Chicago Bears Sign Free Agent Wide Receiver Markus Wheaton
After losing Alshon Jeffery to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears began their attempt to replace him on Thursday with the signing of free agent wide receiver Markus Wheaton.
Day 1 of the 2017 NFL Free Agency period has not gone well for the Chicago Bears. Not only have the Bears lost out on seemingly every big name free agent that they targeted before the start of the new league year, but they also lost wide receiver Alshon Jeffery to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bears have begun their efforts to replace Alshon Jeffery, as the team has signed free agent wide receiver Markus Wheaton.
Source: The #Bears are signing WR Markus Wheaton, formerly of the #Steelers
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2017
Wheaton was drafted by the Philadelphia Steelers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. After compiling 749 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns for the Steelers in 2015, Wheaton figured to be an important piece to the Steelers’ offense in 2016. However, a shoulder injury only limited Wheaton to three games for the Steelers last season.
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Prior to the shoulder injury in 2016, Wheaton was progressing towards being a productive wide receiver in the NFL. Though, one must question how much of Wheaton’s progress was due to being in the same offense as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown. Wheaton is now joining a Bears’ wide receiving unit that lacks a true primary wide receiver. If Wheaton is healthy and continues his progress, it’s possible that he could be the Bears’ No. 1 wide receiver entering the 2017 season.
Even after the signing of Wheaton, the Bears will need to address the wide receiver position early in the 2017 NFL Draft. Kevin White has shown nothing in his first two seasons as he has ended each season on the injured reserve list. Meanwhile, veteran Eddie Royal is expected to be released once he is able to pass a physical.
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The Bears may have a new quarterback in Mike Glennon, but that will not mean much if they don’t provide him with a support system. Wheaton may be the first step of the Chicago Bears giving Glennon something to work with.