The Chicago Bears are one of the all-time great franchises in league history, but the past year they have gone through a big transition period and this upcoming season will be a big one for the future of the franchise as head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery take over and that could mean roster changes over the summer with names like Gabe Carimi and Devin Hester.
According to the Chicago Tribune, since the Bears are under a new regime with Marc Trestman, some players will need to prove themselves this offseason and in training camp, including former first round pick Gabe Carimi, long time kick return man Devin Hester, as well as wideout Earl Bennett, the former college teammate of quarterback Jay Cutler. The quarterback position is fully entrenched with Cutler there, but the weapons around him could be different than the past two seasons, as new tight end Martellus Bennett will be on the team this year.
Carimi could end up being one of the players that the new regime releases or relegates to a backup position, as he may be pushed aside at his best positions, as the team is likely going to use J'Marcus Webb, Jermon Bushrod and Matt Slauson as well as first round pick Kyle Long. Carimi was a first round pick himself two years ago and the one thing that might save him is the fact that he is versatile and can play both guard and tackle, meaning he could slide in whichever side is open. The report says that Carimi could end up being cut if he doesn't win out his position battle in camp against Edwin Williams and Jonathan Scott.
Carimi was a first round pick in 2011 and started off at right tackle for the team before suffering a knee injury after playing in just two games. He started 14 last season but had issues with his play on the field and despite playing in 16 games he was benched at one point and could only get back in after the team dealt with injuries. Camp will be a huge deal for Carimi and some other players that will be under the microscope include Devin Hester and Earl Bennett.
The wideout Bennett has been a solid player for the Bears over the past few seasons but his $16.2 million contract extension may not live up to his production of 35 catches for 480 yards and two touchdowns over 17 games during that span and Trestman could decide to move on. Cutler and Bennett have had a good relationship, but Bennett needs to produce more to be a prime player in the offense. Hester will likely be able to stick around due to the fact that he is one of the best returners of all time, but he is going to be shifted out of the offense this season and his $2 million salary may be too much for a player who just is on special teams. The 30-year-old scored three touchdowns in 2011 and could use a few explosive returns in 2013. The Bears won in Week 17 last season but missed out on the playoffs to the Minnesota Vikings.
