2012 NFL Free-Agent Predictions: Which Receivers Will the Chicago Bears Target?
Published by Ryan Phillips on March 6, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears need wide receivers. Everyone knows it, and they are sure to go hard after a few guys this offseason. Luckily for Chicago, there are several solid options that will hit the market very soon.
First on the list will likely be San Diego Chargers two-time Pro Bowler Vincent Jackson. I’m sure he’ll be the team’s first option, but everyone is going to be after him, and on top of that, he would prefer to stay in San Diego. At the end of the day, I think Jackson returns to the Bolts, which means Chicago will have to turn its attention elsewhere.
New Orleans Saints receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem will both be available, and both guys could provide an upgrade over the team’s current roster of below-average targets. Colston has been one of the league’s most consistent wideouts during his six-year career, hauling in 449 passes for 6,240 yards and 48 touchdowns. He could be a fit as the possession guy that quarterback Jay Cutler has been missing.
Another guy hitting the open market will be Dallas‘ Laurent Robinson, who just wrapped up a really nice season. In 14 games, Robinson had 54 catches for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is just 26 years old and could be hitting his stride as a consistent threat in the NFL.
Two more local options will also be available, as both Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon of the Indianapolis Colts appear set to test free-agent waters. While Wayne is certainly slowing down at 33 years old and after wrapping up his 11th year in the league, Garcon is just getting started.
The 25-year-old Garcon is coming off a career-year, during which he hauled in 70 receptions for 947 yards and six touchdowns for a team with a horrendous offense. Imagine what he could do with a consistent quarterback tossing him the ball.
The Bears will have options when free agency starts in a few days. While I’m sure they’d love to make a splash and land Jackson, that’s a dream scenario. There are other fish in the sea, and one of the other guys listed is probably a more likely result.
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