When it comes to available resources, the Chicago Bears aren’t exactly the richest going into the 2022 offseason. They have no 1st round pick in the draft. As for free agency, they rank in the top 10 for available cap space but also have 25 pending unrestricted free agents. Given how many roster spots they’ll need to fill, this doesn’t feel like a year where they can afford to be overly aggressive.
That said, this doesn’t mean they won’t be able to secure at least one significant piece to help their cause next season. If there is one position they should target, which one should it be. When looking at the roster and how things will shake out over the next couple of months, it has to be wide receiver. Allen Robinson, Marquise Goodwin, and Damiere Byrd all underachieved this past season. All will also be free agents. If this team is going to make things happen with Justin Fields, he needs weapons. For that, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus has the perfect solution.
Arizona Cardinals target Christian Kirk.
“The only wide receiver currently under contract with the Bears for 2022 is 2020 fifth-round pick Darnell Mooney. Chicago desperately needs to add more weapons for quarterback Justin Fields, especially without a first- or fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and Kirk could be a perfect fit.
The Cardinals moved Kirk into the slot this season to deploy him as a field-stretching vertical threat over the middle, and he set career highs across the board with 77 receptions for 984 yards and a 72.7 PFF grade. A similar role in Chicago would make for a great one-two punch with Mooney out wide.”
Kirk to the Chicago Bears would make plenty of sense
The former 2nd round pick has consistently been a credible pass target since the Cardinals drafted him in 2018. Somebody that has a knack for making big plays when least expected. If anything, many people around the league feel Arizona has done a poor job utilizing him. One of the only reasons he has gotten more attention this season is because DeAndre Hopkins has dealt with injury problems.
With him remaining the top guy and 2nd round rookie Rondale Moore figuring to get more attention next season, Kirk figures to go hunting for a new home. Someplace where he can be a bigger factor in the offense. Chicago makes plenty of sense. Not just because of their obvious need but also the quarterback they employ. Fields is already one of the best deep passers in the league. He would be a terrific fit for what Kirk does best.
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