A few weeks ago Adam Schefter reported that the Chicago Bears had made former 2nd round pick Anthony Miller available for trade. After that, things seemed to die down. There wasn’t much of anything. That led one to think it wasn’t going to happen. Maybe the Bears just couldn’t find a strong enough market to move him. As it turns out, that may not be the case.
According to Ian Rapoport, GM Ryan Pace has been in contact with a number of teams about Miller. From the way he’s talking, it appears a trade of some kind is imminent. The Bears clearly have a market for him. The young receiver has flashed lots of potential in the past but has struggled with a mix of health setbacks and inconsistency. A fresh start may be what he needs and the team appears ready to move forward without him.
A storyline to watch: The #Bears have been discussing a trade involving WR Anthony Miller with a number of teams, sources. The former 2nd round pick could be on the move. Stay tuned…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 7, 2021
This can’t be called a huge surprise.
Miller started off his career in Chicago strong with seven touchdown catches in 2018. Then in 2019, he had a hot second half of the season including a couple of 100-yard efforts. It truly felt like the receiver was poised for a breakout year. Then last season happened. Nobody can call it anything other than a disappointment. He finished with just 485 yards and two touchdowns. Most of his year was plagued by bad drops, poorly run routes, bad decisions after the catch, and being unable to control his emotions.
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The breaking point likely came in the playoff loss to New Orleans in January. Miller was warned all week by coaches not to retaliate against Saints cornerback Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, a notorious instigator. The in the middle of the game, what happens? Miller throws a punch at him and gets ejected. A bone-headed and selfish move that only hurt his team in a must-win game.
Anthony Miller only has himself to blame
The Bears did everything they could to help him succeed. They certainly believed in him, having traded up in the 2nd round to acquire his services. They made him a starter almost right away and afforded him every opportunity to improve. It didn’t happen. There were whispers constantly coming out of Halas Hall that he had a work ethic problem. Showing up late to meetings and the like.
If that is true, then his demise in Chicago was inevitable. A crying shame. Anthony Miller has the talent to be great. Yet talent alone won’t get you far in the NFL. Tireless hard work is also needed. Miller clearly wasn’t doing enough to satisfy the coaches who grew tired of his inconsistency. That is why rookie Darnell Mooney ended up playing more snaps and performed better last season.
Maybe a fresh start will do him good.
If nothing else, this is confirmation the Bears could end up being active at receiver in this upcoming draft. It is a pretty strong class with a lot of depth. With eight picks at their disposal and a possible ninth on the way, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they took two guys before the weekend is over. Remember Ryan Pace got returns for Jordan Howard and Adam Shaheen. So don’t be surprised if he can do the same with Miller.