The Chicago Bears traded a future 6th round pick for Jakeem Grant last season. It was felt they needed somebody to reinvigorate their return game while also providing some extra juice on offense. For the most part, the deal was a success. Grant had 915 return yards and a touchdown in 11 games while also chipped in two receiving touchdowns on nine catches. Unfortunately, the Bears couldn’t retain his services as the receiver left for a three-year contract from the Cleveland Browns.
That leaves the Bears with the difficult task of filling the void he left behind. They may have started that process with the arrival of Byron Pringle from Kansas City. Not only is he a good receiver, but he also had 621 kick return yards last season. However, the team may want him focused more on offense. That would explain their interest in former Washington Commanders receiver DeAndre Carter, who visited them on Monday.
DeAndre Carter visited Bears today
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 4, 2022
If signed, this wouldn’t be Carter’s first rodeo in Chicago.
He was signed briefly as a punt returner for them in 2021 towards the end of the season. After that, he departed for Washington. There he enjoyed the best season of his career. One that saw him amass 901 kick return yards, 385 offensive yards, and four total touchdowns. That is actually better production than Jakeem Grant had. It would be a worthwhile investment if the Bears were able to snag him.
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DeAndre Carter takes the opening kickoff of the 2nd half to the HOUSE for a TD 💨
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/SpDYcTBa0p— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 3, 2021
Heinicke to DeAndre Carter!#WashingtonFootball leads 13-0.
📺: #TBvsWAS on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/YmIiqQue8J— NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2021
As usual, this comes down to price. Other teams are interested in Carter. The Chargers have a meeting scheduled with him after Chicago. Though Los Angeles can offer the lure of winning and better weather, the Bears do have one advantage. They can offer him a bigger opportunity. L.A. is already stacked at wide receiver. If he signed there he’d be nothing more than 5th wide receiver with return man responsibilities.
He might be able to compete for more playing time in Chicago. Then again, it may come down to who offers more money. Either way, this will be an interesting scenario to watch over the next couple of days.
