Unexplored Options At Reciever For Bears
Almost every starter on every position on the Bears is up for debate, even at running back, where it's not a question of the starter, but more a question of depth. But the Bears one undeniable, consensual need would be at wide receiver. The Bears receiving corps was the Achilles heel of 2008, much like how the offensive line and running game were in 2007 (much like how our quarterbacking has been since the forward pass was invented).
So ensues the dilemma. Lloyd will most likely be shown the Halas Hall exit this offseason, and it wouldn't be a shock if Booker followed him out. Davis will be used almost exclusively on special teams, Hester's role will most likely (or hopefully, for that matter) decrease, and Jerry Angelo and Co. will begin the hunt for their new number one wideout. The question remains, can they find one this season? Even if they do, can he become the focus of the offense?
Even the premiere catchers in the league can hit a slump. It can last one quarter, one game, or even an entire season. For example, the top six receivers who led the league in dropped catches for the 2008 season (in order): Braylon Edwards (16), Dwayne Bowe (13), Brandon Marshall (12), Terrell Owens (10), Calvin Johnson and Roddy White (9 apiece). The effort Larry Fitzgerald put together this year has left us, dare I say, punch-drunk. Plain and simple; having a clear-cut #1 does not translate into victories (see Lions 2008) or scoring a plethora of points (see Browns 2008).
You can't put all your eggs in one basket. A consistent offense will most always start up front. A good quarterback will never stare down his intended target. A good receiver will hold on to the football. A good coordinator will call plays that will keep the defense honest (and not the fullback dive). All of these things are essential for the Bears to do what they are built to do; punch teams in the mouth by running the ball. An offense can't do that when they are constantly facing eight-man fronts.
I forgot about the list. Well, enough ranting. Here it is.
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The best wideout on the market this offseason is T.J. Houshmandzadeh. There's also the rumblings that the Cards might shop Anquan Boldin, the same with the Rams and Torry Holt, and the Cowboys releasing Terrell Owens. There are however, other guys that will be on the market that may not be number one guys but are still better than what we have.
There are teams out there that have kept their silence, but willing nevertheless to give up their receivers for the right deal. Here's how we'll break it down. Free agents first, trades second. I'll spare everyone the usual suspects and I'm not getting into draft prospects until after the combine.
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Free agents
Bryant Johnson- 6'3" (6th year), San Francisco 49ers
Remember last year when Bryant Johnson was on the free agent market? Remember how Bear forums were flooded with pleas for the Bears to pursue him? Remember how depressing it was to find out he signed with the 49ers? Well, it's a new year and the Bears have a second chance. Bryant once again will be on the market for the second straight year. Like Jenkins, Johnson was also a first rounder who never got a legit opportunity. In 2003, fellow rookie Anquan Boldin was the go-to guy, Freddie Jones was the Y option, which dropped Johnson into the slot role. Then the Cards drafted you-know-who in 2004. Johnson may not be a number one, but he can make up the absence of Bernard Berrian. He's a got speed and he's as big as a tight end, a nice target for Orton and an even better compliment for Hester.
Darrell Jackson- 5'11" (9th year), Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, and Daniel Graham; the primary reasons why Darrell Jackson caught only 12 balls in 2008. In Seattle, Jackson had three 1,000 yard seasons and averaged 65 catches a season. However, he's had the a case of the RD's as of late (RD stands for ridiculous drops, and ironically, they're also Rashied Davis' initials). At this point, he can be a temporary option at starter while the Bears mold a rookie for that spot.
Honorable Mention:
Malcom Floyd - Good hands, and frickin' tall.
Amani Toomer - Age is a factor, but dependable and plays through injuries
Reggie Williams - Caught a career-high ten TD's in 2007. Great size.
Potential trades
Laveranues Coles- 5'11" (9th year), New York Jets
Coles is obviously not a happy man in the Big Apple. Last offseason, he griped about his contract situation, and then came the revelation of him not wanting to play with Brett Favre. LC has been labeled as a selfish, "give me the ball first" type of player, but he's also known as a humble locker room leader. No doubt if he's the former of the two, he'll be a happy man in Chicago, especially if Favre returns. A round two or even three pick should be enough to get him considering the Jets won't lose any sleep with Jerricho Cotchery and Chansi Stuckey still on board.
