Seems the Jeremy Maclin Bears idea that Sports Mockery already put forth isn’t so crazy. Make no mistake, this team is anything but settled at wide receiver. Kevin White, Markus Wheaton, Rueben Randle, and Kendall Wright are all unknowns at this point. Either due to injury are lack of experience or both. Even Cameron Meredith and Victor Cruz come with some question marks and they’re the most proven.
Suffice to say GM Ryan Pace has every reason to continue adding bodies to this depth chart until satisfied he’s done everything possible to give Mike Glennon adequate weapons. Maclin may be three years older than Alshon Jeffery but history shows he’s just as good a receiver. Both have reached a Pro Bowl one time since 2013 and Maclin has more touchdown catches in the past three seasons (20 to 16).
Sure his long-term upside is considerably less. That doesn’t matter. Right now the Bears must stay focused on the immediate future. A number of experts seem to think this signing makes total sense.
Jeremy Maclin Bears idea is gaining favor
The first to make note of this connection was insider Field Yates. What makes his list exciting is that none of the other teams have more cap space available than the Bears do. In other words they can offer him the most money if they so wish.
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Thinking out loud, some teams with a need for WR depth that might make sense for Jeremy Maclin: Bills, Ravens, Lions, Bears, Rams & 49ers.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 3, 2017
Shortly thereafter he was joined by NFL.com columnist Nick Shook. He as the #2 likely landing spot right below the Baltimore Ravens. The primary reason being the Ravens have coaching connections to him. He feels Maclin has a ton to offer Chicago.
“The Bears watched Alshon Jeffery walk to Philadelphia and have no real indication of what they have in Kevin White. Their most inspiring returning receiver is Cameron Meredith (keep your “but what about Markus Wheaton?!” retorts to yourselves). Maclin would bring a veteran presence that this corps sorely needs and a highly dependable target for new arrival Mike Glennon and future franchise quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.”
There is no downside
It’s hard to find any justification for the Bears not doing this. Maclin is a proven commodity in the league who won’t come at an exorbitant price. No spot should be considered “locked up” on this roster by anybody outside of Meredith. Pace and head coach John Fox talk a lot about creating competition. Maclin would provide that and more.
At worst they took a shot on a veteran who appeared to still have mileage left. At best they get a playmaker with a chip on his shoulder. One anxious to prove to his former team they cast him aside way too soon. How does this hurt Glennon or the Bears? Easy answer. It doesn’t. If they can swing the deal, they should not hesitate.
