Chicago Bears: Kendall Wright Signing a Fantastic Low-Risk, High-Upside Move
The Chicago Bears signing of wide receiver Kendall Wright is a fantastic low-risk, high upside move.
The Chicago Bears are making a lot of nice under-the-radar moves in free agency. Sure, they are not landing any premier free agents, but Ryan Pace is doing a great job of finding value on the open market. The Bears know that the best way to build a team is through the draft. Using free agency to fill in the gaps is the best way to go.
Arguably the best signing the Bears have made so far is landing wide receiver Kendall Wright. The Bears signed Wright to a one-year contract worth up to $4 million. Wright is an extremely talented receiver who could end up being a massive bargain.
Wright is a former first-round selection (20th overall in 2012). He entered the league as a quick and explosive player who could make a consistent impact. Wright had a lot of success early in his career.
As a rookie with the Tennessee Titans, Wright caught 64 passes for 626 yards and four touchdowns. Wright took over a larger role in the offense as a second-year player in 2013, finishing the year with 94 receptions for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns.
His offensive coordinator for those first two years in Tennessee? None other than current Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. Loggains used Wright extremely well in Tennessee, allowing him to be a consistent threat in the slot. Wright does not have the size or physicality to compete on a full-time basis on the outside. Loggains allowed him to succeed as a slot receiver instead of forcing him into something that he was not.
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Wright did have one good year without Loggains. In 2014, Wright caught 57 passes for 715 yards and six touchdowns in only 14 games (11 starts). However, after that season, Wright’s career has taken a sharp turn downhill.
He has consistently struggled with injuries over the last two season. Wright has not been able to stay on the field and is not producing at a high level even when he is on it. Wright has barely been able to produce 400 yards the last two seasons. He was undoubtedly in need of a change of scenery.
Getting back with Loggains is a good move for Wright. Loggains knows how to use him properly in the slot. Wright is still a quick and explosive player who can get open and make plays after the catch.
Next: Remaining Free Agents Bears Should Target
Pace did a very nice job of finding a value free agent here. Kendall Wright is a perfect low-risk, high reward player. If it doesn’t work out, no big deal, but Wright has legitimate game-breaking ability.