What about Eddie Royal?
We keep hearing all these big names thrown about as must-haves for the Bears. Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston, Dwayne Bowe, etc. I don't think we have a chance at any of those three.
While it's great to hear Tice, Emery and others in the Bears organization say quite plainly that they understand our greatest need is a WR threat, this is still the Chicago Bears. I just think it's too much to wish for to think we get that sure-fire receiving threat, not when there are so many depth needs.
So what happens when free agency hits? I think it's simple:
The draft has a number of outstanding WRs this season and I believe Bears are planning on using a first or second round draft pick on a WR. I'd happily take Michael Floyd in the 1st (I don't think Jeffrey will be available) or either Dwight Jones or Marvin McNutt in the 2nd.
And instead of the big name (and thus big contract) WR that many of us clamor for, I think they go small with the hopes of hitting big. And that brings me to Eddie Royal, a man both Jay Cutler and his new QB/Passing coach Jeremy Bates are very familiar with.
Royal has pretty much disappeared from the NFL spotlight after a spectacular rookie season in 2007. He caught 91 passes for 980 yards and 5 TDs his first and only season with Jay Cutler throwing to him. The three seasons since? He's just barely bested the numbers he put up his rookie season (115 receptions for 1127 yards and 4 TD).
He was so good for the Broncos his rookie season and they were so satisfied with his prospects of becoming their #1 receiver that they traded Brandon Marshall to Miami; the trade is majorly in doubt if they didn't believe in Royal, no matter how big a fit Marshall threw.
Let me be clear before I continue, I don't think Eddie Royal can come in and be our #1 immediately. But, after watching Earl Bennett's production take a nosedive after Cutler was injured this season, I looked at Eddie Royal in a different light. Maybe it wasn't a case of a one-year wonder. Maybe Royal is missing what Bennett clearly was in Weeks 11 and onward?
There's no denying that Eddie Royal looked like at least a very good #2 receiver with Jay Cutler throwing to him, and I think it would be worth our while to kick the tires, so to speak. The best thing about Royal is that after three seasons of mediocrity, he should come fairly cheap. And if Cutler can get him to produce like he did the last time they were together?
Money.
This FanPost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member, and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.
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Think the exact same player as Johnny Knox
and that’s Eddie Royal
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders
It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!
~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders
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by suckmyditka on Feb 11, 2012 10:21 AM CST up reply actions
Not as good as Knox
He doesn’t seem to possess the same kind of speed.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
True
He’s not as speedy as Knox but if Knox can’t go this year, Royal would make an excellent replacement.
In short, in life, as in a foot-ball game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard!" Theodore Roosevelt
What did Knox's speed get us? He's the reason Cutler went down remember.
Left him out in the wind with all his busted routes too …
by Wally&Mac on Feb 11, 2012 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
neither does Knox now
quite possible Knox never returns
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 11, 2012 10:49 AM CST up reply actions
better route runner
better hands
and isn’t afraid to go over the middle
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders
It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!
~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders
At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool
You forgot and he'll fight for balls & protect his QB .....
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Feb 11, 2012 3:44 PM CST up reply actions
and he's a VERY good downfield blocker
but if they bring him in they better bring in another WR because no way Royal is the #1. #2 at best, realistically a #3
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders
It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!
~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders
At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool
He could be a number 2 , but I would also prefer him to be our third ....
….. WR because we really need guys who are the complete package . Who our 2 if we get a big FA WR ? I’m thinkin Bennett .
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Feb 11, 2012 4:50 PM CST up reply actions
Depends
If they grab a big FA name and then draft a guy, I’d say Bennet or Knox.
If they Grab a couple smaller FA names (like a combination of any of these, Wayne, Royal, Manningham, Meachem) then They can all compete for the 1 and 2 spots.
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders
It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!
~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders
At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool
by suckmyditka on Feb 12, 2012 12:19 AM CST up reply actions
agreed
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 12, 2012 9:40 AM CST up reply actions
He has difficulty getting separation
which is deadly for a WR. He hasn’t gotten open for 2 years. Orton could hit someone who was open.
Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf
I don't think you've seen Royal play
I’d say he’s closer to the opposite of Knox than the same.
What??
