As the majority of the NFL holds their mandatory minicamps this week, the Chicago Bears are one of a few franchises still in the thick of organized team activities (OTAs), which finally wrap up on Wednesday.
OTAs are a big deal each year, but this offseason's sessions are more significant due to it being head coach Ben Johnson's first year behind the bench. While certain Bears veterans and rookies haven't wasted any time impressing their new head coach, one returning defender is all but certainly on the chopping block, judging by the latest news stemming from Chicago.
Bears DT Zacch Pickens on Chopping Block Amid Offseason Struggles
Bears fans entered the offseason hoping to see several underperforming players step up now that Johnson is at the helm. One of those names is defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who was drafted 64th overall by Chicago in 2023.
The ex-Gamecock has been sparsely seen this spring, staying out of OTAs and last week's mandatory minicamp. He finally made his first OTA appearance on Tuesday; however, it didn't last as long as fans would've liked for a player clearly on the roster bubble.
"Pickens was at Bears practice today, but left a little early," CHSN's Alex Shapiro reported. "It was the first time we've seen him at practice all offseason."
Zacch Pickens was at Bears practice today, but left a little early.
— Alex Shapiro (@AlexShapiroCHSN) June 10, 2025
It was the first time we've seen him at practice all offseason.
Regardless of the reason behind his exit, Pickens didn't do himself any favors with Tuesday's appearance (or lack thereof). If he left due to injury, it's tough to have much faith in his having a healthy 2025 offseason and regular season. If not, and he left on his own merit, there's a chance he hurt his standing in Johnson's roster plans.
Before moving to Chicago, Pickens displayed plenty of potential throughout his time at the University of South Carolina, stepping up as a run stopper and pass disruptor. If his development was successful, it wasn't unfathomable to imagine Pickens being a long-time fixture on the Bears' defensive line.
Like a good chunk of rookies, Pickens didn't make any starts in his 17 appearances in 2023, finishing his first NFL campaign with nine solo tackles, half a sack, one forced fumble, and a broken-up pass. Unfortunately, he failed to regain any momentum in Year 2. He only made nine appearances (3 starts) due to a groin injury and being a healthy scratch, ending the season with eight solo tackles and a sack.
His 45.5 Pro Football Focus defense grade was also a major drop from last year's performance (54.9), which wasn't anything to write home about in the first place.
With only one OTA practice remaining, Pickens has limited time to get back into the Bears' good graces. If he fails and the coaching staff doesn't have faith in his outlook, Chicago can save over $1.2 million in cap space with a cut or a trade, per Spotrac.
Although he's still young enough (25) to carve out a successful NFL career, Pickens desperately needs to find a way to prove he belongs with the Bears if he wants to achieve that success in the Windy City.