3 free agent receivers that need to be on the Chicago Bears radar
Allen Lazard should be back on the Chicago Bears radar
The Bears have had a front-row seat to Allen Lazard’s development, as he has had a handful of strong performances against Chicago for the rival Packers throughout his career. He has worked hard to expand his route tree and has been one of the most effective red-zone threats over the previous two seasons.
While Christian Watson garnered all the headlines after scoring seven touchdowns over a four-game stretch midway through the year, Lazard was the Packers’ most consistent threat in the passing game throughout the season. He led Green Bay in targets (100) and receiving yards (788) and had 17 more first-down catches than the next closest player.
Lazard has ideal size for the position at six-foot-five and 227 pounds, and he does a great job of using his frame to box defenders out on the perimeter. Likewise, he routinely bullies smaller defensive backs as one of the most tenacious run-blocking receivers in the league. This is an area of his game that could make him especially intriguing to the Chicago Bears, as they developed an offensive identity as a ground-and-pound team this year and will surely be looking to repeat their performance.
Fans might not be happy if the team opts to take a flier on the 27-year-old over trading for a proven pass-catcher, but there is no denying that he would be an upgrade over what the team had this season. Chicago’s offensive coordinator Luke Getsy reportedly played a pivotal role in Lazard’s development, which is another factor that could prove vital in bringing his talents to the Windy City.