Chicago Bears: 5 potential surprise veteran cuts to pursue

Potential surprise cuts the Chicago Bears could pursue: Landon Collins

Last year, Landon Collins only played in seven games due to an Achilles injury. Seventh-round rookie Kamren Curl slid over and replaced Collins after he went out, and Curl played very well in his place. If Washington wanted to save nearly $8 million against the cap, they could still opt to cut Collins and allow the youngster to keep that job.

The Bears, meanwhile, signed Tashaun Gipson yet again to start next to Eddie Jackson. While Gipson did play pretty well in 2020, a healthy Collins could be a significant upgrade. Collins is a 3-time Pro Bowl selection and a former All Pro.

Chicago has long needed a safety that can play physical football and help out in the box, allowing Jackson to go back to roaming free and making big plays on the ball. That’s exactly who they could find in Collins if he were to be cut.

It’s a long shot for a guy of Collins’ stature to be released, especially with how well Washington’s defense has played and grown under Ron Rivera. But, an Achilles injury is nothing to mess around with. Although Collins says he’ll be ready for Week 1, maybe Washington doesn’t think he’ll be the same player — and that could work in the Bears’ benefit.