3. Zacch Pickens, DT
Similar to the offensive line, the Bears will likely be overhauling a majority of their defensive line this offseason. The trenches on both sides of the ball are definitely the biggest needs going into 2025. The return of Andrew Billings should help with the run defense, but they are still needing to add probably two more starters on the line. Pickens has not developed into a serious threat after being selected in the third round in 2023.
Ryan Poles has yet to hit on a third-round pick in three drafts, but that is another post for another day. Pickens has seemingly been nonexistent through two seasons with just 17 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. He only played in nine games this past season on a defensive line that was starting concession workers at some points.
Sometimes it is better to cut ties early with a guy you missed on versus keeping him around with no production. There likely will not be any trade value for Pickens, but they can save a little under $1M in cap by releasing him before June 1st.
The Bears will definitely be investing in the defensive line this offseason so the Pickens experiment may be over.