It’s important to remember that a free agent market never looks the same in December as it will in March. Most of the top names are almost certain to become unavailable either via a multi-year extension or the franchise tag. This is why most people should make sure to wait until the action is about to start before setting up their Chicago Bears 2018 free agency expectations.
That said it’s no secret where the team is likely to concentrate their efforts. The Bears had the worst passing offense in the NFL in 2017. They managed just 3,085 yards total. In the modern NFL where throwing the ball is king, that’s really bad. Part of the problem was having an inexperienced QB in Mitch Trubisky. However, a far bigger issue was their depleted wide receiver position.
Both free agency and injury sapped it throughout last year. Alshon Jeffery left for Philadelphia and Cameron Meredith tore his ACL in the preseason. As a result, Kendall Wright was the best they had. He managed 614 yards. It’s hard to win games that way. They have to improve the talent level across the board. Free agency is their first and perhaps best chance.
Unfortunately, their list of quality options is about to shrink.
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Bears 2018 free agency receiver targets about to drop by two
At first glance, the receiver crop for 2018 looked like it might be star-studded. A rare exception to the rule. True to form though the winds have already begun to blow in familiar directions. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, two of the biggest names expected to hit the market will now likely to be retained by their current teams through any method necessary.
“It seems very unlikely Sammy Watkins will be leaving the Rams after this season. The sense I got in talking to a few people this week is that one way or the other, general manager Les Snead will find a way to keep Watkins in place…
…The other wide receiver to keep an eye on when it comes to the tag is the Jaguars’ Allen Robinson, who suffered a torn ACL in the opener. He has said he will be able to pass a physical in March to sign a free-agent deal elsewhere, but some doubt seriously if the Jaguars will allow that to happen. The team was talking with Robinson’s representatives about a new contract before the injury. He’s by far the Jaguars’ best receiver, and they are expected to allow Marqise Lee to depart via free agency.”
This is too bad. Watkins looked like he was starting to regain some of the lusters that made him a high first round pick back in 2014, scoring eight touchdowns for the Rams. Robinson posted 1,400 yards in 2015 but struggled a bit in 2016. It looked like he was ready to rebound this season but suffered his knee injury. Both of them would come with health hazards but are undoubtedly better than any receiver the Bears have at present.
Luckily the market still appears strong
Still, this is not to say the Bears are completely sunk. Even without those two, there are plenty of interesting names who may yet be available. Two-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry looks more and more likely to be an option. As stated above Marqise Lee will be sacrificed for Robinson and he’s coming off a career year in Jacksonville. The same goes for Paul Richardson in Seattle.
Chicago has money and they should have options on the table. It will come down to how much they’re willing to pay and how aggressive GM Ryan Pace is willing to be.
