The Chicago Bears, along with the other 31 NFL teams, have the arduous task of cutting their roster down from 90 to 53 players ahead of the 4 pm ET roster cutdown deadline on Tuesday afternoon.
The Bears will have to make tough cuts at several positions, hoping that some of these guys will make it through waivers and be signed back to the practice squad. For those who make it back to the practice squad, they get a chance to continue their journey in Chicago with the possibility of getting on the gameday roster.
The Bears hope that this preseason standout will make it back to the practice squad on Monday after shockingly cutting ties.
#Bears are waiving TE Joel Wilson. Wilson led the team in receptions this preseason. Planning to get him back on practice squad if he clears waivers
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 25, 2025
Bears Cut Ties with TE Joel Wilson Ahead of Roster Cutdown Deadline
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2, the Bears are waiving tight end Joel Wilson, who led the team in catches (16) during the preseason. Wilson adds that Chicago plans to re-sign Wilson to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
This is a huge risk that the Bears are taking, as certain teams high up in the waiver order and need a team could put a claim in for Wilson.
Chicago still has four tight ends on their roster after cutting Wilson, so it will be interesting to see if they releases Durham Smythe or Stephen Carlson by Tuesday afternoon.
As for Wilson, you couldn’t ask for anything more from a guy who joined the team midway last season on the practice squad and made a strong impression on the new coaching staff. In fact, Bears head coach Ben Johnson made it a point of emphasis during OTAs/minicamp to highlight Wilson and his route running.
Petoskey grad Joel Wilson (Chicago Bears TE) caught 4 passes for 29 yards and 1 TD in their pre-season win over Kansas City.@_joelwilson14 @petoskeysports @CMU_Football pic.twitter.com/zmq66HO9h8
— The D Zone (@TheD_Zone) August 23, 2025
In his Bears’ preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, Wilson had four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. Wilson’s touchdown helped the Bears cut into their 11-point deficit late in the fourth quarter.
Heading into OTAs/minicamp, the 25-year-old Wilson was likely an afterthought, especially with the talent already at the position (Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland). However, he balled out in the preseason, and the Bears will anxiously wait to see if they can bring him back this week.