Is this recently released wide receiver a fit with the Chicago Bears?
The Tennessee Titans released Robert Woods, making him a free agent who can start talking to teams immediately. Given the Chicago Bears' need for a wide receiver, it is easy to link him to the team. Would this be a fit?
Should Chicago Bears sign Robert Woods?
Robert Woods had a slow start to his career with the Buffalo Bills, but after signing with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency, he broke out. Woods had three years with over 1,000 yards and had 923 in another.
However, his fifth year with the Rams ended with a torn ACL. He signed with the Titans last season, but was coming back from the ACL and did not look like he was back to his old self.
So, after three straight 1,000-yard seasons, Woods produced 1,083 in two seasons combined. Beyond that, he will be 31 years old.
So, there are two quick ways to look at this. First, he is aging, injured, and past his prime perfromance. The Chicago Bears should understand why the Titans moved on and avoid him.
They could also say that his release was money related and the Titans could still use him. Last season was always going to be a wash due to the timing of his injury, and 2023 should be Woods at his healthiest.
Beyond that, Woods fits the Chicago Bears offense. For his career, he played 40.7% of his snaps in the slot, and 58.5% on the outside. The Bears shuffle Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool in and out of the slot and it has to be valuable that they could add someone who can allow the receivers to work all three spots. The Rams loved to highlight his versatility and use him in the running game, which is what the Bears do with their pass catchers as well.
Woods is also a notable blocker, so he can help in the run game as a ball carrier, and a blocker. So, you know that Luke Getsy will be signing off on him.
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For Robert Woods, the reality is that it will come down to cost, and interest from other teams. At 31 years old he may be looking to play for a contender, even if he is not a top threat. It may cause the Chicago Bears to have to overpay for his skill set. If that becomes the case, it may not be worth it. At a normal cost, his fit is worth it.