The Chicago Bears are clearly excited for a training camp competition at the wide receiver position. The team added Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd as free agents and drafted Dazz Newsome to add to a group that is not seeing many faces leave from last year. This is a statement that currently rostered players like Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, and Riley Ridley are on notice.
While the Bears have added enough depth to the point where they can see a true competition, this room is still far from complete. There is a chance that cream rises to the top, but there is also a chance that the Bears get to camp and realize that outside help is still needed.
There is not a strong pool right now, but the Chicago Bears could still dip into free agency. Without a true slot starter, and Anthony Miller expected to compete with Dazz Newsome for the role, they could find another name to come in and compete. Who are the top slot options available?
3. Golden Tate
There are a few things plummeting the market of Golden Tate. Fresh off a steroid suspension Tate was put in the dog house of new head coach Joe Judge. Judge even benched Tate for violating team rules, and it was clear Tate did not buy into his new coach.
So, Tate is now 33, with questionable health and personal issues from the past. Tate is also a long-time veteran and is likely waiting for the right situation. He is probably looking for playing time right away and less looking to beat out a 7th round rookie in practice.
Still, if the Chicago Bears could get glimpses and moments of the old Tate out of the slot it could go a long way in improving that area. Tate at 75% is better than Miller and likely better than Newsome as well. This is the type of player that you wait until you are already in camp to sign. If Newsome looks like he is a step or two behind, and the Bears are over Anthony Miller, Tate could sign knowing that he can start, and it would not take long to get the veteran up to speed.