Chicago Bears 2017 free agency profiles: Wide receivers

Markus Wheaton, 25 (5-foot-11, 190 pounds)

With the suspension of Martavis Bryant for the season, Wheaton was to be a big part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense.

After three games, however, he suffered a shoulder injury and required surgery on his labrum. He missed the rest of the season.

Being an unrestricted free agent, not many teams will take a chance and give Wheaton a big contract. He needs to sign a one-year, “prove it” kind of contract to show he can still play at a high level.

That could turn out to be an advantage for the Bears.

With more money in cap space than most other teams, the Bears could offer Wheaton a bigger one year offer without breaking the bank.

Wheaton could replace the oft-injured Eddie Royal in the slot. Yes, Wheaton had major injury, but aside from his rookie season, he played in every game (between 2014 and 2015). Royal had a litany of injuries that kept him off the field. He missed 13 games in seven seasons in Denver and San Diego, then went and missed 14 games in two seasons in Chicago.

Wheaton averages 14.0 yards per catch and has 8 touchdowns. As I said, finding the end zone is of great importance and something the Bears struggled with over the past several seasons.

Of course, Wheaton could return to Pittsburgh since he is familiar with the system. The problem, though, is that Bryant may be reinstated, and Ronnie Coates emerged late as a good option. Add to that the fact that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he may retire and Wheaton could end up somewhere else.

Wheaton has good hands and the speed to break away after catches. He also helps on kickoff returns. He averages 23.6 yards per kickoff return.

With all the injuries suffered by the Chicago Bears in 2016, some may wonder why they’d sign someone with major injury. If the Bears sign him to a team-friendly deal, however, they could end up with a steal.