Bears Cut Loose Caleb Williams’ Best Friend After Preseason Debut

The Chicago Bears waived wide receiver John Jackson III and kicker Jonathan Kim from their 90-man roster on Tuesday. Jackson's release followed a preseason debut against the Miami Dolphins where he caught only one of four targets, notably dropping a wide-open pass in the final seconds that cost the Bears a potential game-winning field goal attempt, resulting in a 24-24 tie. Pro Football Focus gave Jackson the team's third-worst offensive grade (36.3) for the game.

Jackson, who described quarterback Caleb Williams as "probably my best friend" after playing together at USC in 2022, faced long odds to make the 53-man roster. The Bears have five receivers (D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay) considered locks, leaving likely only one spot open. Undrafted rookies Jahdae Walker (3 receptions, 41 yards, TD) and Maurice Alexander (4 receptions, 19 yards, TD) made stronger impressions in the same game, outperforming Jackson. His release narrows the competition for the sixth receiver spot to Walker, Alexander, Tyler Scott, JP Richardson, and Samori Toure.

In other roster moves, the Bears waived defensive back Major Burns (injury designation), placed cornerback Shaun Wade on injured reserve, and signed defensive backs Millard Bradford, Mekhi Garner, Kaleb Hayes, and Mark Perry.

Regarding the kicker position, the waiver of Jonathan Kim leaves veteran Cairo Santos as the only kicker on the 90-man roster. Kim, an undrafted rookie, had made both extra points against the Dolphins, but the team was not sold on him. While the Bears traditionally keep a second kicker on the practice squad, it's unclear if they will sign another kicker immediately or wait until roster cuts. Another kicker could still be added before their next preseason game.