Chicago Bears: Ranking top receivers in free agency, trade market

Paul Richardson

Now, I will preface my excitement about Richardson’s potential with a few caveats.

For one thing, last year’s breakout season (44 catches, 703 yards, six touchdowns) could be just that: one season. And though he provided the Seattle Seahawks offense a shot in the arm on occasion with big plays, do we know he can do that week in and week out as a top receiving option?

Also, like Watkins, Richardson has had his own struggles with injuries, tearing an ACL in 2015 and dealing with myriad hamstring and shoulder issues.

In fact, that latter part is probably the main reason that the Seahawks seem willing to let him test the market. They’re not sure whether they can count on him as a true No. 1 receiver or not, but it’s hard to worry that far ahead when you’re not sure how available he’ll be.

Still, though, you can’t deny that Richardson has a ton of talent and started to emerge as a downfield threat last year. And the Chicago Bears badly need one of those.

His speed, ability to highpoint jump balls and get loose in the open field would be huge in Matt Nagy’s offense. After all, he’s not just going to dink-and-dunk teams. He wants to attack at all levels and strike for big plays when possible.

Richardson helps you do that.

Plus, he’s still young (currently 25) with plenty of development ahead of him.

Next: Robinson, Watkins to be available for Bears?

If they’re willing to take a chance, the Chicago Bears could nab a burgeoning young star at receiver at a really good price.

At the same time, you don’t want to put all your eggs in that basket. I like Richardson, but I’m not 100% sold that you can rely on him to be “the guy” just yet. And despite my feelings about trading for Landry, that’s why I didn’t put Richardson over Landry on this list.