The Chicago Bears appear to be on the cusp of an identity shift. Kyle Fuller is expected to be released and Akiem Hicks may not be far behind. This will free up cap space for the team to make at least one bold move if they wish and they may have designs on what that will be. Signing standout wide receiver Kenny Golladay, formerly of the Detroit Lions.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears’ pitch has been aggressive. They’re offering the receiver a one-year deal worth upwards of $12 million. The idea being he’d be able to tag-team with Allen Robinson this season, play good football and then be given the chance to hit the market again in 2022 when the salary cap could rise.
“The team is making an aggressive pitch to sign Golladay, the St. Rita product who reached the open market when the Detroit Lions opted not to use the franchise tag on him.
A league source said the belief is the Bears have offered Golladay a one-year contract in the range of $11-12 million with the pitch that Golladay and Allen Robinson would give the Bears one of the best receiver duos in the NFL and that there would be enough balls to go around for both to be rewarded in the near future.”
The idea behind this plan makes sense.
It gives Andy Dalton two viable #1-caliber wide receivers along with speedy Darnell Mooney as well. He’d also have two big tight ends in Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet. Not to mention David Montgomery in the backfield and a returning Tarik Cohen. Not a bad arsenal. There are reasons to think Golladay might like the idea. He was born in Chicago and went to school at Northern Illinois. He also knows the division.
The question is can he stomach $12 million for a year which is clearly below his actual worth? Also would Dalton be somebody he wants to play with? One person who might sway him on that is former Lions teammate Marvin Jones. He played with Dalton for years in Cincinnati. They hooked up for 10 touchdowns in 2013 and seem to have a strong relationship. That could work in the Bears’ favor as well.
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Giants appear to be the big obstacle to Kenny Golladay
He is reportedly in New York taking a physical and meeting with their head coach and GM. Some believe they are the current favorites to sign him but it’s hard to tell how much of a lock that is. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog revealed Golladay wants to play for the Bears and is seeking a one or two-year deal. So the team has a favorable chance. It may come down to whether the Giants offer more money.
Would they do it? Maybe but their GM Dave Gettleman isn’t known for throwing loads of money around in free agency. Maybe their head coach Joe Judge might sway him but it’s difficult to predict. Kenny Golladay has taken his time with this thing for a reason. He’s trying to find the best situation for himself. Otherwise, he likely would’ve signed already.
This is probably why the Bears think they have a shot.
People may argue Daniel Jones is a superior quarterback to Dalton. Is he? Dalton had 14 touchdown passes last season in nine starts. Jones had 11 in 14 starts. While he may not be a star, Dalton has proven to be consistently decent at quarterback. Having a standout season with him under center may actually help Golladay’s case for big money in 2022.
Who knows? Maybe the Bears will be able to convince him to stick around long-term if that ends up happening.