As the whirlwind of NFL free agency begins to settle, the Chicago Bears are not yet finished reshaping their team. Inside sources close to the Bears’ operations suggest that changes may still be on the horizon, particularly for two players who haven’t quite met team expectations. Edge rusher Dominique Robinson and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. find themselves on shaky ground as the team evaluates its roster for the upcoming season.
A Closer Look at Dominique Robinson’s Journey
Dominique Robinson, a product of the University of Miami (Ohio), entered the NFL with promise after being picked in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His rookie year showed potential, with Robinson playing in every game and recording 30 tackles along with 1.5 sacks.
However, his performance seemed to dip in the following season. Appearing in 11 games, he managed only 12 tackles and a half-sack. Such statistics might make Robinson a candidate for being cut, as the Bears aim to build a more competitive and robust defense.
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Velus Jones Jr.’s Struggle to Shine
Similarly, Velus Jones Jr.‘s journey with the Chicago Bears has been underwhelming considering the high expectations set for him. Selected from the University of Tennessee in the third round of the same draft as Robinson, Jones was anticipated to bring new dynamism to the Chicago Bears’ offensive lineup. In his debut season, Jones saw limited success, gathering just seven receptions for 107 yards and scoring once.
He also added a rushing touchdown on nine attempts. The subsequent season brought even fewer opportunities and lesser impact, with Jones managing only four receptions for 20 yards and gaining 51 yards on the ground over eight attempts.
Shane Waldron’s Arrival Could Revive Velus Jones
Despite these disappointing results, there is a shimmer of hope that new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron could find innovative ways to utilize Velus Jones’ capabilities. With the recent acquisition of seasoned wide receiver Keenan Allen, however, the competition for offensive snaps has intensified, potentially sidelining Jones further unless a unique role can be carved out for him within Waldron’s system.
What’s Next for the Chicago Bears?
The Chicago Bears are at a crossroads with Robinson and Jones. As Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune notes, the team had intended to create more opportunities for Jones in 2023, signaling that the upcoming season could be a make-or-break period for both players. The decisions made in the next few weeks will be crucial as the Chicago Bears look to optimize their roster for better performance and a more successful NFL season.
As the Chicago Bears continue to adjust their team dynamics and explore the full potential of their roster, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The future of Robinson and Jones with the Chicago Bears could hinge on their ability to adapt and improve in a rapidly evolving NFL landscape.
Sources: NFL Analysis
