Chicago Bears: 3 players who could stay or go this offseason

Chicago Bears who could stay or go in 2023: N’Keal Harry, WR

When the Bears traded a seventh-round pick for N’Keal Harry last year, it seemed like a low-risk, high-reward situation. Harry, a former first-round pick, was only 24 years old when the Bears traded for him. He’s got a gigantic 6-foot-4 frame and, coming out of Arizona State, looked like he could be a real threat with his size and big play ability.

It seemed like a no-brainer for the Bears, and fans were excited to see what he could do. Yet, Harry played in only seven games last year.

Why?

In fact, he only received nine targets in those seven games, finishing the season with seven receptions for 116 yards and the lone touchdown above.

In six of his seven games played for the Bears last year, Harry played no more than 48 percent of offensive snaps. These numbers are alarming, and honestly, quite confusing. Why would the Bears trade for this guy only to shelve him for most of the year?

It’s a curious situation, and one that deserves answers from the coaching staff and front office. Whether or not the Bears re-sign Harry will be very telling, and hopefully at one point we get an explanation for why he played so little in 2022.