One thing Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has proven good at is scoring big in “late” free agency. That is to say, following the initial wave a couple weeks down the line. This is when surprises tend to happen, most notably regarding veteran talent being released late. In 2016 they pulled it off with guard Josh Sitton, signing him to a deal after Green Bay cut him. He ended up going to a Pro Bowl. Now the Bears may be in a position to do it again, this time with Allen Hurns.
The wide receiver is the latest to be cut loose by the Jacksonville Jaguars just two years removed from going over 1,000 yards in 2015. It’s like the Jags’ transition to a more run-oriented offense didn’t see him as much of a fit. Combined with a somewhat bloated contract and injury issues, his release felt like it was inevitable.
Jaguars are releasing WR Allen Hurns, per source. Strong market expected for him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 20, 2018
The question moving forward is where will Hurns land? He’s almost certain to garner lots of attention, but are the Bears one of the teams that could make a play for him? He’s still just 26-years old. At least one member of the team thinks this is something GM Ryan Pace has to consider.
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Allen Robinson wastes no time recruiting Allen Hurns to Chicago
Anybody who may not know already should keep in mind that new Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson is buddies with Hurns. They forged a strong friendship coming up in the Jaguars system and did serious damage in 2015. Ever since leaving Jacksonville Robinson made it clear he’d love a chance to reunite. Upon hearing the news of Hurns’ release, he got aggressive on Twitter, though he later deleted it.
@A1hurns @ChicagoBears 👀!!!!!!
— Allen Robinson II (@AllenRobinson) March 20, 2018
This is an interesting situation for the Bears. Hurns is a talented receiver, no question. The issue at hand is do they really need to make a play for him. After signing Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, along with the return of Cameron Meredith they seem relatively set at the position. Then again there’s no such thing as too many weapons for a young quarterback. A foursome of Robinson, Hurns, Gabriel, and Meredith could be potentially devastating.
It comes down to whether Pace is willing to spend more money at that position. Other teams are almost certain to be interested. I was told the Baltimore Ravens are already planning an aggressive pitch to him, but the Bears may have the inside track given they employ Hurns’ buddy already.
