We are far enough into the season now that I think we can begin to take a critical look at how this young team has done so far. Fields has excelled in some areas and slipped in others, same with the line and receivers. With the more than probable odds of a losing season, let's take a look at five Bears players that need to step it up.
After signing a two-year, $8 million dollar deal you would think Muhammad would be focused on his performance. The Bears will eventually finish the rebuild and the guys who stick it out will reap the rewards. His salary cap hit for 2023 is $4.5 million, but if the Bears decide to cut him they would only have to shell out $500,000 Based on his performance so far it would make sense for the bears to explore other options and either trade or release him.
In 11 games Muhammad has come up with one sack, we need more out of a starting defensive end. Last season, he finished with six sacks, 48 combined tackles (32 solos), and seven tackles for loss. He doesn't even have a tackle for loss and only has nine pressures on the year. Muhammad will need to start wrecking offensive linemen and come away with at least five sacks to finish off the year if he wants any chance at returning in 2023.
