As the Chicago Bears prepare for their final two games of the season, much of the talk has been about their 2023 NFL Draft odds.
At the moment, the Bears hold the second overall pick. But, they have a chance to move up to the first spot with some luck — what a world that would be.
But, before the draft comes free agency, where the Bears have plenty of cap space to spend and quite a few needs. They’ll have decisions to make on some of their own guys, along with many likely newcomers.
With just a pair of games remaining, there are a handful of Bears who must play well, as their future depends on it; some to a larger degree, and others not so much. Let’s kick it off with a big man up front.
Chicago Bears players with much to play for in final two weeks: Justin Jones, DT
One of the worst parts about the Bears defense this year is how they have failed to generate any run-stopping momentum. The defensive line, primarily, is responsible for the travesty that’s been Chicago’s run defense.
Justin Jones signed a two-year deal worth $12 million and has stood out as probably the worst of the guys up front when it comes to playing the run. Pro Football Focus has given him a grade of 39.6 against the run this season and a measly 43.2 overall.
If the Bears wanted to get out of his contract this coming offseason, they would save almost $5 million. Jones is anything but a guarantee to stick on this roster and has just two more games to prove he deserves the second year of this deal.