Chicago Bears News: What the Ted Ginn Jr. signing means

The Chicago Bears have made an under-the-radar signing on offense a few days after the 2020 NFL Draft.

Just days removed from the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears got back to work with their roster construction. General manager Ryan Pace has brought in another veteran free agent. This time, it’s wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., formerly of the New Orleans Saints.

Going into the draft, the Bears had to come away with a speedy wideout. In the fifth round, Pace traded up to grab Darnell Mooney out of Tulane, who could be a long-term answer in that field stretching role.

But, bringing in Ginn on a 1-year deal was smart. Pace has already gone out and signed other veterans who will help this team make a Super Bowl run, while adding depth at those positions for the future. For example, Pace signed both Robert Quinn and Jimmy Graham, while drafting Trevis Gipson and Cole Kmet.

This is another example of a similar situation. Pace has a clear plan in place. He is going to address needs while also bringing in solid, smart veterans to help lead the way in the short-term.

Ginn has a ton of experience and comes from an offense led by Drew Brees and Sean Payton. He’s a burner who offers the ability to take the top off defenses, still at his age. But, he also has experience on special teams as a returner.

The Bears have now added two speedy wideouts to the group who will likely stick around on the 53-man roster. But, what does that mean for other guys?

Two players I would keep an eye on going forward are both Javon Wims and Ahmad Wagner. Wims is entering the third year of his career as a former seventh-round selection, while Wagner joined the Bears just days ago as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky. Both are very different in their skillsets, with Wagner being a speedier guy and Wims being the bigger type.

The Bears also have Cordarrelle Patterson, whom they could choose to list as a running back if they decided. By not adding more depth behind David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen, it makes you wonder if Pace and Matt Nagy were serious when they talked about getting Patterson more work as a running back.

If Patterson slotted in as a running back, it would make room for Wims on the roster, should they decide to keep Ginn past training camp — which I would assume they do. It also seemingly cements Mooney’s spot on a roster — but, it’s highly unlikely they would have cut a current draft pick anyways.

Ginn comes in as a guy who has been around winning organizations and can offer the Bears a lot in terms of leadership and a unique skillset. Some may not like this signing, but I don’t see the harm in attacking a weak spot like this. I like the odds of Ginn having some success in Chicago.