Free-Agent Wide Receivers Bears Should Look At

Today I will look at the Bears weakest position going into the 2009-2010 season, wide receiver.

First lets see what they currently have on their roster.

Besides Devin Hester and Rashied Davis the Bears have no receivers, who have ever caught a pass in the NFL.

Last years 3rd round pick Earl Bennett had great chemistry with new Bears QB Jay Cutler, but failed to learn the playbook, thus never getting in the starting lineup.

The other receiver is Brandon Rideau, he has spent the last three seasons on the Bears practice squad.

The tight ends are solid with former first round pick Greg Olsen, and veteran Desmond Clark.

But, they definitely need some help at the wide receiver position.

Here are some wide receivers the Bears should look at:

Torry Holt- soon to be 33 year old, had his worst season statistically last year since 1999, catching 64 passes, 796 yards receiving and only three touchdowns. Holt still has some years left in the tank, but might be signing with the Tennessee Titans pretty soon.

Amani Toomer- 35 years old, caught 48 passes, having 580 yards receiving, and four touchdowns. Might have one year left in the tank.

Drew Bennett- almost 31 years old, Bennett has struggled to stay healthy the last two seasons, catching only 34 passes, having 379 yards receiving and three touchdown passes. Before he came to St. Louis he had three big seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Maybe he can get back to his 2006 form, if he stays healthy.

Darrell Jackson- the 30 year old receiver only caught 12 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown last season with the Denver Broncos. The previous season he caught 46 passes for almost 500 yards and three touchdowns. Jackson might be on the wrong side of 30, but if he could play like he did in 2006, he could be a sweet addition.

Mike Furrey- almost 32 years old, Furrey failed to stay healthy last season but had two solid seasons from 2006-2007, catching 159 passes, having over 1700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Furrey could be a decent pickup.

D.J. Hackett- a fifth round pick in 2004, has played in only 15 games since 2007 and has only 45 catches, about 500 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His biggest season was 2006, when he caught 45 passes, 610 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. Hackett is a big receiver, who still has a lot of seasons left in the NFL.

Ronald Curry- the 30 year old receiver caught only 19 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns last season. From 2006-2008, Curry caught over 110 passes, 1400 yards and five touchdown passes. Curry could be a nice player, if he stays away from the injury bug.

Joe Jurevicius- I wrote an article recently, about this soon to be 35 year old receiver, here. This will most likely be his last season, if he plays.

Earl Bennett Speaks Up About Jay Cutler Trade

Earl Bennett spoke about being reunited with his old teammate at Vanderbilt:

"I was surprised, I thought it was a joke."

"Jay just asked me if I was ready, he is going to be a great asset to our offense, and I think we're going to get things rolling. He is a great guy. He's going to do a great job for our organization."

"What people don't know is Jay is a very vocal leader, I remember an overtime game against Florida my freshman year. That was probably the most vocal I ever heard him.

"Jay joining us does give me a comfort zone. But at the same time, we still have to get on the same page. It's going to be a great process. Just knowing the things that we can do, it's going to be great."

Bennett was asked if Cutler has been portrayed unfairly following the fallout in Denver.

"I don't think Jay's a crybaby. He's a competitor, he's always ready to play football. There's nothing wrong with being competitive."

What Do I Think?

I think having Jay Cutler as the Bears starting quarterback helps Earl Bennett the most.

Cutler and Bennett had a great relationship at Vanderbilt and with Bennett having one season to know the plays, they will be fun to watch.

The other players who will be way better, will be speedster Devin Hester and tight end Greg Olsen.

The Bears still need a couple more receivers, either through the draft or free agency.

This season will be much more fun to watch with Cutler under center.


all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

What Are the Bears' Odds of Getting QB Jay Cutler?

According to ESPN.com the Bears odds to get QB Jay Cutler in a trade with Denver are 5-1.


This is what ESPN.com's Bill Williamson had to say:

"Making such a deal may be out of character for general manager Jerry Angelo, but the Bears need a quarterback and two of their NFC North foes will be going after Cutler. They need to make a push. Chicago has the No. 18 pick."

There are three teams ahead of the Bears right now, the NY Jets (3-1), TB Bucs (3-1) and the Detroit Lions (4-1).

I know the Bears would love to have Jay Cutler throwing to Bears players like Devin Hester, Matt Forte, Earl Bennett and Greg Olsen, but i don't know if the Bears would be willing to give up a lot for a whiner like Cutler.

I have read many proposed deals that could work for both the Broncos and the Bears.

Here's the examples:

1) QB Kyle Orton, CB Nathan Vasher, the Bears' first round pick (18) and third round pick (84).

2) DT Marcus Harrison, CB Corey Graham and two first round picks.

3) MLB Brian Urlacher and the first round pick (18) could be enough.

They could also make a three-team trade.

I would love to see the Bears get Jay Cutler, let's just wait and see what happens.

