The wide receiver market coming into 2023 was underwhelming, to say the least. If the Chicago Bears wanted to find somebody who could help Justin Fields, they’d need to pick from an array of names like Jacobi Meyers, Mecole Hardman, and D.J. Chark. All of them would likely cost more money than they’re worth. GM Ryan Poles would have to hope a proven name might become available via release or trade. There are rumors about DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, and Tee Higgins. None seem too feasible.
Finally, the first notable break has come. According to insider Jordan Schultz, the Tennessee Titans have parted ways with veteran receiver Robert Woods. The 30-year-old averaged over 1,000 yards from 2018 through 2020 and has at least 500 in each of the past two seasons. His 527 this past year was rather impressive, considering he did it coming off a season-ending knee injury and had to catch passes from three different quarterbacks. When healthy he is one of the better route runners in the NFL and a great security blanket on 3rd down.
Woods is exactly what the Chicago Bears need.
They have two youngsters with loads of talent in Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. What they need is a proven veteran with lots of playoff experience that can provide leadership. Woods was an integral part of the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl championship run in 2021. He has a deep understanding of the offensive scheme Luke Getsy runs in Chicago. Sean McVay runs something very similar in L.A. So the receiver will already have a good idea of what’s required before he even suits up for his first practice.
Yes, he is on the older side, turning 31 in April. Still, there is no reason to think he can’t be an above-average target for the next season or two while the Chicago Bears get other position groups squared away. A trio of him, Claypool, and Mooney would be more than enough for Fields to work with, presuming he gets better pass protection in 2023. Woods isn’t the superstar many Bears fans want. The reality is the odds of landing such a player this year are long. Woods is a solid player that would raise the floor for one of the team’s weakest positions.
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Woods would be a fabulous receiver for a QB who can read defenses and go thru his progressions at an NFL average rate of speed. This is not Justin Fields. Fields is an RPO QB. That much is obvious. After 2 years he was reduced to RPO because he holds onto the ball far too long and takes sacks and fumbles more than Joe Biden. The best option is to flip Fields for picks sign players that a prototypical NFL caliber can play with. Designing an offensive line that can support a low ceiling running QB leaves very few options… Read more »
Build through the draft. Guys like Woods are what we had to settle for last year. Not any more. Let’s find our own WR1. Draft and develop.
Erik…I’m a fan but that was a waste. He is exactly what we do not need. We need a #1 and he is not that. He would simply be a 3rd in running for the #2 spot at the best; more likely a #3.
The money would be better spent on eggs.
The reality is the Bears could use the experience and the depth. Still look for a long term WR1. At the right price and contract length this could be a good pickup.