Nobody can possibly know what the Chicago Bears wide receiving corps is going through at this point right? In the space of six months they’ve lost their three most talented pass catchers. One to free agency and the other two to injury. Suddenly a passing offense that was already questionable has become easily the most depleted in the NFL.
Turns out though there are a few teams around the league who would look at the Bears and slowly nod their head with understanding. They too have endured the ordeal. A young franchise quarterback waiting in the wings and no weapons to help him. In fact two teams, the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, experienced this exact same problems.
Last year Jared Goff of the Rams was throwing to guys like Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt and Brian Quick. Carson Wentz of the Eagles had Dorial Green-Beckham, Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor. The two teams finished 31st and 24th respectively in passing for 2016. Both set about overhauling their receiving corps this past offseason.
How Chicago Bears wide receiving corps can be fixed quickly
Early signs are their hard work is being rewards. The two teams came out aggressively back in March and April to get their hands on any pass target they could. They took different paths to their goals as well and thus far each has met with success on the field. Here is a breakdown of who they acquired and how it was done.
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Rams:
- Robert Woods (Free agent)
- Cooper Kupp (Draft)
- Josh Reynolds (Draft)
- Sammy Watkins (Trade)
Jared Goff week one stats: 306 yards and 1 TD
Eagles:
- Alshon Jeffery (Free agent)
- Torrey Smith (Free agent)
- Mack Hollins (Draft)
- Shelton Gibson (Draft)
Carson Wentz week one stats: 307 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
The evidence is there to see. If Bears GM Ryan Pace is willing be aggressive, there is no reason to think he can’t transform the receiving corps by next year. His work on the front seven, offensive line and running back positions are perfect examples of what he can do. The best part is he’ll be well-equipped for the task.
Chicago has seven draft picks at their disposal along with a projected $42 million in salary cap space. That’s more than enough to make something happen. Best of all the options available could but unusually high in 2018. Free agency could see names like Jarvis Landry, Taylor Gabriel, Terrelle Pryor, Allen Robinson, Jordan Matthews, and Alshon Jeffery be on the market. The 2018 draft class also could be rich at the position.
In other words Mitch Trubisky could be well-equipped for what should be his first full year as a starter in the NFL.
