People have wondered if the Chicago Bears might consider more veteran experience for the wide receiver position after their massive influx of rookies over the past week. It appears they might be correct. Just not in the way they might’ve been hoping. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported a receiver was visiting the team on Wednesday. However, it wasn’t Jarvis Landry, T.Y. Hilton, or Cole Beasley. Instead, they seem to have interest in Keith Kirkwood.
The 27-year old is a former undrafted free agent out of Temple. He signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and made some nice contributions as a rookie. Hopes were high he’d take a step forward from there, but his 2019 and 2020 seasons were marred by injuries. A hamstring the first year and a clavicle the second. By the time he was finally healthy in 2021, the Carolina Panthers barely used him.
Now he’s hoping for a fresh start elsewhere.
Former Saints’ and Panthers’ WR Keith Kirkwood is visiting the Bears today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 11, 2022
Keith Kirkwood was someone who caught my eye a few times this summer. Went back and watched him a little. Going to tweet a handful of plays.
First: This is just a wild catch. pic.twitter.com/XfaHZmGgks
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) June 22, 2018
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) June 22, 2018
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) June 22, 2018
It isn’t hard to see why GM Ryan Poles might be interested. Kirkwood was called a height-weight-speed prospect coming out of college. Not to mention his reputation as a terrific locker room guy. He’s 6’3 and ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash. His tape also shows an excellent pair of hands for making tough catches. It is quite likely the Chicago Bears see untapped potential in him. The big knock was his lack of route-running prowess. Something he’s had a chance to improve after four seasons in the NFL.
Maybe all he needs is a proper opportunity to win playing time. The Bears have a wide open competition on their roster with Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, and Velus Jones as their only locks to receive snaps at this point. Kirkwood would be in a battle with guys like Equanimeous St. Brown and David Moore for that coveted 4th spot that would likely get significant snaps every week. It may not be the ideal name fans wanted to hear, but Kirkwood would at least bring some experience and upside to the table.