Bears Sign WR Josh Morgan to 1-Year Deal
Sep 15, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver
Josh Morgan(15) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes I swear that Phil Emery reads this site. Just last week, I wrote about my concerns about the depth of the wide receiver position for the Bears. Fear not, Bears fans, Phil is on the same page. Just before the team is set to begin their official offseason program, they’ve added another wide receiver to the mix, adding veteran Josh Morgan to a 1-year deal.
After the Bears cut Earl Bennett, there have been questions about the third wide receiver, with second year man Marquess Wilson appearing to be the odds on favorite to get the job but veterans like Domenik Hixon and Eric Weems vying for a spot along with newcomer Chris Williams. Morgan provides another viable option to compete for a spot in the Bears’ wide receiver room and appears to close the door on a return by Bennett, who is still available on the free agent market.
Morgan was a sixth round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2008 draft and spent his first four seasons in San Fran before inking a 5-year, $12 million deal with the Washington Redskins in 2012. He never lived up to the high expectations in DC and they opted not to pick up the final three years of his contract. Last season, Morgan was a neutral 0.8 in PFF’s stats.
During his six year career, the 6′ 220 lb Morgan has 199 catches for nearly 2500 yards and 11 TD’s while appearing in 79 games. Morgan also has experience in the return game, returning both kickoffs and punts, which could give him an edge for a roster spot and filling Devin Hester’s returner role.
"“Competition is why I play the game,” Morgan said. “I love competition. It’s something I’m addicted to. It’s a great opportunity. If anything, [the other Bears receivers] are going to push me to be better.”"
Assuming the Bears keep 5 wide receivers, the final three spots ought to be hotly contested through the rest of the offseason and should make for some interesting battles in Bourbonnais.