Who Will The Chicago Bears Sign To Replace Brandon Marshall?

Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens, Age 26

I wrote earlier this past week about Torrey Smith. He is a speed burner who will provide the Bears a lot of big plays. He stretches out the defense, requiring attention up top, and the remaining big receivers the Bears have like Jeffery, Martellus Bennett and Marquess Wilson can take advantage underneath.

Last season was a mixed bag for Smith. He had a career-high 11 touchdowns, but had only 49 receptions for 767 yards. In 2013, he had 65 receptions and 1,128 yards. He was used mostly as a decoy with the Ravens in 2014.

In Chicago, Smith will have a lot of targets. Jay Cutler has the arm to throw deep, and with Smith, he doesn’t necessarily need to complete those passes. Smith led the NFL in pass interference calls, drawing 12 of them for 261 yards.

With Smith getting attention, things will also open up for Matt Forte. Forte will have more room to run the ball, and he will be an even bigger threat receiving the ball out of the backfield.

Smith looks to receive a contract worth around $8-$9 million per year. As with Maclin, he has a lot of suitors. The 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Chiefs and Raiders may look to him after Maclin signs. If you notice a trend, the Bears will have a lot of competition for receivers. If the Bears don’t get in on Smith, he may go to the Texans.

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