What exactly the Bears are playing for over the final quarter of the 2015 season can be debated, whether for the long-shot playoff chance or pride or whatever. For a handful of significant players, however, the reality is that they are playing for contracts beyond this year, in Chicago or elsewhere.
“We’re in a performance-based business,” coach John Fox said. “That doesn’t change whether you’re first-year, second-year, 14th year. Our players understand that, our staff understands it. It’s a competitive business, so we’re evaluating every game, every practice.”
And while the team very obviously is constantly evaluating players, the reverse is also true.