Bears led NFL in waiver claims on day after 53-man roster deadline

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles was a busy man on Wednesday. He claimed six players off of waivers, a number that led all teams in post-cutdown day transactions.

Teams landing most players? All led by new staffs—the Bears claimed 6, the Jaguars claimed 5, the Giants claimed 4. And that shows you where those staffs stand on their rosters … since now they’ll have to cut guys to fit the new players in.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 31, 2022

The biggest name added to the Bears’ roster on Wednesday was former 2021 first-round pick, Alex Leatherwood. The failed right tackle turned guard will immediately enter a competition for starter’s reps as the 2022 season approaches. Whether he’ll challenge left tackle Braxton Jones, right guard Teven Jenkins, or right tackle Larry Borom for those snaps is yet to be seen. But there’s no doubt he’s one of Chicago’s five-best linemen.

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Armon Watts will have a chance for meaningful reps, too. Watts had five sacks for the Vikings in 2021 but a change in defensive scheme made him expendable. He’ll fit nicely in Matt Eberflus” 4-3 system.

DT Armon Watts was slated to be a starter for the #Vikings until he was cut yesterday. Probably a better fit in Minnesota’s old 4-3 scheme. Had a breakout season in 2021. The Leatherwood claim will get the headlines, but the Watts pickup will have a larger immediate impact.

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 31, 2022

The other four players claimed by the Chicago Bears Wednesday were CB Josh Blackwell (PHI), DE Jonathan Kingsley (BUF), LB Sterling Weatherford LB (IND), and TE Trevon Wesco (NYJ).