He was the leading receiver at one point until he got injured last year! He was great. Johnny Knox? Knox was always a poor receiver – didn’t know his playbook and ran terrible routes. I’d like him as a second receiver to Marshall. Bennett in the slot and keep Roy around as a big target for Cutler’s roll-outs.
Eddie Royal is a very good idea.
A large part of the decision comes down to Sanzenbacher’s future, Johnny Knox’s future, and Emery’s plan of attack during the draft. The most pivotal of the three is Johnny Knox. He’ll be wearing a back brace for another month, and the time for recovery may take many more months, let alone him being able to run routes at full speed, extending to catch passes, and absorbing blows. 2012 will be the last year of his contract.
This is where Royal comes in. As you said, he played great with Cutler his rookie year, and still has plenty of potential. His value as a return man makes him an ideal replacement to Knox. If he doesn’t slip on routes, he may even be an upgrade.
Sign Royal, and keep Knox in the back of the roster. Let Knox make a full recovery, and the chance presents itself, give him some snaps next year. In a worst case scenario, his contract will be up at the end of the year. It’s not even that big anyways.
Eddie Royal’s salary last year had a cap hit of 942.5K. Even with a modest raise, his price shouldn’t exceed 1 million by much. If needed, the Bears can backload his deal in order to keep Knox on the roster this year and maintain financial flexibility. Make several cuts, and Royal could basically come for free. Most importantly, all of this still leaves more than enough room to add another wide receiver and address other positions too.
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
+1...
I was starting to write the same thing. I see Royal as a tougher version of Knox with better hands and route running ability. I am concerned that the Bears have more pressing needs than #3 or #4 WR, but if this were a 3rd or 4th FA signing after some other holes are filled, then good.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
I like this idea a lot. It's a low risk high reward move
Even if he doesn’t get back to to where he was as a rookie he can still be a good replacement for Johnny in the return game while being an upgrade over Sanz and REW at the WR position.
"Friendship is two pals munching on a well cooked face together."
-Carl the Llama
by Joeb'n777 on Feb 11, 2012 10:03 AM CST via mobile reply actions
The Bears already have two slot WRs
in Bennett and Hester. Don’t like the idea as much as some others here. I don’t believe there will be enough room on the roster for a guy like Royal.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
I wouldn't say he's a slot guy
Stokley was in the slot during Royal’s big year. Decker was the slot guy this year.
Yes when Royal went to the bench
Decker took his spot.
Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf
Ya they have slot guys and small receivers but...
that doesnt mean we shouldnt upgrade them
"Friendship is two pals munching on a well cooked face together."
-Carl the Llama
On a side note, why would we pick Jeffrey over Floyd?
The guy has been falling since August.
Tom Brady. Nuff said.
Good call ......
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Feb 11, 2012 12:15 PM CST up reply actions
To people who havent paid much or any attention to draft stock
they dont realize that
"Friendship is two pals munching on a well cooked face together."
-Carl the Llama
To those who have seen a lot of Royal
What does he bring to the table? Is he a burner? Does he have good footwork and runs precise routes? What made him so incredible in his rookie year with Cutler? I don’t think he’d be very expensive, but the question is, does he bring something to the table that is better than what we have?
haven't we had enough of low-risk, high reward WR?
it’s time to think outside the box, like we did to get Cutler. You have Cutler, you need a WR who can complement his skills. Our SB window (if it still exists) is quite narrow. the future is now.
"Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and f**k the prom queen."
I think the point is
that da Bears will still need to upgrade the #2 spot, even if they get a #1 in FA or the draft. He’s an upgrade over Knox/R. Williams in that he doesn’t fall down while running his routes and usually catches the ball. No one needs to tell you why he’s an upgrade over Hester.
"If the good Lord had wanted us to play soccer, he wouldn't have given us arms." - Mike Ditka
by TheAwesomeMachine on Feb 11, 2012 8:11 PM CST up reply actions
The one year they were together Royal complemented his skills pretty well
To the tune of 980 yds and 5 TDs. Not bad for a ROOKIE.
Also, if you haven’t noticed we need to add more than just one WR. Sure we could use a big #1 but we also need someone to replace Johnny Knox’s kick return contributions.
"Friendship is two pals munching on a well cooked face together."
