The Chicago Bears remain hard at work doing whatever they can to jumpstart this passing game. Progress has been made with rookie quarterback Justin Fields, but it still seems like the team lacks something. One lingering question is do they have enough options at wide receiver? Outside of Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney, the Bears have gotten almost nothing from everybody else.
Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd, two touted free agent acquisitions, have less than 100 yards combined through six games. This leads to an interesting question. With the trade deadline approaching, do the Bears consider going after some potential reinforcements at that position? GM Ryan Pace already showed a willingness to be aggressive in finding help in the return game with Jakeem Grant.
If a good option is out there at the right price, maybe they consider it.
According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, there might be an intriguing name in play. Josh Reynolds signed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason in hopes of finally getting more opportunities after having to sit in the shadow of Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods in Los Angeles. Then after signing a one-year deal to hopefully play opposite A.J. Brown, the Titans traded for Julio Jones. Now he’s stuck buried on the depth chart again.
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“Reynolds signed with the Titans in hopes of getting a chance to be their No. 2 receiver. That was thrown out the window when the team acquired Julio Jones. Reynolds was hurt during camp leading to unlikely candidates Chester Rogers and Marcus Johnson emerging as key role players. Reynolds could be a good option for a team looking for a hungry veteran receiver who can contribute immediately.”
There is plenty of evidence to suggest Reynolds can play. He had 618 yards last season for the Rams with Jared Goff at quarterback. At 6’3, he presents an inviting big target with sneaky speed. The only game in which he got significant snaps for the Titans this year came against the New York Jets and he played well, catching six passes for 59 yards.
Chicago Bears might be able to snag Reynolds for cheap
It is unlikely the Titans would demand much in return for him. No higher than a 6th round pick. His contract also isn’t a huge issue. Tennessee signed the 26-year old for $1.75 million. Though Chicago is tight against the salary cap, they can afford that. The obvious question is whether they feel the need to make such a move. They’re already light on draft picks as it is. Only five in the 2022 draft.
This would be a move intent on a win-now strategy. A firm belief from Pace and Nagy that Reynolds can help the Bears make a playoff push. It’s difficult to argue they’re in that position. After losing to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, they’re out of the race for the NFC North crown and sit at 3-3. Even a pursuit of the wild card spots seems dicey. Perhaps that picture changes over the next two weeks.
Still, the option appears there.
If the price tag is doable, Reynolds is somebody who can add some extra juice to the Chicago Bears receiver room. Fields isn’t afraid to give his wide receivers a chance and he is the sort of big target that can make some things happen.