As the Jarvis Landry trade rumors continue to be just rumors, another Chicago Bears free agency approaches. Fans are more than a little nervous. GM Ryan Pace did not endear himself to people with his showing last year. Mike Glennon, Markus Wheaton, Dion Sims and Quintin Demps all crashed and burned. Faith in Pace’s ability to identify veteran talent took a significant hit.
Now some doubt whether he can actually improve the team in that area. What makes it worse is he has to try, especially at wide receiver. The Bears were the worst passing offense in football in 2017. Mitch Trubisky can’t reach his full potential without weapons. Pace has struggled a lot at this position with a number of misfires like Kevin White, Eddie Royal, and now Wheaton.
So it probably won’t feel like the best news when hearing that the Bears have an aggressive plan in place for free agency. One that will involve a multipronged attack at the receiver position.
Word from Indy is #Bears will pursue 2 WR in FA, one of which is very likely to be Albert Wilson https://t.co/1WP6O2Paku
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) March 5, 2018
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Chicago Bears free agency hopes may have a big boost coming
It’s no secret that Wilson is a heavy favorite to sign in Chicago. He worked with Matt Nagy his entire career in Kansas City and known the offense being installed well. His value as a slot receiver should be considerable, but the Bears need more. Much more. That’s why they are almost certain to make a strong push to get one of the top names available.
Thankfully they might catch a break on that front. It looked like most of the notable players at receiver were set to get franchise tagged. Landry was merely the first. That assumption seems to have been premature. RosterWatch, who broke the news that Bills center Eric Wood was retired, thinks Jacksonville receiver Allen Robinson may duck the tag to hit the market.
Just spoke w/ an agent who expects Allen Robinson to get 10-12M / yr and 25M+ guaranteed if he hits FA. With the insane numbers being tossed around this offseason, and guys like Ty Hilton making 14M per, that sounds like a palatable deal for ARob
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) March 4, 2018
sounding less and less like it- Caldwell told us they like him (dont love) want to keep if possible but will do what’s best for team- 1 yr on the tag doesnt appear to fit that philosophy
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) March 4, 2018
This is a big deal. Robinson would instantly be the best player at his position on the market. Despite a down 2016 and missing most of 2017 with a torn ACL, he looks closer to a true #1 receiver than any other. His 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2015 proved that much. He’s a big target who runs sharp routes and can go get it in 50-50 situations. If ever there was somebody who can help a young QB grow, it’s him.
All one can do is hope the Bears are given the opportunity to speak with him. It sounds like they’re prepared to open the checkbook to make it happen.
