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3 Bears One-Hit Wonders We Wish Hadn't Disappeared

By Scott Rogust

These three Bears had strong seasons, but sadly never lived up to expectations afterwards.
These three Bears had strong seasons, but sadly never lived up to expectations afterwards. / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears have been in the spotlight for less than ideal reasons lately, stemming from their selection of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in the 2017 NFL Draft. While the Bears organization has a long history of success, they've been lacking in the success department following their Super Bowl XX victory. Most of that is due to the front office investing in players that never live up to their promising hype.

Here are three one-hit wonders that hadn't disappeared from the Bears.

3. LB Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd was expected to be the next great NFL linebacker. That obviously never happened.
Leonard Floyd was expected to be the next great NFL linebacker. That obviously never happened. / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Entering the 2016 NFL Draft, Leonard Floyd was dubbed as the next great NFL linebacker. After hearing the vocal interest from the New York Giants for Floyd's services, the Bears traded up ahead of them in the first round to snatch the Georgia Bulldog. Floyd was tremendous in his rookie campaign, as he tallied 33 combined tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble (returned for touchdown), and one safety. That campaign earned him a spot on the PFWA's All-Rookie Team. The honeymoon would end shortly afterwards, as Floyd suffered a knee injury in his sophomore season, and his production dropped significantly afterwards. Despite the Bears picking up his fifth-year option, Floyd was released this offseason, and was given a one-year, prove it deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Maybe a change of scenery will do Floyd wonders, but we're doubtful.

2. CB Nathan Vasher

Nathan Vasher was an interception machine, until injuries curtailed his career.
Nathan Vasher was an interception machine, until injuries curtailed his career. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Back in 2004, the Bears looked to have gotten the steal of the entire draft by taking Texas Longhorns cornerback Nathan Vasher in the fourth round. Vasher performed admirably in his rookie season, as evidenced by his five interceptions, but he was even better in his second campaign. Through 16 games in 2005, Vasher recorded 47 combined tackles, 16 passes defensed, an NFC-leading eight interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Following that Pro Bowl season, Vasher vanished due to a multitude of injuries, leading to his release by the Bears in 2010. The ballhawk had the potential to become one of the best defensive backs in the league, but he simply couldn't stay healthy for a full season.

1. RB Rashaan Salaam

Rashaan Salaam was a notorious first-round flop by the Bears.
Rashaan Salaam was a notorious first-round flop by the Bears. / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Uttering the name Rashaan Salaam will ruin any Bears fan's day. Salaam was a monster with the Colorado Buffaloes in 1994, as he rushed for a ridiculous 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns on 298 carries to win the Heisman Trophy. The Bears saw his play, and selected him with the 21st overall pick in the NFL Draft. Salaam rushed for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie season in the Windy City, and that sadly was the highlight of his career. The 1995 first-round selection would only play 15 games the following two seasons due to injuries and fumbling issues, forcing the Bears to cut ties with him in 1998. Salaam played in two games for the Cleveland Browns in 1999, but only rushed for two yards on one carry.