The Chicago Bears had remained quiet for some time. People were starting to think they had no other moves planned before the upcoming NFL draft. As always, GM Ryan Pace tends to surprise people when they least expect it. That came courtesy of a notable news drop that the Bears had come to terms with veteran wide receiver Marquise Goodwin on a one-year deal.
For those who don’t recall the name, Goodwin has a reputation as one of the fastest wide receivers in the NFL. Legitimate track speed. During his three-year stint in San Francisco, he averaged a healthy 17 yards per reception. Unfortunately, the past three seasons were mired by health setbacks, leading to his release by the 49ers this offseason. Now he’s hoping for a fresh start in Chicago.
The Bears’ plans are fairly obvious here.
Just think about the possibility of pairing Goodwin with Darnell Mooney. Two guys with 4.3 speed on the field at the same time. Two guys who can easily take the top off the defense. It instantly gives the offense more big-play potential and offers new quarterback Andy Dalton more explosive options. It also helps Allen Robinson who could see even more space on underneath routes. Health will play a big part in this but the upside is considerable.
The big question is whether or not this signing impacts the Bears’ draft plans. A number of experts had them taking a receiver #20. Presuming they stay put of course. With Goodwin in the fold, do they feel a little more secure waiting until Day 2 to address the position? If so, that reduces the likely position targets to a quarterback, offensive tackle, or cornerback.
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Makin' 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨.
Welcome to Chicago, @marquisegoodwin! 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/PLAOOXNohb
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 16, 2021
Chicago Bears have at least better depth with Goodwin
He can serve as a WR4 in the offense. That being Javon Wims’ spot. All signs point to the four spots behind Robinson and Mooney being up for grabs. Anthony Miller is on the trade block and doesn’t seem likely to play another down in Chicago. Goodwin gives them much-needed flexibility. Not to mention explosiveness. Last season the Bears ranked a distant 29th in explosive pass play rate according to Sharp Football Stats. Just 6%.
In his last healthy season in 2017, Goodwin managed 10 catches of 20 yards or more. He’s somebody defenses must account for. Something that will be difficult with Mooney also on the field. Not to mention a returning Tarik Cohen who has underrated speed of his own. The Chicago Bears almost certainly signed him for cheap. So this is a low-risk-high-reward situation. If he stays on the field? Fantastic. If not? No big loss.
It’s all about adding options.
Put him and say a 2nd or 3rd round pick in the mix? Dalton could be in a good position to have a productive year for the Bears. He’s shown he can put up numbers when the array of receivers is capable. He proved it in Cincinnati and again in Dallas. This upcoming class is reportedly deep at the position. Given what the Bears just managed by finding Mooney in the 5th round last year? One can feel confident this receiving group will look better in 2021.