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Is Victor Cruz a lock to make the Bears 53-man roster?

By Parker Hurley

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) walks off the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) walks off the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Bears signed Victor Cruz but only to a one-year deal. Will he make the roster?

The obvious thought of Victor Cruz signing with the Bears is that he will at least be on the roster for week one. However, the Bears have a lot going on at wide receiver and it may not be so much of a sure thing.

Cruz is not the safest bet to stay on the field due to health reasons at this point in his career. Entering the 2017 season Cruz will be 31 years old. Last season he missed some time with an ankle issue and has a torn patellar tendon on his medical resume.

Even with mostly a clean bill of health, Cruz looks like his play has declined. Last season he caught just one touchdown pass and has just two touchdown receptions since 2013, his last 18 games. He only had a 54% catch rate and many around the league have questioned whether or not he has lost a step.

The Bears depth chart is not pretty, but it also is not bare. Cameron Meredith, Kevin White, and Markus Wheaton are the best locks to make the team. Behind them, there should be competition to see who can pull away with roster spots. Kendall Wright, Reuben Randle, Josh Bellamy, Deonte Thompson, Daniel Braverman and Tanner Gentry along with Cruz will be fighting for two or three spots. If Braverman or Gentry has a strong camp, and Cruz is missing time in training camp, who is to say the Bears do not go with a younger, cheaper option?

At the end of the day, the odds are still in the favor of Cruz. He will be the third highest paid wide receiver entering training camp. He also has the longest and most productive track record of the group. However, just like all of them he has his question marks. With such a crowded group it is not a lock to see Cruz in week one, although the odds are in his favor as what should be a very competitive training camp is ready to start up soon.

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