DEEP THOUGHT: BEARS NEED A WR
Bears must sign free- agent receivers to improve Trubisky’s supporting cast
With general manager Ryan Pace wading into what he calls the “treacherous waters” of free agency, here are five moves we would make if we ran the Bears:
1. Sign WR Allen Robinson
Is the risk worth the reward? Pace asks that question with every player in free agency.
Robinson embodies risk. He had only one catch last season for the Jaguars because he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Week 1.
His production also decreased in 2016 ( 73 catches, 883 yards, six touchdowns) after his breakout season in 2015 ( 80 catches, 1,400 yards, 14 touchdowns), though quarterback Blake Bortles’ inefficiency was a likely factor.
But if Pace is going to be aggressive in his pursuit of anyone, it must be the 24- year- old Robinson. His youth and upside fit the Bears’ rebuilding plan.
As always, the competition for Robinson will shape his contract, but some teams likely will push for an incentive- laden contract to offset the risk. Bears chief negotiator Joseph Laine and Pace prefer inserting incentives in contacts. But to sign Robinson, the Bears need to be competitive with the guaranteed money.
That could mean exceeding price parameters they’ve set for Robinson, a course of action they’ve refused to take with other free agents.
Robinson should change that, though. Have we mentioned that quarterback Mitch Trubisky needs the help?
2. Sign WR Albert Wilson
Coach Matt Nagy lured senior offensive assistant Brad Childress, the former Chiefs assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, to help install the Chiefs’ offense. That’s partly why Wilson, a 5- 9 speedster, should be signed, too. Adding Wilson wouldn’t solve the Bears’ woes at receiver. He’s a complementary piece. But Wilson’s familiarity with Nagy certainly would help. Wilson, 25, set career highs last season with 42 catches for 554 yards and three touchdowns, including a 63- yarder.
3. Sign TE Jimmy Graham
Pace prefers signing players who have connections to him or his coaches. It limits risk. The successful signings of defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and linebacker Danny Trevathan are examples. Pace was part of the Saints’ front office that drafted Graham in 2010. That familiarity could result in a shortterm deal. If Pace can convince Hicks to leave the Patriots, then there’s hope that Graham will at least entertain Pace. The Packers and Saints are reportedly interested in Graham, 31. But his age should limit the years attached to potential offers, which helps the Bears. Evaluating free- agent tight ends starts with the Eagles’ Trey Burton. But NFL Network reported that he’s expected to have a robust market. Burton has potential, but it’s best not to overpay for his limited production. Graham, meanwhile, still is productive. His 10 touchdowns last season for the Seahawks were his most since he had the same for the Saints in 2014.