4 Chicago Bears players who will not return after 2022 season
By Ryan Heckman
Angelo Blackson will not return to the Chicago Bears after 2022
Last offseason, veteran defensive lineman Angelo Blackson signed a 2-year deal worth $5.5 million with the Bears. He became a valuable depth signing for Chicago and ended up appearing in all 17 games last year with eight of them being starts.
Blackson was actually relatively efficient, racking up nine quarterback hits with 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed and a career-best 43 total tackles. He was a vital piece with Akiem Hicks’ injury issues.
Why will Blackson be gone next year? For starters, he was a Ryan Pace signing. That’s almost reason enough for just about anybody on this roster to not make it through another contract with the Bears.
But, Blackson will be 30 years old after the 2022 season is up. With the Bears amidst a rebuild, and not a retool, Blackson won’t belong on this type of roster any longer — just as many other aging veterans will find out.
Last year’s rookie, Khyiris Tonga, could supplant Blackson as the team’s starter at that spot and would more than suffice. Do not expect Blackson to be back in 2023.