By all accounts, it seemed like the Chicago Bears were set at wide receiver looking towards this summer. They’d made four new additions since the offseason began including veterans Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd along with 6th round pick Dazz Newsome. That made for a total of 13 receivers on the roster. More than enough for training camp. However, it would appear the team wasn’t satisfied with what they had.
So they decided to add one more to the mix, signing veteran Chris Lacy to a new deal. The fourth-year receiver has spent time with the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Dallas Cowboys. Originally he was an undrafted free agent in 2018 out of Oklahoma State. The Bears brought him in for a tryout this past weekend at rookie minicamps. Coaches must’ve liked what they saw because he was the only tryout player they signed.
#Bears roster moves:
We have signed WR Chris Lacy and have waived LB Michael Pinckney.— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) May 16, 2021
So what could be the interest in him?
The first thing that stands out with Lacy is his size at 6’3, 206 lbs. With the roster status of Javon Wims and Riley Ridley up in the air, perhaps the team was looking to add a little competition for them. As of right now, Allen Robinson is the only Bears receiver who is north of 6’0 tall who is a lock to make the roster. Adding a bigger receiver to the mix could benefit them both in the red zone and in the running game.
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While his numbers in college were never great, Lacy did stand out for one reason. He had a knack for some acrobatic 50/50 catches. Throw the ball up and give him a chance? He showed a consistent knack for going up to get it. The problem is he never blossomed as a route runner in college. That is a big reason he never became an offensive focal point and wasn’t drafted.
Another great grab by Chris Lacy, this time for a gain of 38 yards! #okstate pic.twitter.com/4L0f7T3Ow0
— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) April 15, 2017
#Patriots UDFA signing WR Chris Lacy runs like two routes (comeback, fade) but man can he go up and get it. Think he only gets one foot in here but still a great catch. pic.twitter.com/r0Om4Pk8yP
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) May 2, 2018
Chicago Bears are getting another practice star in Lacy
This is true as far back as 2019. The constant word out of Lions training camp was he looked really good in drills and scrimmages. Then the season arrives and he catches just three passes. He just hasn’t been able to earn enough opportunities to show whether he can play. It doesn’t figure to get any easier for him in Chicago with several names expected to get priority treatment coming July and August.
Still, he seemed to make a strong impression in the limited time he had at rookie minicamps. Enough to earn some money working for the team this summer. Whether that amounts to anything will be up to him. Typically tryout players never make the final roster for a season. So Lacy would be a major outlier if he managed to pull it off with the Chicago Bears. Maybe he could aim for a spot on their practice squad.
If nothing else, it’s more competition.
Lacy isn’t going to get his shot based on his offensive performance. If he wants in, then special teams will be his best hope. An area he’s never really been known for. Otherwise, it’s best to call him little more than an extra body for the long, tiring work to come at Halas Hall. Here is hoping he manages to pull off some magic.
