Chicago Bears: Future Cuts and Waiver Wire Targets
By Erik Lambert
Dec 7, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker Shayne Skov (11) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Stanford defeated Arizona State 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
An overlooked part of building a team is scooping up cuts and waiver wire additions from other teams. Who can the Chicago Bears look out for?
Jeff Janis – WR – Green Bay Packers
The Saginaw Valley State product had an outstanding combine and dominated Division II competition. At 6’3″ he boasts intriguing speed. It’s little wonder the Green Bay Packers scooped him up. The problem is that was after they already had added Davante Adams and Jared Abbrederis in earlier rounds. That will it very difficult for Janis to make the final roster and land him on the market or on the practice squad.
Shayne Skov – LB – San Francisco 49ers
The same situation may face Stanford linebacker Shayne Skov. He goes to a team in the San Francisco 49ers already loaded at the position, especially after they added Wisconsin standout Chris Borland in the third round of the draft. That means unless Skov can outperform him in training camp it’s not likely he can make the team. Meanwhile the Bears are on the look out for help at middle linebacker and Skov is an ideal fit for that position.
Blake Annen – TE – Philadelphia Eagles
His production at Cincinnati led to him being undrafted but Blake Annen showed his promise for the pros when he posted terrific numbers at his pro day. He has the desired height and speed of a pass-catching tight end so it was little wonder the Philadelphia Eagles picked him up. However, they are a team largely set at the position with veteran Brent Celek and talented second-year man Zach Ertz. At this point there is little chance Annen would see any action. Chicago on the other hand could really use a secondary target to compliment Martellus Bennett. Annen would have as good a shot as any.
Quinton Patton – WR – San Francisco 49ers
Offensive coaches are always looking to add more weapons and the Chicago Bears are no different. One name that could pique their interest is Quinton Patton. The San Francisco 49ers 2013 fourth round pick came in with a lot of promise last year but for one reason or another didn’t play much. Some expected that to change this season but after the addition of Bruce Ellington in the draft this year, it makes Patton look rather expendable. He could find a home in Chicago where the Bears remain on the lookout for a dependable third receiver to compliment Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – RB – Cincinnati Bengals
Ka’Deem Carey was a fine addition for the Chicago Bears at running back to support Matt Forte but the team is still lacking a true threat in short yardage situations. A name they should monitor closely moving forward is BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Cincinnati Bengals veteran has stiff competition coming his way in rookie draft pick Jeremy Hill. If the LSU product plays up to his skill, he will take over as the wingman of rising star Giovani Bernard, leaving Green-Ellis as the expensive third wheel. If he does get cut he would fill that power running role perfectly.