Bears sign WR

According to ESPN.com, the Bears signed wide receiver Devin Aromashodu off the Washington Redskins' practice squad.

Devin Aromashodu took the roster spot of Dusty Dvoraceck, who officially went on the injured reserve today.

Devin Aromashodu won a Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts.

Devin Aromashodu was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round of the 2006 draft out of Auburn.

He had 71 receptions, 1,333 yards receiving, and nine touchdowns with the Auburn Tigers. (2002-2005)

He is a 6'2" wide receiver, who weighs about 200 pounds.

Last year he saw his first action of his career, where he appeared in six games and caught seven passes for 96 yards for the Colts.

He has also been apart of the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins practice squads.

Maybe, this means the Bears are fed up with the production of Rashied Davis, Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd.

Booker left last game with bruised ribs, and there was no update on his status for Thursday's nights' game.


Booker on possibility of playing Thursday night:

`This game here, I would say, will be a game-time decision, but we don't know. Definitely I'll probably only sit out one game.''

``I knew it [was cracked] as soon as I did it, Sunday night was unbelievable. I didn't get any sleep. I'm still having trouble sleeping. But I'm able to move around. Yesterday, I was like Frankenstein. But today, I'm able to move around a little bit better.''

Rashied Davis has dropped more balls, than he has caught in the last three games and Brandon Lloyd is flat out invisible.

They need to give Earl Bennett and Brandon Rideau a shot because besides Devin Hester they have no receivers.

I think Rideau will be active for this game, if Booker can't go.

Rideau is 6'3" and looked to be a weapon during the pre-season.

Why sign Devin Aromashodu?

Maybe, this Devin Aromashodu guy is pretty good.

Hopefully!

We need him to help Kyle Orton and the offense out.

Lloyd Out; Booker, Tillman, Vasher and Williams Questionable

Brandon Lloyd is officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions and Marty Booker, Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher and rookie T Chris Williams are all questionable.

Also, Tommie Harris is suspended by head coach Lovie Smith for the game because he showed up late to some of treatments for his knee.

Kyle Orton had this to say about playing without WR Brandon Lloyd:

“It’s tough because he’s really coming on strong, he made a couple really nice catches and ran some great routes last week.”

Devin Hester had this to say about playing without WR Brandon Lloyd:

We know Brandon Lloyd went down, he’s a key receiver, but he’s down this week. It’s just going to give the next guy an opportunity to make plays. With him being down, it’s time for somebody else to step up.”

Lovie Smith on Tommie Harris suspension:

“We’re not trying to send any messages, it’s pretty simple: You’ve got rules, you break rules and you get punished.”

Other News:

After being inactive for the first four games, Bennett could be in uniform Sunday at Ford Field.

“I’m very eager to get the opportunity to get out there and play and help us win a game,” said the third-round pick from Vanderbilt. “If opportunity knocks, I’m there.”

Starting cornerbacks Charles Tillman (shoulder) and Nate Vasher (wrist) were limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable on the injury report, but both said they expected to play against the Lions.

Booker (knee) was also limited and listed as questionable, while rookie left tackle Chris Williams practiced without restrictions and was listed as questionable.

The first-round draft pick has been making steady progress in his rehabilitation from back surgery.

“Chris Williams had another good day and he’s had a good week of practice,” said coach Lovie Smith. “That’s always good to get a player like that back into the mix.”

Bears DT Anthony Adams, WR Mark Bradley Among Inactives from Week 1

The big surprise from the inactives from week 1 is that Bears DT Anthony Adams has gone from being a starter on the depth chart to being inactive.

Wide receiver Mark Bradley, who expressed frustration last week over his role in the offense, is also inactive.

Also down are safety Craig Steltz, guard Dan Buenning, defensive tackle Matt Toeaina, wide receiver Earl Bennett, offensive tackle Chris Williams and quarterback Caleb Hanie.

Devin Hester and Brandon Lloyd named Starting WR's

The Bears named WR/KR Devin Hester aka Windy City Flyer or ridicilous and WR Brandon Lloyd their starting WR's.

Behind them will be Earl Bennett, Marty Booker, Rashied Davis and Mark Bradley, who all look like good solid options.

Taking a Look at Their Final Preseason Game

At the end of the Bears final preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, the Bears came out the winners.

The won 16-10 and held the Browns to zero points in the second half.

But, Head Coach Lovie Smith had this to say about his defense "I'm disappointed."

"The plan was to get a couple of three-and-outs and then take the players out, but it didn't turn out that way. We didn't play well. Believe me, if we could put our finger on it we would have done something about it before now. We've got a little bit more time to get it right.

"We haven't played well. That is all you can say about it. We have not made all the effort we need to play well. All the things that go into playing well, we haven't done. Once we get all our guys going, I feel we will have a very strong defense."

Starting CB Charles Tillman was aksed about the D's bad play this preseason and he had this say "If I had an answer I'd tell you right now, we have to get this cleaned up."

