineman Mike Pennel.
The last round of cuts included corner Teez Tabor, d-lineman LaCale London (injured) and corner Tre Roberson (injured).
Running back and punt returner Tarik Cohen was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list, and will miss at least the first six games.
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