Chicago Bears Free Agent Review 2017: Markus Wheaton
The Chicago Bears signed Markus Wheaton to a two-year, $11 million dollar contract last offseason. Was it worth it?
Normally a two-year $11 million dollar contract for a WR doesn’t sound like a waste of money, especially with the NFL salary cap rising every year. However, Markus Wheaton was plagued by injuries and a lack luster offense. The Bears set up Wheaton’s contract as a one-year $6 million deal with $750,000 in dead cap space if cut before year two. During the NFL Combine Press Conferences Ryan Pace said the Bears are still considering what to do with Wheaton’s contract.
2017 Review
Wheaton started the year off hurt by breaking his finger in the beginning of August, missing a considerable amount of time. Wheaton ended up playing in 11 games, starting in zero, while recording three catches on 17 targets for 51 yards. Most of Wheaton’s playing time came at the end of games during garbage time minutes. Now as I will state in every article I write about an offensive player from the John Fox, Dowell Loggins era, I can only blame Wheaton so much for his productivity.
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Did he exceed expectations?
No. In fact, out of all of the free agent signings, Wheaton might have been the most disappointing. He was hurt and banged up for a lot of the year, along with being 100% misused the entire time. Wheaton was brought in to be a down the field threat and to help stretch the offense. But as soon as John Fox heard about an offensive pass going more than 5 yards downfield he decided to hand the ball off and start Josh Bellamy instead. If Wheaton does stick around next year I’m curious how much he’ll be utilized in Nagy’s offense.