Hines Ward-6'0" (11th year), Pittsburgh Steelers
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This may seem like a very slim possibility, but in retrospect, this trade is more likely for several different reasons. Hines has been banged up as of late, most notably the knee injury he sustained in the AFC championship game against the Ravens. Now a report says he's considering offseason surgery. If he goes through with it, it will be his second straight offseason surgery. After winning the Super Bowl, it's most likely when Tomlin cleans house, he'll be considering cutting ties with Ward, who will be entering the final year of his contract. Chances are it was on his mind last year when he drafted Limas Sweed. Even at 32, adding Hines Ward to the Bears roster could spark a fire on this offense given his reputation. It would also reunite him with current WR coach Darryl Drake, who possibly could become the Bears offensive coordinator. |
Greg Jennings or Donald Driver- Green Bay Packers
If Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy feel that their defense is undermanned for Dom Capers 3-4 scheme, they might shop Jennings or Driver to free up cap room to make a major offseason acquisition. Driver would make the most sense, given his age. The Pack has too much depth at this position for it to really hurt their offense. Both are legit number ones.
Other Options
Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns- Does Eric Mangini have to trade a dude? Maybe so. Edwards has been dropping as many hints that he wants out of Cleveland, as much as the amount of passes he dropped in the regular season, which was sixteen. Then again, that was the amount of touchdowns he caught in 2007.
Mark Bradley Kansas City Chiefs- BRING BACK BRADLEY, BRING BACK BRADLEY,BRING BACK BRADLEY!!! (I'm being serious)
Convert Greg Olsen and Matt Forte Into Wideout
Grab Terry Glenn out of the rehab clinic.
Two Words: Usain Bolt
2 recs |
42 comments
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Comments
Firstly, great post. thanks
Secondly, I think most on forums when crazy for Bryant Johnson is because he was the best of what was left and we really needed somebody.
I am intrigued by Michael Jenkins and Malcom Floyd. I think we really need to focus on possession guys and both have good height to help out there. If we cannot get TJ or Boldin then I’d be open to at least looking into those two.
I don’t think Ward goes anywhere.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
by Adam T on Feb 10, 2009 9:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Once again...
Thank you for posting the pics
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 10, 2009 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be all for
Bryant Johnson or Michael Jenkins.
by GallopingGhost on Feb 10, 2009 10:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree
The Bears need size and youth opposite of Hester, and a little speed wouldn’t hurt either.
by isrealidonije on Feb 10, 2009 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Michael Crabtree
as a pre-rookie i already like crab better than everyone on the list except maybe for hines. Bears will not trade up for Crab i know, but whatever. trading 1st rounders and change for #4 from seattle on draft day seems more likely than the bears trading for another team’s top or 2nd WR (#1 on our depth chart).
re the list i like michael Jenkins most
by No It All on Feb 10, 2009 10:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Greg Jennings Isn't Going Anywhere
I would love to see Edwards in a Bears Uniform – Jenkins sounds ok too. Let’s make a trade for Boldin please!!!!!!!
by lpjdbears on Feb 10, 2009 10:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I prefer the options of Johnson and/or Jenkins. Clayton could be interesting. As is Floyd.
Braylon Edwards, Michigan WR? Michigan Wolverines + Chicago Bears=suck….
by scy3000 on Feb 10, 2009 11:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Are you sure
Michael Jenkins is a FA. I have looked at two different lists and neither have him listed.
by luckie815 on Feb 10, 2009 11:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
That's incorrect info...
Jenkins signed a 4 year, $20 mil extension last November
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Feb 10, 2009 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
AHH! Please
forgive the error of my ways. should had known better than to gather my intel from ESPN. OK Jenkins would still be a good trade, but will never happen given his extension.
"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 10, 2009 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the tip, buddy
"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 10, 2009 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great post!
It was very informative and fun to read. I especially like the out of the box thinking. I’m excited to read more of your posts.
I would also like to mention Plaxico Burress. He would be my number 1 target. If the Giants could get a first and third, they could use that and add in their own second or third to land Boldin and everyone would be happy.
