After Losing Alshon Jeffery, the Chicago Bears Should Target Free Agent Wide Receiver Michael Floyd
After losing Alshon Jeffery, the Chicago Bears should go out and get free agent wide receiver Michael Floyd.
The Chicago Bears lost their own marquee free agent when wide receiver Alshon Jeffery signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether the Bears had a competitive offer on the table is unknown and irrelevant. All that matters is that we know Jeffery will no longer be catching passes for the Bears.
This obviously leaves a huge hole at the wide receiver position. Jeffery is a big and talented true number one receiver. Sure, he dealt with plenty of injuries over the years, but Jeffery’s on-field production will be missed.
As it sits now, Kevin White, Cameron Meredith and the newly signed Markus Wheaton are the top three receivers on the Bears’ depth chart. Even if White somehow reaches his full potential, that group leaves a lot to be desired. Whether it is in free agency or the 2017 NFL Draft, the Bears need to make significant additions to the position.
Looking over the remaining free agent options, Michael Floyd is the name that immediately stands out for the Bears. Floyd was released by the Arizona Cardinals last season after an ugly DUI arrest. He finished out the year with in a limited role with the New England Patriots. There is obviously some off-field concern here, but Floyd is a big and talented receiver who has a history of success.
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It was not long ago when Floyd was running around making plays for the Cardinals on a consistent basis. From 2013 to 2015, Floyd averaged 55 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns per season. Solid numbers, especially considering how many mouths there were to feed in Arizona.
Listed at 6-3, 220 pounds, Floyd plays a similar big receiver role as Jeffery. He is a powerful man who will man-handle opposing defensive backs. Floyd does an incredible job of using his body to help himself get in position to make plays.
Floyd is far from a burner on the outside, but he does have enough speed to make plays deep. He also tracks the ball in the air extremely well and shows a high-level of natural athleticism. Perhaps most notably, Floyd is a dangerous weapon in the red zone. Floyd has fantastic natural wide receiver ability that cannot be ignored on the field.
Plus, at only 27-years-old, there is a fair amount of upside here. Floyd has flashed moments of big-time ability over the years. His inconsistency is a concern, but the talent is undoubtedly there.
Floyd, White and Meredith as your top three receivers gives you a chance to compete on the outside. It is far from an elite group, but there is some serious legitimate upside in that mix of players.
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The Bears need to add bodies to the wide receiver position. Floyd is a talented young guy who could thrive in the right opportunity. As long as the price is fair, I would love to see the Chicago Bears be the team to give him a shot.