Chicago Bears 2017 free agency profiles: Wide receivers

Russell Shepard, 26 (6-foot-1, 200 pounds)

Going through free agency doesn’t always mean signing the big-name players. Sometimes success in free agency involves finding a diamond on a bargain.

Shepard could be a steal for the Chicago Bears (or anyone else who signs him). In his first 3+ seasons in Tampa Bay, he did not see much time at receiver. He played mostly on special teams.

Much as the Bears did in 2016, the Bucs experienced injury troubles to their receivers corps. As a result, Shepard got a shot to perform, and he made the best of that shot.

Shepard made 23 catches for 343 yards after making 7 for 91 in his previous three seasons combined. He averaged 14.8 yards per catch and scored two touchdowns. He made at least one catch of 10 yards or more in each of his last nine games.

The Bears could sign Shepard for added depth, and he can end up playing a bigger part of the offense. He could be a part of the rotation and get regular playing time AS A RECEIVER.

Shepard will get a bump in salary wherever he goes, but signing him will still be for a relatively low cost. He is a receiver who gets downfield, opening up the field for other receivers and giving his quarterbacks more options. As any quarterback will tell you, having options is a luxury greatly appreciated.