I know he has some legal issues and a bullet in his leg, but he is very talented and proven and is the ultimate competitor. I really think the legal stuff was a mistake, and he isn’t that bad of a guy. Well unless you count his issue with coaches. LOL, I still like him!
Kick it to me... I'm open!
by #23 on Feb 10, 2009 12:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ehhh
He is very talented, but I’m pretty sure he has more than a few screws loose. I agree that he’d boost our WR corps a lot, but I don’t know if I want to see his antics in Chicago.
I don’t think he’s a terrible guy, but I do believe that he’s very irresponsible (as evidenced by this article and a bullet in his leg).
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Feb 10, 2009 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The legal stuff is not a mistake
he had a gun, if the law is you cannot have a guy that is what it is.
I’m far from a legal guy, but that seems pretty straight forward. There is not way he gets away without a decent suspension.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
by Adam T on Feb 10, 2009 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
NYC is going to make an example out of him
He’ll be catching passes from Paul Crewe for the next few years…
--Torch
by torch on Feb 10, 2009 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No Burress
He is not a team player. He is constantly late for team meetings walks out if the coach wakes him up. We don’t need that kind of distraction in the locker room.
by luckie815 on Feb 10, 2009 1:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Imagine what would happen if he was on the Bears
He might distract Lovie from another coin flip :)
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Feb 10, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Players won't take any of his nonsense.
they might hurt him in training camp(unintentionally, of course).
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 10, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
they went after Benson intentionally
so no reason to hide it:)
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
by Adam T on Feb 10, 2009 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Exactly what I was thinking…
Things will get better as they improve...
by Dane Noble on Feb 10, 2009 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Jenkins as a deep threat
And, he may have led our team in receiving last year.
But, I’m not sure he’s a free agent? Is your info correct?
Here’s the list I have: from Walter Football
- T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals. Age: 31.
- Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers. Age: 28.
- Lance Moore (RFA), Saints. Age: 26.
- Nate Washington, Steelers. Age: 26.
- Malcolm Floyd (RFA), Chargers. Age: 27.
- Devery Henderson, Saints. Age: 27.
- Bobby Engram, Seahawks. Age: 36.
- Bryant Johnson, 49ers. Age: 28.
- Shaun McDonald, Lions. Age: 28.
- Michael Clayton, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
- Reggie Williams, Jaguars. Age: 26
- Brandon Jones, Titans. Age: 26.
- Amani Toomer, Giants. Age: 34.
- Jabar Gaffney, Patriots. Age: 28.
- Drew Carter, Raiders. Age: 27.
- David Anderson, Texans. Age: 26.
- Ben Obomanu (ERFA), Seahawks. Age: 25.
- Hank Baskett (RFA), Eagles. Age: 26.
- Miles Austin (RFA), Cowboys. Age: 25.
- Koren Robinson, Seahawks. Age: 29.
- Justin McCareins, Titans. Age: 30.
- Ashley Lelie, Raiders. Age: 29.
- Syndric Steptoe (ERFA), Browns. Age: 25.
- David Clowney (RFA), Jets. Age: 24.
- Sam Hurd (RFA), Cowboys. Age: 24.
- Demetrius Williams (RFA), Ravens. Age: 26.
- Ruvell Martin (RFA), Packers. Age: 27.
- Eric Parker, Chargers. Age: 30.
- Mike Furrey, Lions. Age: 32.
- Brandon Lloyd, Bears. Age: 28.
- Darrell Jackson, Broncos. Age: 30.
- Dane Looker, Rams. Age: 33.
- Glenn Holt (RFA), Bengals. Age: 25.
- Tab Perry, Dolphins. Age: 27.
- Roydell Williams, Titans. Age: 28.
- Glenn Martinez, Broncos. Age: 27.
- Keary Colbert, Lions. Age: 27.
- Wallace Wright (RFA), Jets. Age: 25.
- Justin Jenkins, Bills. Age: 28.
- Jeff Webb (RFA), Chiefs. Age: 27.
- John Bodiford (RFA), Packers. Age: 27.
- Courtney Roby, Saints. Age: 26.
- Dante Hall, Rams. Age: 30.
- Robert Ferguson, Vikings. Age: 29.
- Terry Glenn, Cowboys. Age: 35.
- James Thrash, Redskins. Age: 34.
