Mike Sims-Walker Interested in Bears, Who Are Interested in Brad Smith
The lockout has only been over for a few hours, but the rumor mill is already in full swing. One of the obvious areas of need for the Chicago Bears is wide receiver. You know that, I know that and all of the free agent wide receivers know it too. Interestingly, one even believes that he would be a good fit here and thinks he could be the missing piece to the puzzle. Here’s former Jag Mike Sims-Walker:
"“Chicago would be one of the ideal spots for me,’’ Mike Sims-Walker said Monday. “With the offensive coordinator (Mike Martz) and Jay Cutler, the speedy receivers, the monster defense, and Matt Forte in the backfield, I think I can be the missing piece."
That’s a far cry from former Bear Muhsin Muhammad’s line about how Chicago is where wide receivers come to die.
Sims-Walker isn’t in the same crop as the Sidney Rices and Santonio Holmeses of the world but he’s a helluva lot better than the guy that the Bears are interested in, Brad Smith. Who, you might be asking yourself? You know Smith, don’t you?
"A fourth-round pick in 2006 and former quarterback at Missouri, Smith caught just four passes last season for 44 yards with no touchdowns, and rushed for 299 yards on 38 attempts. Those numbers might not immediately resonate, but it’s likely the Bears are drawn to Smith’s 6-foot-2, 212-pound frame, versatility and the fact he represents an explosive value option who could take some of the attention off playmakers such as Devin Hester and Matt Forte.Throughout his five-year career, Smith has contributed at several positions on offense and in the return game. In addition to catching 64 passes over his career, he’s averaged 7.8 yards per carry (98 attempts) and completed four-of-seven passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.As a return man, Smith has averaged 26.6 yards on 74 kickoff returns."
I think this is a horrible idea. Smith is little more than a gimmick. He’s a novelty act playing wide receiver. All due respect to the greatest return man to ever play the game but we have one of those in Devin Hester.
If you think that Smith is going to contribute as a Wildcat quarterback should think back to the multiple failed attempts at it in Mike Martz’s scheme last year. Square peg, meet round hole.
The Bears don’t need any more gimmicks or projects; they need a proven legitimate wide receiver to go up and get it, particularly in the red zone.