6 Bears on the Bubble Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

4. Khalid Kareem, EDGE

Following a promising career at Notre Dame, Khalid Kareem was selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played there for two years, recording 28 tackles and one sack in 23 appearances.

A hamstring injury slowed him in 2022 and led to him being moved to the practice squad. In November, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts, who poached him from the Bengals.

Kareem played in four games with the Colts and recorded just one tackle in 61 snaps. He was waived in August of 2023 and the Bears claimed him. Kareem again suffered an injury, this time hurting his hip, limiting him to one game. He posted just one tackle but Chicago signed him to a futures contract in January.

The Bears have a need at his position with Montez Sweat serving as the only true pass-rushing threat. DeMarcus Walker is the starting defensive end across from Sweat but he recorded just three sacks in 2023.

Despite their need for depth, Kareem is firmly on the bubble entering camp. The Bears have been implored to add more depth, which could still happen. They might be active on the waiver wire or they could bring back Yannick Ngakoue who is still a free agent.

Ngakoue had four sacks in 2023 for Chicago which is far below his average. He also saw his season end in Week 14 with a broken ankle. If he’s fully healthy, he could be back on a one-year deal. Even if he’s not re-signed, it’s still going to be tough for Kareem to make the 53-man roster.