The Chicago Bears are in need of another receiver heading into the spring after trading Brandon Marshall and with a top 10 pick in the draft, players like Amari Cooper, Kevin White or DeVante Parker could be options and this comes with names like Michael Crabtree, Hakeem Nicks, Greg Jennings and Reggie Wayne still available as free agents.
The Bears are in solid salary cap shape after the initial wave of free agency with $15 million available to use, which is above the league average according to ESPN. The team has been active while signing Antrel Rolle, Eddie Royal, Pernell McPhee and Vladimir Ducasse and Michael C. Wright at ESPN reports the team could be interested in adding at wide receiver or linebacker before the draft.
According or ESPN Chicago, Brandon Spikes, Mason Foster, Greg Jennings, Michael Crabtree and Hakeem Nicks could be potential additions. The team was reportedly working on a contract with Foster last week, but Wright reports that two sides were "not close" to getting a deal done. Some have speculated that the Bears could look at drafting Marcus Mariota if he falls to number seven, with Michael C. Wright reporting on ESPN Chicago that the team could "consider" the quarterback at the pick.
The team signed Eddie Royal to a deal, but the Bears could use some more depth behind Alshon Jeffery and Marquess Wilson for Jay Cutler. The team flirted with the idea of a Cutler trade this offseason, but that never got close to happening for general manager Ryan Pace. The Bears likely will use the draft to add a playmaker at wide receiver, but there is a chance they could look at the free agent market after adding Royal. Nicks or Wayne could be cheap options, while Michael Crabtree is one of the better names left on the market.
According to ESPN, Crabtree met with the Dolphins on Thursday and he also has had some interest from the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers. Crabtree had 68 catches for 698 yards and four touchdowns last season for the 49ers and the team was not interested in signing him back. Crabtree is 27 years old and has a serious injury in his past, but he could be a solid option as a third or fourth receiver. Royal was signed to a three year deal and he likely will be used in the slot and in sets across from Jeffery.
The Bears pick at number seven overall in the draft and with a strong class coming out this year, the team could look at a wide receiver with the selection. Amari Cooper is considered to be one of the best wideouts in the nation and he is coming off of a strong season with 124 receptions for 1727 yards and 16 touchdowns. Kevin White has been getting buzz after running a very fast 40-yard dash at the combine and he also had an impressive season for West Virginia with 109 receptions for 1447 yards.
The team also may look at the running back position in the draft, as Matt Forte is 29 years old and approaching that age when most players at that position start to break down. Forte has been a very consistent players for the Bears during the course of his career and while he is coming off of a strong season, but the team could look at adding a player in the draft. According to ESPN.com, the team was present at Georgia's Pro Day and they spoke with running back Todd Gurley while attending the workout.
