Bears: 5 players who won’t be on the roster by Week 1

2.  Jimmy Graham, tight end

Snaps/targets that go to Graham naturally won’t go to Cole Kmet, and as it was last season the veteran barely out-snapped the then-rookie tight end. Graham did have somewhat of a resurgence in 2020, with 50 catches and eight touchdowns, but he clearly has nothing left athleticism-wise. Kmet is the future, and he should be the clear No. 1 guy.

The Bears are so cap-strapped they can’t even sign their draft picks just yet. Cutting (or trading) Graham would clear $7 million of his $10 million cap hit, and his prospective role ultimately will not justify keeping him for that money.

1. Anthony Miller, wide receiver

Miller was outdone by Darnell Mooney last year, and he also landed in Nagy’s dog house by being ejected during the playoff loss to New Orleans. Offseason trade rumors easily followed, but nothing has come to fruition yet.

Bears wide receivers coach Mike Furrey has praised Miller a bit already since offseason work started, while also saying he’ll believe Miller has matured when he sees action.

Miller has been put on notice by Mooney’s emergence, and some depth additions the Bears have made at wide receiver. The preseason could be a showcase for a trade, as other teams consider upgrading on who they have at the position.

The odds Miller is a Bear this season are better than they seemed to be a few months ago. But that’s not saying much, and it will still be a surprise if he’s not elsewhere by Week 1.