Chicago Bears’ 5 Best Draft Options to Replace Brandon Marshall
Published by Matt Eurich on March 13, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Just three years after giving up two third-round picks to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the Chicago Bears officially traded Marshall and a seventh-round pick to the New York Jets this past Tuesday for a fifth-round pick, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Actual trade compensation in Brandon Marshall trade: Jets get Chicago’s 7th-round pick plus Marshall for NY’s 5th-round pick, per NFL source
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2015
In Marshall’s three seasons in Chicago he hauled in 279 catches for 3,524 yards with 31 touchdowns. He struggled with injuries last season but still caught 61 passes for 721 yards with eight touchdowns.
Despite his productivity, he started to wear out his welcome in Chicago, and new general manager Ryan Pace decided it was best to move on from him.
“He’s a good football player,” Pace said, via Michael C. Wright of ESPN Chicago. “Going forward, we felt this was the best for us. Quite frankly, it’s the best situation for him, too. So that’s where we’re at.”
With Marshall out of the picture, the Bears acted quickly and signed veteran receiver Eddie Royal to a three-year deal on Wednesday.
#Bears have signed free-agent receiver Eddie Royal to a 3-year contract. https://t.co/QEOIMqZI7e
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 12, 2015
Royal has hauled in 338 catches for 3,750 yards with 25 touchdowns in his seven-year career, but he is more of a slot guy who will likely be the team’s No. 3 receiver.
While the team could look to free agency to add someone who can complement both Alshon Jeffery and Royal, they may have better options available in the draft.
Here are the Chicago Bears’ five best draft options to replace Brandon Marshall.
