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Chicago Bears: Free Agents Who Could be on their Radar

By Bryan Dietzler

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrate after a play during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrate after a play during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bears wide receiving corps has been rocked with all kinds of bad things this year including injuries and suspensions.  Before the season even began, the big story was whether the team was going to re-sign Alshon Jeffery.  They did but his year has been very disappointing. Issues at the quarterback position and then his suspension for using PEDs has led some to believe that his one year deal was not worth it.  Some are also saying he won’t be back in 2017.

After missing his rookie season with a leg injury, Kevin White saw a little time on the filed this season.  But, he was once again halted by another leg injury.  His third season in the league could be his final test.  If he doesn’t pass, we may never see White in a Bear’s uniform again.

We have seen the talent that the Bears have at the bottom of the roster. It’s very inconsistent.  If the Bears don’t resign Jeffery and White is remains injured, they are going to have serious problems at the wide receiver position.

The 2017 free agent wide class is not loaded with big name talent but there are some guys that the Bears might be interested in.  Some of those guys include:

Terrelle Pryor-Cleveland Browns

Arrelious Benn-Jacksonville Jaguars

Willie Snead-New Orleans Saints

Markus Wheaton-Pittsburgh Steelers

DeSean Jackson-Washington Redskins

Cordarrelle Patterson-Minnesota Vikings

Pryor is probably the best player available on this list but he should command a lot of money in free agency.  With Cleveland having a lot of cap dollars available, he may stay with them.  Snead has flashed a lot in New Orleans and could be looking to come to another team where he could see more action.  Benn is very productive and could be a nice option.

Jackson is getting up there in age but still can scare defenses.  Wheaton is an interesting prospect.  He has been hurt but if he can stay healthy, he has a lot of upside.  Patterson could use a fresh start and perhaps Chicago would be a good place for him to get that reboot.  If anything, he would be a nice return specialist and a serious upgrade in that area.

If the Bears could get their hands on someone who can step in and start and either be a number two or better yet, a number one wide receiver it would really help.  With White being an unknown and signing Jeffery a possible risk (or something that isn’t going to happen) free agency may need to be where the Bears go to get help at the wide receiver position.

And they do have their own players to sign.  Not only is Jeffery a free agent but Deonte Thompson, Josh Bellamy and Marquess Wilson are also hitting the market this offseason.  It would be wise for the Bears to sign Wilson hoping he can stay healthy.  Bellamy and Thompson should probably be replaced.  Consider Jeffery’s status up in the air.

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