The Chicago Bears have maintained all offseason that they like where their wide receiver position is at. As if they were going to openly say they are concerned about it. They should be. Without Allen Robinson on the field, the group has significantly underwhelmed this preseason. Only Rodney Adams has stood out in any meaningful capacity and even he has suffered from issues dropping the football. Outside of Robinson and Darnell Mooney, the Bears have lots of question marks.
They could really use another target with credibility. Where do they find it though? This time of year, teams don’t generally make solid receivers available. However, sometimes circumstances can change. Rich Cimini of ESPN believes this is the case for the New York Jets. Thanks to the arrival of Corey Davis and the ascent of rookie Elijah Moore, the team is suddenly flush with receiving options. Combine that with significant needs elsewhere? They may be looking to deal.
“The Jets should trade (Jamison) Crowder if they can get an edge rusher or linebacker in return. He’s a reliable slot receiver and his contract isn’t over the top (one year, $5.5 million). Moore can replace him in the slot, assuming he’s up to speed after missing two games with an injury. (Denzel) Mims was outplayed in camp by at least six other wide receivers, as he struggled with the offense. That said, the Jets are not expected to cut a 2020 second-round pick, but maybe they will listen to trade offers.”
The Jets defense has been riddled with injuries up front.
They lost prized free agent Carl Lawson for the season. It’s believed the team will be hunting for pass rush and linebacker help given the array of quarterbacks they’ll have to face this year. Chicago might be able to assist them. Robert Quinn is a far better fit for the Jets’ system than the Bears. If they were willing to eat some of his money, that might be able to facilitate a deal. Quinn’s rough 2020 might make that difficult though.
They could also make Christian Jones or Alec Ogletree available. Both have proven starting experience. Ogletree has looked great over the past few weeks since arriving in Chicago. Whatever GM Ryan Pace can do, he should try to see if he can land one of those two receivers mentioned above.
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Crowder would really help the Chicago Bears
They don’t really have a capable slot receiver on the roster right now. That is why reports have said the plan is for Robinson to spend more time there. Adding Crowder to the mix would lend them a ton of flexibility. Despite spotty QB play over the past two years, he still managed 1,532 yards receiving with 12 touchdowns. He also just turned 28-years old. So he is squarely in his prime. If the Jets have indeed made him available, this is a player the Bears absolutely should try to acquire.
As for Mims? He is an interesting case. Talent-wise, the kid has a lot to be intrigued by. He was a big standout at Baylor, boasting a 6’4 frame and 4.38 speed. The problems were typical ones. Raw route running, a lack of prowess at beating press coverage, and a history of drop issues. All things that could get ironed out with time in the NFL. The problem is Mims hasn’t had the best training camp. Hence why the team might be open to a trade.
He’d be a bigger risk but also a bigger reward.
One thing the Chicago Bears do lack at wide receiver is size. Of the six receivers projected to make their roster, only two stand taller than 6’0 and none get above the preferred 6’3 mark. So that is something Mims can offer. Either way, both players represent a chance for this team to improve a key position going into the season. It comes down to whether Pace is willing to be that aggressive or if the coaches really are content with what they have.