-Carl the Llama
by Joeb'n777 on Feb 11, 2012 8:30 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Sign Eddy hes a great punt returner and WR and dose run good routs and has good hands
This guy did good with cutler and is very good at punt returns,I think hes a better Wr then knox and is only 25 i belave.Alot of u people think speed is all u need to play football.If u got speed and cant run routs aka(KNOX,HESTER) it dosent do you any good.I think speed is way over looked in the NFL.I’L take 3 Wrs that can run routs over speed any day of the week.
Okay, sign him, and trade Hester, one of our thirds this year, and either our second or third next year to Miami for Marshall
Fix the Offensive Line
by touchdown bears on Feb 11, 2012 4:19 PM CST up reply actions
Wait
I think they go small with the hopes of hitting big
Is JA back on board and I was not informed?
Nope
But Ted Phillips still is, and the McCaskey’s are still owners.
Plus, our needs are so great that after paying Forte (either the bonus or tag is going to cost a big chunk of the money we have to work with) we can’t spend big on a WR and expect to be able to competently fill out the rest of our depth.
In short, in life, as in a foot-ball game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard!" Theodore Roosevelt
+1
I have a feeling that we’re not going to throw a lot of cash at a Bowe or Colston type of FA WR this year. It’s probably going to come down to trying to hit on a second tier type of WR and a draft pick to upgrade or WR corps and find a #1.
As far as a second tier FA WR
I think he’s a wise choice. He’d likely come cheaper than Manningham. He and Garcon are both streaky, physically gifted #3s with the potential to be #2s. What he has on Garcon is above avg kick return ability, less alarming injury history, a higher ceiling, and (most significantly) established chemistry with Cutty. I live in Denver, and the feeling here is that he’s headed to greener pastures. Hopefully that means Bourbonnais and Soldier Field.
"If the good Lord had wanted us to play soccer, he wouldn't have given us arms." - Mike Ditka
by TheAwesomeMachine on Feb 11, 2012 8:26 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I think if we can sign a number 1 WR and bring in Royal it would be a nice fit
We do need 3 WRS only guy we got is bennett and hes just a number 2.
I wouldn't be opposed to this
As long as the Bears add a larger complimentary player into the receiving corps as well.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
Follow me @EDuerrwaechter
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Feb 12, 2012 8:08 AM CST reply actions
Definitely
This draft class is also somewhat stocked with bigger WRs, and a couple of those guys should be able to step in and have an immediate impact.
In short, in life, as in a foot-ball game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard!" Theodore Roosevelt
I've been impressed
with a GM who can take a weakness and make it a strength in one off-season. You can’t do it every year, and you can’t do it all the time, but this year seems to have an opportunity.
1 of these: Colston, Bowe, V. Jackson or R. Wayne
1 of these: Blackmon (trade up obviously), Floyd, Jeffery, Sanu, Quick
and Eddie Royal.
With Knox potentially missing 2012, this lets you build a solid wide receiver group over one off-season. Bennett and Royal will at least be familiar to Cutler, and he can probably grow to love the two bigger targets rather quickly. I know, its a lot to ask for, but when was the last time Chicago had that kind of fire power?
"just as Gary Fencik will go down as the last person to catch a Joe Namath pass, Wootton will be remembered in NFL history as the last player to sack Brett Favre." - John "Moon" Mullin
I don't like it.
Not to oversimplify
But he WAS thrown to by Neckbeard and Tebow. Orton only passes well when the game’s already decided and Tebow is poison for WR stats.
"If the good Lord had wanted us to play soccer, he wouldn't have given us arms." - Mike Ditka
by TheAwesomeMachine on Feb 14, 2012 8:00 PM CST up reply actions
Look at Reggie Wayne's rating.
I still can’t figure that out… but it’s impressive.
Bearsh!tt!n It ain't obscene- I'm a Bears fan that likes hittin and exclamation points.
I hear that Stan Humphries is available.
He played with Cutler on the Santa Claus Junior Mints of the Indianapolis Pop Warner League when they were 11. He’s bagging groceries now, but they had great chemistry together, even perfectly executed a flapjack pass that won their rival game against the Fuida Goat Wranglers that year.
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I would definitely check in and see what it costs to get Royal.
