Booker Returns to Bears

Well I must say I’m speechless at this point.  The Bears have completely shocked all conventional wisdom on how to proceed this offseason by making no attempt to sign a free agent running back or lineman, resigning Lance Briggs, letting Bernard Berrian go to the rival Minnesota Vikings, and now they have resigned wide receiver Marty Booker to a two-year contract.  This certainly changes the landscape of the Bears, who regain a Pro Bowl wide receiver, even if he is old and past his prime.

Booker comes in as the number 1 receiver for the offense, a veteran leader entering his 10th year in the league, and already familiar with the playbook after playing his first 5 years in Chicago.  That last quality may have played a big part to replace Muhsin Muhammed as the on field tutor of Devin Hester, who has shown difficulty remembering plays when leaving the huddle.  Booker may not have been the expert favorite to sign with the Bears but the fans will welcome him and hopefully he can pick up where he left off with his Pro Bowl seasons in Chicago.

In terms of the Bears offense, he will offer a good possession receiver to compliment Devin Hester’s speed at the other side of the field.  Throwing Mark Bradley in the mix as a third down receiver seems a little more realistic then naming him a starting receiver after riding the bench last season.

Wide receiver should still be addressed in the first three rounds of the draft but this gives the Bears a little breathing room.  They can take their time and pick a player based on talent and not on need or pleasing the fans.  This move may be an acknowledgment by Bears staff that they have more pressing needs at offensive line and running back come draft day.

Welcome back Marty Booker!  Not much has changed since you left.  The offense still sucks, we don’t have a quarterback, and we rely mostly on our defense to win games.  Since you’ve already been through this before you shouldn’t have a problem getting 1,000 receiving again right?