Bears: Weekend Free Agency Recap

WR Kendall Wright, Titans (5’10 | 196 | 27) – The Bears added their second receiver in free agency to help compensate for the loss of Jeffery. Wright is more of a slot receiver than Wheaton, but also has the speed to contribute deep.

A few years ago it would have been shocking to get Wright for just $4M per year, after his breakout 2013 season when he had 94 catches for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns. Wright has yet to come close to those numbers but was no longer featured in the offense after a coaching change in 2015. Wright actually had plenty of problems with the new coaching staff that led to a benching in week 17 last season and certainly played a part in Wright’s low price tag.

The former 20th overall pick in 2012, Wright flashed the ability to get deep from the slot and the elite quickness off the line of scrimmage. He excelled at getting open on short-to-intermediate routes early in his career, caught everything close (67.6% catch rate), and was a big-play threat with the ball in his hands.

Inconsistency and issues with the Titans coaching staff kept him off the field the last two seasons, but at only 27 Wright still should have some juice left. At only $4M it won’t cause the Bears much to find out.

Bears OC Dowell Loggains was the Titans OC in 2013 when Wright had his breakout season, so he should be familiar with what Wright can do and know how to use him effectively. If he gives the Bears half the production he gave the Titans in 2013, then this contract would be a steal. Worst case, it gives the Bears a viable option in the slot and improves the overall speed of the receiver group.

Contract: 1 year, up to $4M