The Chicago Bears had a number of positions they likely needed to address following final cuts. Based on the initial surge during the waiver wire process? It appears they prioritized one above all others. That being wide receiver. Not a huge surprise given how underwhelming the position was during the preseason with only Rodney Adams standing out as somebody viable.
To that end, GM Ryan Pace made two notable moves on Wednesday, September 1st. The first was claiming 25-year old Nsimba Webster off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. A former undrafted free agent, he built a reputation for himself as a standout special teams player in Los Angeles with the Rams. He had 12 tackles in the third phase during 2020 while also serving as a returner on both the punt and kicking units.
All three are areas the Bears needed a ton of help. So this was a savvy move.
The bigger surprise followed not long after when the team signed veteran Breshad Perriman, recently cut by the rival Detroit Lions. The former 1st round pick has had a checkered career. One marred by injuries and bouncing between teams. However, he seemed to finally find some success the past two years in Tampa Bay and New York, compiling 1,150 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 games. As somebody who could be a 5th or 6th option on the depth chart? It’s a smart move.
Waiver claims! pic.twitter.com/9xC3GErD8K
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 1, 2021
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Bears are signing former Lions’ WR Breshad Perriman to a one-year deal, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2021
The question for the Bears will be whether they decide to carry seven wide receivers or if they plan to cut somebody. They had five on the roster when cuts were finalized.
- Allen Robinson
- Darnell Mooney
- Marquise Goodwin
- Damiere Byrd
- Rodney Adams
On would imagine if they cut somebody it would be Adams, an unfortunate turn of events after he worked so hard to crack the final 53. This after coming out of retirement not too long ago. Yet this is the cold business of the NFL. While a good story, Adams also had his setbacks in the preseason including some tough drops. Right now both Webster and Perriman bring more to the table.
Chicago Bears priority shift seems to be continuing
It was first noticeable early in the offseason. Five of their first seven draft picks were on the offensive side of the ball including their top three. Now here they are again. Their two biggest post-cuts additions are both on the offensive side. This is the latest signal that the Bears have undergone an identity shift. For so many years the defense would’ve had priority in times like this. It has been their bread and butter for so long.
Unfortunately, that approach hasn’t led to much success. So Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy are trying to change that. They want to give Justin Fields every possible advantage they can whenever he does end up playing. This receiving group looks considerably better than it did a few days ago for the Chicago Bears.
- Robinson
- Mooney
- Goodwin
- Byrd
- Perriman
- Webster
- Adams*
Not only is it deeper than before, but it’s also more flexible.
Best of all? This might be the fastest receiving group the organization has ever fielded. Mooney, Goodwin, Byrd, and Perriman have all been clocked in the sub-4.4 range of the 40-yard dash. This group can run. If the offensive line can hold up this year, Fields and Andy Dalton could end up striking for a lot of big plays. Exactly what Nagy wants.