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Chicago Bears Free Agency: Markus Wheaton Signing is Awful

By Dan Schmelzer

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster (36) hits Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) on an attempted punt return during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster (36) hits Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) on an attempted punt return during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears have made some nice moves in NFL free agency, but this Markus Wheaton signing is indefensible.

As a whole, I like what the Chicago Bears have done in free agency. No, they have not broken the bank for any marquee free agents and that can be frustrating knowing that they are working with a ton of cap space. That being said, just because you have the money to spend, does not mean that you need to blow it on terrible contracts.

The Bears did a nice job of finding values in free agency. The additions of Marcus Cooper and Kendall Wright were two that I particularly liked. However, I cannot get over how bad this Markus Wheaton deal is.

The Bears signed the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver to a two-year, $11 million contract. Wheaton got almost the exact same contract as Brandon Marshall and will make as much this season as Terrelle Pryor. I am sorry, but Wheaton is not even close to the same caliber of player as either of those guys.

The Chicago Bears are not exactly a premier destination for free agents right now. I get it, but there is no defending that contract for Wheaton. He had ample opportunity to prove himself with the Steelers and always came up short. Wheaton has good speed and came make some plays in the slot at times, but at best, he is a league-average slot option.

He does not show the ability to separate against opposing defensive backs with any sort of frequency. His short area quickness is lacking and he does not run precise routes. On top of that, Wheaton struggles with drops and he missed most of the 2016 season with a shoulder injury.

Wheaton is 26-years-old and he does bring some speed to a group of receivers who clearly lack it. However, you do not have to watch much of Wheaton to know that he is not a good football player. Hopefully, he will come in and surprise me, but I doubt it.

Next: Grading Each Early Free Agent Signing for the Bears

I generally think that Ryan Pace does well in free agency, but giving this kind of money to Markus Wheaton is laughable. Luckily, the Bears have enough cap space where this kind of move will not hurt them in the long-term. Still, spending money just to spend it is never wise.

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