7 Bears Playing for Their Jobs in the Hall of Fame Game

7. Khalid Kareem, DE

The Bears are actively looking for pass-rushers to step up alongside star Montez Sweat, with both the starting job opposite of him and the depth spots behind them up for grabs.

Veteran Khalid Kareem is one possible backup option, but he's also a legitimate cut candidate unless he shows out this preseason.

Aside from a forced fumble during the 2021 season for the Cincinnati Bengals, there hasn't been much to speak of in terms of Kareem's NFL production to this point. He had a chance to turn that around in Chicago last year, especially since Eberflus' staff was desperate for another threat off of the edge, but Kareem ended up playing in just one contest all season.

Injuries were partially to blame, and the Bears seem to like Kareem enough to give him a second chance in 2024. Yet, the bar for depth is certainly higher in Chicago now that there's serious playoff hopes, so Kareem simply can't afford to stay at his current level and expect to stick around.

The Bears adding a much-hyped rookie in Austin Booker to the defensive end competition makes things even more difficult for the vets hoping to stay on the roster come Week 1. Kareem can start to prove he should be kept around by making an impact Thursday.

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