3 Bears Playing for Their Jobs Coming Out of the Bye Week

At the bye week, the Chicago Bears are 4-2. Their next matchup is a big one. The top two picks in the 2024 draft class are facing each other as Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels go head-to-head.

With all the focus on the game against the Washington Commanders, the trade deadline is nearing, which means several Bears might no longer be on the roster next month.

Here are three players fighting to earn their keep on the roster.

1. Teven Jenkins: Left Guard

There has been a lot of talk about Teven Jenkins and whether he is deserving of a long-term contract extension. The former 2021 second-round draft pick is an elite talent. When healthy, he is one of the best offensive linemen in the entire league.

However, the key word is healthy. Jenkins has had trouble staying on the field these past few years. Missing significant time has not helped his case for an extension with the Chicago Bears.

The 2024 season was his make-or-break year. It has not gone as planned. He has missed time due to a rib injury he suffered against the Los Angeles Rams. He also missed time with an ankle injury against the Carolina Panthers.

The injuries have continued to pile up, and the play has not been there when healthy. Jenkins has also taken a step back in his development. It has led general manager Ryan Poles to hold off on any contract talks with Jenkins and his team.

His representatives approached the Bears about a possible contract extension to start the season. Ryan Poles has held off on that through the bye week.

The most realistic option is that the Bears will not re-sign Jenkins. With three picks in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, anticipate Poles to find Jenkins a replacement with one of those picks.

The interior offensive line market is an expensive and pricey choice. Is it worth paying big money to a player who has sustained numerous injuries throughout his career? It is Jenkins' last chance to earn a contract extension with the Chicago Bears.