I don’t think he’s a game-changer, but I have to believe with a fresh start and a QB who can get him the ball he could be a solid #4, ok #3 (with some upside). His numbers were solid with Cutler as a rookie and as long as he’s not the #1 WR like he has been he might have some value.
Of course this depends a lot on what kind of contract/salary cap hit he would cost. But with Bennett/Hester/Sanzenbacher as our WRs as of now (and maybe Knox) we need at least two bodies, hopefully one being a #1 WR. I wouldn’t mind getting one of the #1 FAs, drafting a guy in the 2nd-4th in the draft and getting Royal.
Something like: Colston(FA)/Bennett/McNutt(Draft)/Royal/Sanzenbacher as an example looks a lot better to me than anything we’ve had in years.
Wow, I can't believe this much talk for a guy that has done nothing for 2 years
and couldn’t even start for Denver. Good route runner but slow with no separation. Maybe if Knox is done for the year but the best could be a #3 guy and most likely a #4 guy. We have bigger fish to fry like looking for starters at CB, Oline, DE, and WR.
Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf
Having bigger fish to fry doesn't mean not looking at viable options.
I mentioned in my earlier response as a #3 at best, #4 type to play in front of Sanzenbacher. He had a good repoire with Cutler and even marginal upgrades are worth considering and I am fairly confident he can add more value/depth than Dane right now. We don’t have to sign guys in order of priority, we sign them if/when they become available and if/when they can be signed at a price deemed reasonable for the production you expect to get. I imagine the Bears front office, if they do look at Royal don’t see him as a #1, a #2 or worth paying that kind of money for him. If he comes cheap and we use him as a #4… I’m all for it.
Outside of maybe the original post… I’m not sure many are advocating getting him as a #1 a #2 or paying him big money.
I only said potential #1 or #2
If, and that’s a big IF, he can reproduce what he was able to in Denver (#2) or exceed it (#1).
The main reason to check out Royal is that he would be cheap. He hasn’t done anything in 2 years, so he can’t demand any type of big contract, and because he wouldn’t have a big contract, if he goes through training camp and still looks bad, we can cut him. No big loss.
If he works out, he gives the team a valid option in a receiving corps that right now consists of Earl Bennett, Devin Hester, and Dane Sanzenbacher (I don’t think Knox should play in 2012). Even if we add another big time free agent and use a draft pick, I’m not happy with that depth.
In short, in life, as in a foot-ball game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard!" Theodore Roosevelt
With this I concur.
Every option is worth exploring, especially when we have such a dearth of talent at the position. As always, cost is the biggest mitigating factor for me here. If he can be had for a song, I take a flier on him, expecting nothing more than a #4. Anything else would be gravy.
Just because he is cheap doesn't mean he is good
The guy was put away on the end of the bench except for special teams? What does that tell you?? I would rather keep REW as my 3 or 4 instead. I am not a Sanzenbacher fan either, he dropped too mnay throws for my liking and should be gone. If I was going to focus on a #2 or so guy I would pursue Meachem and spend money there. Once a guy can’t get separation any longer he is good to no one.
Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf
Maybe you missed the part
Where I said they could cut him in training camp if he doesn’t work out.
Cheap doesn’t mean good, but cheap can mean worth checking out.
In short, in life, as in a foot-ball game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard!" Theodore Roosevelt
I caught it
I just say they can bring in someone that they know will stick with the team..
Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf
"Would rather keep REW"
No.
"If the good Lord had wanted us to play soccer, he wouldn't have given us arms." - Mike Ditka
by TheAwesomeMachine on Feb 14, 2012 8:12 PM CST up reply actions
Eddie Royal is awesome
First of all Chicago has horrible receivers- except for Bennett and while he was here Olsen.
Eddie Royal is a class A receiver-an actual receiver- who didn’t get along with McDaniels and was being thrown to by Tebow. He made several game winning catches with Cutler including a few classics.
He made an incredible catch against the Steelers during the playoffs. Think of a burner who plays like Bennett. He’s also a run after the catch guy (he’s the Broncos return specialist). He will break off routes and come back when Cutler scrambles- also he will make tough catches in the middle of the field. This is not a converted receiver.
Royal is vastly underused. Ex-Broncos constantly discuss how he should be thrown to and is the only true no 1 on the Bronco roster. He wants out of Denver and misses Cutler.

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