4 veterans the Chicago Bears can cut in 2023 to bolster cap space

Cutting Jackson and Whitehair would not be easy.

Eddie Jackson and Cody Whitehair have become vital to the roster. Maybe Poles will want to keep these two veterans around in 2023.

Although, Jackson is out for the season with a foot injury. The injury he suffered is a tough one to come back from. Cam Newton was never the same player after his Lisfranc injury. Then again, Newton took a beating during his career as the Carolina Panthers quarterback.

Jackson was having a career revival before getting hurt. He had four interceptions this year after not having a pick in 2020 and 2021. He fit in well in Matt Eberflus’ takeaway-focused defense. Eddie Jackson’s tackling improved this year as well.

Jessie Bates and Jordan Poyer will be available in free agency. Rookie Elijah Hicks and veteran DeAndre Houston-Carson could use the last four games to prove they can be a cheaper option.

The Chicago Bears’ offensive line has been weak all season. It would be hard to imagine the Bears wanting to move on from one of their two most consistent offensive linemen.

Then again, the Bears are paying Alex Leatherwood a first-round draft pick salary. Larry Borom might not be the answer at right tackle, but good guards are usually failed tackles. Ja’Trye Carter may have been a late draft pick, but he was selected by Poles.

Whitehair will also be 31 next season. Poles has acquired younger offensive linemen to be developed.

Also, Whitehair was drafted by former general manager Ryan Pace. Poles has shown he is not afraid to move on from guys he did not draft. That is why it might not be as outrageous to think Poles moves on from Jackson and Whitehair this offseason for more salary cap space.