Chicago Bears Free Agency: Exploring Cap Casualty Options at Wide Receiver
By Armani Davis
Who are wide receivers the Chicago Bears could see become free agents?
With Chicago’s coaching carousel virtually complete and free agency looming, players and teams around the NFL anxiously await ASH Monday (American Sports Holiday); the day after the Super Bowl, symbolized by a decrease in work productivity and an increase in player movement throughout the NFL.
Immediately following the Super Bowl, teams can begin to cut ties with players who may command too much money by releasing them to the waiver wire. Each year a slew of talented players in the NFL find themselves on the open market, presenting various teams with an opportunity to pick up talent. The Chicago Bears could be beneficiary this year, with a well-documented need to upgrade their wide receiver core.
If things fall into place correctly, Chicago could find themselves with top-tier talent at receiver by considering some players who’ve become cap causalities. Which players could fill Chicago’s need for playmakers? Here is a list of potential cap causalities who may fit the scheme that Nagy and the Bears coaching staff will create:
Michael Crabtree
With the introduction of a new coaching staff including high profile head coach Jon Gruden, it is clear that big changes are coming to Oakland. As these changes begin to come into focus, it has been speculated that a roster move at wide receiver is expected soon. Releasing Michael Crabtree will save the Oakland Raiders nearly $8 million in cap space, a considerable stash considering Crabtree will be 30 years old next season. While Crabtree’s age will likely bring his potential earnings down, he could provide the Chicago Bears with proven talent at a position of need and he likely will not command top dollar.
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Dez Bryant
One of the most notable names that has been floating around as a possible cap causality, is stud Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant. The Cowboys have some money to spend in free agency, but some tough decisions to make with Pro Bowl DE DeMarcus Lawrence set to hit the open market. All of the guaranteed money on Bryant’s five year, $70 million deal has been paid and the Cowboys could conceivably save up to $12.5 million in cap space by parting ways with Bryant. The Chicago Bears would be eager to add a playmaker with the skill-set and resume that Dez Bryant provides.
Emmanuel Sanders OR Demaryius Thomas
The Denver Broncos have a pair of talented receivers on their roster in Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. Because both wideouts will enter next season on the wrong side of 30, it has been speculated that the Broncos may part ways with at least one of the two stars. It doesn’t help that production is down for both receivers as the Broncos embark upon an off-season that will likely see a big overhaul of the QB position as well. The tough decisions that must be made in Denver could assist the Bears as they look to bring some talent to the Windy City.