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3 Bears Who Could Be Benched in Second Half of Season

The Chicago Bears are currently in the middle of a slump. If these three players don't step up soon, they might end up riding the bench down the stretch.

By Devon Platana

Chicago Bears tight end Gerald Everett (14) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Chicago Bears tight end Gerald Everett (14) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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It looked like bright times in the Windy City when the Chicago Bears fought to a 4-2 record to open the 2024 NFL season. They entered their Week 7 bye on track to make the playoffs, however, that's when the sunshine and rainbows ended.

The Bears have yet to win since the middle of October as they head into Week 11's matchup with the Green Bay Packers on a three-game losing streak. Even though football is a team sport, certain Chicago players' underperformances played a big role in the last month's lack of results.

If things don't change soon, those players could risk having their playing time taken away.

Here are three Bears who could be benched in the second half of the season.

1. Gerald Everett, TE

Tight ends are often a rookie quarterback's best friend and even though the Bears already have Cole Kmet, that didn't stop them from signing Gerald Everett in the offseason. The eight-year NFL veteran has been a solid pass-catcher, hauling in 291 balls for 2,863 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in 116 career games.

Unfortunately, Everett's performance this season doesn't match his reputation. The former South Alabama product has been invisible through his first nine games in a Bears jersey, turning seven catches into 30 yards without a touchdown. He has more games without a catch this season (4) than he does with at least two (2).

Bears fans would be content if Everett could at least be a consistent blocker, but even that has been a struggle at times. He's seldomly used as a pass blocker and carries a 53.4 run block grade on Pro Football Focus, which ranks 52nd among 76 eligible tight ends.

It's clear that Everett has to step up in the second half if he wants to avoid being benched. Failure to step up could also lead to the Bears reconsidering if they want him to play out the second year of his contract in Chicago.

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