The Chicago Bears have their quarterback of the future in Caleb Williams, but the team could cut guard Nate Davis before the first-overall pick truly reaches his ceiling. Signed to a three-year, $30 million deal in 2023, Davis was supposed to be a key piece for keeping then-quarterback Justin Fields upright and healthy for the 2023 season. That didn’t happen, as his 52.9 PFF grade ranked 58th out of 79 eligible players. He hasn’t improved in 2024, as his current 53.2 grade makes him the 59th-best guard in the NFL. (Note: this statistic does not include his performance in Week 5, as those grades have not been finalized as of this posting).
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that the team wants to extend offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, and they could cut Nate Davis to make that happen. While his $30 million contract kept him on the team this long, the former Tennessee Titan does not have any guaranteed money in 2025. The Bears will almost certainly release him at or before the start of the 2025 league year, but this might not spell the end of his career. While teams probably won’t trade for Davis given his current contract, needy organizations like the Baltimore Ravens or New Orleans Saints could sign the veteran to a cheap, prove-it deal.
Bears Could Cut Guard Nate Davis – Ravens, Saints Could Be Interested Buyers
The Baltimore Ravens lost both starting guards in the offseason and are still working on finding adequate replacements. Guard isn’t the most important position in the league, especially when you have players like two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and superstar running back Derrick Henry. Jackson is one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the league, capable of making guys miss every week, while Henry simply blows past defenders with his massive size and strength. With that being said, every last edge counts, and the Ravens could use a player like Nate Davis if the Bears cut him during the season.
Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees are doing their best to replace the departed duo of Pro Bowler Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, but their overall performance leaves a lot to be desired. Former third-round pick Ben Cleveland, meanwhile, is so bad that head coach John Harbaugh won’t even entertain the idea of putting him into the starting lineup. Nate Davis won’t have to play at an All-Pro level to be an upgrade, the cut candidate will just need to not be an active liability. With Baltimore trapped in a competitive AFC, they’ll need all the help they can get to finally get over the hump and make a Super Bowl run with Lamar Jackson.
Protect Derek Carr
Derek Carr is playing his best football, but nobody can succeed without a reliable offensive line. First-round pick Taliese Fuaga is playing up to his draft capital, but the rest of the offensive line is in a state of disarray. Injuries depleted an already-thin unit to the point that Connor McGovern will likely start less than one week after the Saints poached him from the New York Jets practice squad. Nate Davis might be on his way out in Chicago, but he has the talent to cut out a role for himself on this depth chart.
The Saints are 2-2 but are just a few bad breaks away from being 4-0. This team must return to the playoffs in 2024, and going after Nate Davis might make a difference in what should be a competitive race for the NFC South crown.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
