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Chicago Bears sign veteran wide receiver Victor Cruz

By Dan Schmelzer

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) during the fourth quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) during the fourth quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Thursday, the Chicago Bears reach a one-year free agent agreement with wide receiver Victor Cruz.

The Chicago Bears will look much different at the wide receiver position in 2017. With Alshon Jeffery leaving in free agency, the Bears are left with an uninspiring group at the position. Kevin White and Cameron Meredith are the expected starters with guys like Kendall Wright, Markus Wheaton, Rueben Randle, Daniel Braverman and undrafted rookie Tanner Gentry also expected to be in the mix.

On Thursday, the Bears added another name to that mix as they signed free agent wide receiver Victor Cruz to a deal. The contract is for one-year and has been officially announced by the team.

https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/867814113732374528

An undrafted free agent in 2010, Cruz burst onto the scene with the New York Giants in 2011. That season, Cruz caught 82 passes for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns. Cruz backed that up with 86 receptions for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012.

He has struggled with injuries the past few seasons but got back on the field for the Giants last season. In a limited role, Cruz caught 39 passes last season for 586 yards and a touchdown. He is not the same player that he was back in 2011 but Cruz is still a smart and productive receiver who can make an impact.

In his prime, Cruz was an explosive big-play waiting to happen. He would consistent take a short pass, make a move and take it to the house. He does not have the same kind of explosive ability anymore but Cruz has a knack for getting open and making plays in the middle of the field.

While I would still bet that Kendall Wright is the Bears’ primary slot receiver in 2017, Cruz certainly has a chance to push him for playing time.

Next: Predicting Bears' offensive depth chart for 2017

I would not expect Cruz to make a massive impact for the Chicago Bears this season. That being said, they need able bodies at the position. Cruz is an experienced receiver who they can count on to make a play when needed. This upside is limited but this is a good low-risk signing for the Bears.

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