The Chicago Bears have a real need for wide receiver talent. Trying to get lucky with late draft picks and players like Cameron Meredith is not how you get offensive production. There is only one team that can make this work and they have the best QB ever. The Bears are piece meal-ing this offense with the hope that Kevin White can make it all season. Now with the latest additions of Kendall Wright and Markus Wheaton, they seem to have an abundance. Over the summer, it will make for an interesting competition for players like Josh Bellamy and Daniel Braverman to make the team.
Here is a rundown of what the Bears will be getting from their two recent acquisitions at wide receiver.
Markus Wheaton
In 2016 Markus was limited to just four games because of a torn labrum. Before last season, Wheaton was used primarily as a slot receiver, averaging 17 yards per catch and a few home run touchdowns. “Markus is a deep threat receiver,” general manager Ryan Pace said. “In 2015, he was top 10 in reception average. I really like his makeup and his toughness going all the way back to Oregon State, but he's a guy who can really run and gives us that element in our offense that I think that we need, speed." (ESPN).
Getting a receiver with the skills of Marcus can really open the Bears' offense with a true #1 wide receiver.
With the money the Bears gave him upfront, they expect Marcus Wheaton to step up right away.
Markus Wheaton has essentially been the Steelers biggest disappointment this year. He is a free agent in 2017... do you re-sign or let walk? pic.twitter.com/6Gs7BI1Jrb
— The Steel Crew (@TheSteelCrew) December 16, 2016
Kendall Wright
Kendall Wright has ties to the Bears' offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.
He held the same position in Kendall's first two years on the Titans. Those were his most productive years as a wide receiver. Kendall caught 67 receptions his rookie season and then jumped to 94 receptions for 1016 yards in his sophomore year in the league. Since then his production has taken a dive because of new coaches installed.
This signing will provide much depth to the receiver position and both combined are needed to match what a healthy Alshon Jeffery brings to the table.
.@1kendallwright can do no wrong. https://t.co/3Bwed5CZuq
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 12, 2017