- Peerless Price, Bills. Age: 32.
- Joe Horn, Falcons. Age: 37.
- Eric Moulds, Titans. Age: 36.
- Eddie Kennison, Rams. Age: 36.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Feb 10, 2009 10:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I did a little research
and it looks like he resigned on Nov. 24, 2008, so he is probably off the list.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
by Adam T on Feb 10, 2009 11:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
there we go!
right as rain!
"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 10, 2009 11:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thank you, ,sir
good catch, sackman.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
by Adam T on Feb 10, 2009 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Love your post but
Why would the Packers trade their best player to their biggest rival? Also, Driver is no longer a #1 receiver because of his age and production. I would love to see the Bears go after Johnson, Bryant or Washington. They’d be fairly inexpensive and are in the primes of their careers.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
by propheteer on Feb 10, 2009 11:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
why would the packers
trade their best player period. like they did last season?
"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 11, 2009 12:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if you ....
… don’t understand the difference between what the Packers did last year with Favre, and them trading their number one receiver in the prime of his career, I am not sure what to tell you.
Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.
visit the mindful mission
by big_lowitzki on Feb 11, 2009 8:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You Have No Clue
what i am talking about. if the packers traded their all time winningest quarterback, who went 13-3 and took them to the NFC championship game that same season, regardless of what happened in the offseason, what makes YOU think they won’t shop their number one receiver when someone else on the team can fill that role?
"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 11, 2009 9:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jennings is still on his rookie contract
They wouldn’t deal him unless he was holding out for a new contract and they couldn’t afford it.
Driver’s in the final year of his recent contract extension. And he would never be dealt to a division rival anyway.
2006 – $950,000
2007 – $2.7 million
2008 – $2.9 million
2009 – $3.9 million
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Feb 11, 2009 9:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
never been a numbers guy
and Never doesn’t exist in the NFL
"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 11, 2009 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Never doesn't exist...
But HIGHLY UNLIKELY pulls up a chair for this one. I mean, could you imagine us trading Olsen, Forte, or Briggs to the Vikings?
Things will get better as they improve...
by Dane Noble on Feb 11, 2009 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
huh?
No clue what you are talking about? How so… being that you went to write exactly what I thought you were talking about.
Unless Jennings decides to retire, forces the team to make other decisions in order to move on, then decides to come back, after the team already moved on, the decisions are not, and will not, be anything alike.
Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.
visit the mindful mission
by big_lowitzki on Feb 11, 2009 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
like i said
“regardless of what happened in the offseason”. If they traded a well decorated favre, what makes you think they won’t trade a receiver who is good, not great?
"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 11, 2009 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
like i said...
… the two situations are completely different, and don’t have anything to do with each other.
Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.
visit the mindful mission
by big_lowitzki on Feb 11, 2009 10:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the situations are irrelevant
if they can trade their best player without even thinking twice, what makes you think they won’t trade a role player?
"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith
by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 11, 2009 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yup...
… you are right. context is meaningless.
Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.
visit the mindful mission
by big_lowitzki on Feb 11, 2009 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Crazy
but i say get Bryant and draft Heyward Bey. Bryant as numero uno w/ HB #2 and Hester mainly workin the slot, giving him the opportunity to gain a full comprehension of the O, while also focusing more on ST and doing what he does best… returning kicks and punts for touchdowns. I know there’s needs like the o/d lines and secondary, but i feel giving Orton the weapons to work w/ should be our #1 priority.
"URLACHER IS GOD"
by Acreman20 on Feb 11, 2009 1:59 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yes, you are crazy:)
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
by Adam T on Feb 11, 2009 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why should Hester's role decrease?
You mean on Special Teams? Because I think he was getting better at WR as the season went on, and I’d like to see him continue in that role. Now, that doesn’t mean we don’t need another receiver…
I don’t think I’d go for any of those trades, but Toomer, Floyd, or Reggie Williams (maybe the reverse version of Justin Gage) would be worth a shot. I say don’t draft a WR in the first round unless Crabtree or Maclin is available (both highly unlikely); I don’t think there’s anyone else worth it at that spot this year, and first year wideouts are so iffy anyway.
by TCBullfrog on Feb 11, 2009 1:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

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