Chicago Bears Free Agent Options: Wide Receiver
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Upside:
Cole Beasley – 26, Cowboys (5’8 | 177): I avoided most restricted free agents for this list, but Beasley could be looking at a decent raise from the $530K he made this season after his 37 catch, 420 yard, 4 TD performance. The Cowboys will be tight against the cap again this off-season and may not be able to match a significant increase in Beasley’s salary. Wide receiver was supposed to be a strength for the Bears this season, but both Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery often had trouble getting open. Their failure to create separation gave Jay Cutler no room for error often requiring an almost perfect pass. That’s not Cutler’s strength (understatement).
The Bears need to differentiate their receiver group a bit and add a speedy underneath receiver who runs crisp routes and has a knack for getting open. Cowboys HC Jason Garrett described Beasley as “QB-friendly” when asked about him recently. Beasley is under-sized (5’8, 180) but proved his toughness to Bears fans this season when he dragged Chris Conte 4 yards into the end zone in week 13 and could give Cutler the safety-valve receiver he’s been lacking the last two season.
WR Rod Streater – 26, Raiders (6’3 | 200): Has the physical tools to be a legit #1 WR. Streater has good size (6’3, 200), deep speed (4.37), runs good routes and is a surprisingly good blocker from his days in Temple’s run-first offense. Streater was stuck on a really bad Raiders offense for the first two years of his career, but put up a respectable 60 catch, 888 yard, 4 TD season in his first year as a starter in 2013. I thought Streater had breakout potential in 2014, but his season was cut short due to an injury (foot) after just three games. Streater’s recent injury and lack of pedigree will keep the price low, but he has considerable upside.
Depth:
Jarrett Boykin – 25, Packers (6’2 | 218): After a promising rookie season in 2013 (49, 681, 3), Boykin lost his job as the #3 WR to rookie 2nd round pick Davante Adams in 2014. Boykin showed promise in his chance to play back in his rookie season and could be an underrated asset in the free agency class this year. The Packers not only have Adams, but fellow 2nd year WR Jeff Janis who also has a high ceiling and almost ensures that Boykin will hit the free agent market. It won’t cost much for the Bears to sign Boykin and he could be a solid insurance policy if the Bears release Marshall or Jeffrey were to get hurt.