Top External Candidates to Replace Marquess Wilson
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Free Agents:
Santonio Holmes (5’11, 192) – It seems that Holmes has been around forever, but is only 30 years old. He was decent with the Jets last year, catching 23 passes for 465 yards and a TD. At almost 20 yards per catch (19.80) he clearly still has some burst left and is supposedly healthy and training daily in Florida while he waits for a team to call him. The main issue with Holmes is his attitude; He’s been known as a “diva” wide receiver and some teams have openly questioned his motivation to put in the work necessary to earn playing time. Phil Emery and Marc Trestman have created a cohesive locker room and adding a wildcard like Holmes may not be worth the mediocre production he could provide.
Austin Collie (6’0, 204) – He is probably 1 more concussion away from calling it a career, but Collie still wants to play. He had a 7-game stint on the Patriots last year and caught 6 passes for 63 yards in the regular season. Collie had his best game last year in the AFC Championship match-up vs the Broncos with 4 catches for 57 yards. He had a try-out with the Redskins back in April but wasn’t offered a contract. Collie is known as a smart receiver, so he should be able to pick up the Bears offensive scheme quickly and could provide the Bears with a reliable possession receiver.
Earl Bennett (5’11, 209) – See Boomer’s take
Danario Alexander (6’5, 221) – The odds of Alexander staying healthy for a whole season are basically zero, but the Bears only need him until Wilson comes back in 6-8 weeks. Alexander is a beast when on the field; He had a 5 week stretch in 2012 where he averaged just under 100 yards (98.8) and 1 TD per game, but has only played 3 games since that stretch. After his breakout year in 2012, Alexander missed all of 2013 with an ACL tear in his right knee. After at least 5 surgeries in the last few years on his left knee, it was the first time Alexander had hurt the right knee. Since then there have been some complications and he has had a few follow up procedures on the right knee. It’s unknown if he is ready to play or not and the chances are slim his knees would hold up, but he is only 25 and has immense potential if he can ever stay on the field.
Chandler Jones (5’11, 174) – Was released by the Browns on Monday, despite glowing reports from Browns beat reporters during mini-camps and OTAs. Jones was David Fales go-to WR at San Jose St, has 4.3 speed and put up prolific numbers last year (79, 1356, 15). He is undersized and there are rumors that he struggled in camp once the pads came on and hitting started. I think Jones has the potential to give the Bears a quick, dangerous slot receiver who can also help out in the return game. The Bears need depth after the Wilson injury, and it won’t cost anything to give Jones a look.
Future Cuts:
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Jeremy Gallon, Pats (5’8, 184) – Speedy slot receiver out of Michigan who is currently listed with the 4th team on the Patriots depth chart and is buried behind 6 receivers that are all but locks to make the team. Gallon was a 7th round pick by the Pats who I thought might stick as a return man and back-up slot receiver, but if the Pats depth chart is at all accurate, then he is a long-shot to make the squad. I think Gallon could add a new dimension to the Bears receiving core as a tough, shifty underneath receiver who can also contribute on special teams.
Arrelious Benn , Eagles (6’1, 215) – Benn is still in the league and only 26! Both of those facts surprised me about the former Illini star who was once an early 2nd round pick by the Bucs. Benn sat out last year with an ACL injury, but he is in the Eagles camp now and has apparently looked good. With the Eagles using two high picks on receivers, Benn is a long shot to make the team. Benn has been trying to catch on as a return specialist which is something the Bears could potentially be in the market for if none of the current options pan out.