Keep in mind the Bears did rest two key starters on the defense, S Mike Brown and DT Tommie Harris.

They also kept G Terrance Metcalf, who has been injured for a while on the sideline and TE Desmond Clark out.

Backup G Chester Adams was injured on the last play of the first half and reportedly went out with a knee injury.

That is why they need to get Fred Miller in uniform as a backup, just to get a veteran presence in there.

Read my Fred Miller article for more info, http://bleacherreport.com/articles/52003-fred-miller-waiting-to-make-decision-with-bears.

Offensively:

On the bright side for the Bears, 3rd string QB Caleb Hanie finished the game 12/17, for 115 yards and led the Bears down the field for two field goals.

Grossman led the Bears to there only TD drive, in a 19 yard pass to Brandon Rideau.

Orton was 4/7 and threw a bad ball because John St. Clair missed his block.

P.J. Pope, who was on the practice squad last season, carried the ball eight times for 34 yards in the second half.

The last WR spot on the Bears roster could come down to Marty Booker, Mark Bradley or Brandon Rideau.

This will be a tough call because the Bears depth at WR looks like this, Brandon Lloyd, Rashied Davis, Devin Hester, Mark Bradley, Marty Booker, Brandon Rideau.

Don't forget 3rd round pick Earl Bennett from Vanderbilt.

I think Rideau and Bradley should both make the team, because last night they combined for eight catches, 105 yards and one TD.

I don't know what you do with Marty Booker, he hasn't showed much this preseason.

This will be a tough call for the Bears, but for sure you have to keep Mark Bradley, because he is the type of play maker Bernard Berrian was.

Did you know?

Because the Bears beat the Browns last night, they prevented themselves form going 0-4 in the preseason for the first time since 1998.

Good Stuff:

On a fourth and goal for the Browns in the 4th quarter the Bears Craig Steltz tipped the ball and stopped the Browns from scoring.

Before, that play S Leonard Peters, who was on the practice squad last season, forced a fumble, which was later overturned.

Also, undrafted free agent CB Trey Brown who took Cedric Benson's #32 picked off Ken Dorsey in the fourth quarter.

Lastly, the Bears K Robbie Gould looked "good as gold" last night, he kicked he made all three field goal attempts he had and his longest was a 48 yarder.

Heading into the regular season:

Cutting there roster to 53 men, is going to be tough for the Bears.

They must make there moves by Saturday.

The D is dissapointed in themselves, and they should be, they gave up an average of 25 points, 326 total yards, 161 of that on the ground per game.

If they want to be the D they were in 2006, they better step it up a couple of notches

Chicago Bears: Highlights From Training Camp, Day 3

Welcome back to Chicago Bears Training Camp highlights. Yesterday was the third day of training camp for the Bears and Devin Hester decided to show up for all those Bears fans screaming his name.

Devin Hester showed up on the field, but did not participate in practice because of a hamstring injury.

Many believe this is a made up injury, just so he does not lose money every day.

The fans were sure excited to see him out there though.

Rex Grossman appeared much better than Kyle Orton.

First Round Pick LT Chris Williams sat out friday's practice with a back injury.

Also, Rashied Davis and Earl Bennett reeled in some difficult passes.

Jason McKie was alerted that Hester was coming to the practice field.

Hester decided to call him at about 1:00 A.M. and McKie informed many of his teammates and coaches.

Not much really happened on Day three of Chicago Bears Training Camp.

Chicago Bears Player Preview: Earl Bennett

Today I will preview the Chicago Bears other 3rd round pick, Earl Bennett, on Chicago Bears Player Preview.

Personally, I think this guy was a steal in this years NFL Draft.
Bennett set the SEC record for career receptions with 236. In his first two years, no one in the SEC had more receptions than he did. Also, he is the first ever SEC receiver to record 75+ receptions in three seasons.

The 6'1," 202 Ib wideout is best buds with Chicago Bears first round pick OT Chris Williams (Also from Vanderbilt).

Bennett has reliable hands and just enough speed to go deep. With his above average cutting ability, he is able to shake off defenders. Many thought he was the best play maker at Vanderbilt.

The only thing Bennett needs to work on is his route running.

Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said this days after they drafted Bennett: "We'll give him an opportunity to come in and compete right away." "He's a very intelligent young man, so he shouldn't have any trouble picking things up. He's very competitive, so I know he'll enjoy coming in and competing."

Those stats show Bennett can do it all. In 2006, his best season, he recorded 82 receptions for 1,146 yards and earned all-SEC honors for two straight seasons. In his junior year, he received all-SEC honors once again.

In 3 years with the Commodores, Bennett finished with 236 receptions, 2,852 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns. I like those stats.

Only 21 years old, he reamins unsigned, but is expected compete for that open #1 WR spot. I see him doing just that and becoming the threat that Devin Hester could develop into. It will be hard for a rookie to come in and win the #1 spot. If he doesn't develop this season, he will down the road.