Chicago Bears: Anthony Miller traded, wide receiver picture looks clearer

Good riddance, Anthony Miller is finally gone. The Chicago Bears traded the former second-round pick on Saturday night, and he has found a new home with the Houston Texans.

In a move that couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, the Bears sent Miller packing just a few days before they begin training camp. Miller has long been known to be available via trade, but the Bears hadn’t been able to find a suitor.

Back before the 2021 NFL Draft, the Bears tried to deal Miller. But, there were no takers. The Bears couldn’t fetch anything for the former Memphis standout.

It seemed as though Chicago would be keeping Miller one more year before letting him walk next offseason. But, the Texans came through and the Bears now have a clearer picture at wide receiver.

After adding a bunch of talent at wide receiver this offseason, the Chicago Bears had no room for Anthony Miller.

Over the course of the past few months, the Bears have added talent at the position through both free agency and the draft. Now that Miller is gone, the depth chart looks much clearer.

The Miller trade likely paves the way for Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd to make this roster. Rookie Dazz Newsome should be a lock to make the team, even though he broke his collarbone almost immediately after being drafted. Newsome should be ready to go by Week 1, so the injury shouldn’t be an issue.

The real question now becomes what the Bears will do with both Javon Wims and Riley Ridley. Will they keep seven wide receivers? More than likely, they won’t. So, either Wims or Ridley will be cut.

Goodwin and Byrd should stick around purely based off the fact that they have established themselves in the NFL and bring a lot of speed — something head coach Matt Nagy has wanted more of.

Miller heads to Houston where their top receiver is Brandin Cooks, who enjoyed a quiet, strong season for the Texans in 2020. Cooks topped 80 receptions and over 1,100 yards a season ago.

Houston also has veterans Randall Cobb, Andre Roberts, Keke Coutee and Chris Conley to go along with rookie Nico Collins. Miller will likely face the most competition from the likes of Cobb as the starting slot receiver.

In three seasons with Chicago, Miller caught 134 passes for 1,564 yards and 11 touchdowns. Although he showed a lot of flash and even some promise, especially after the catch, Miller never quite fit in with the Bears. Attitude has been an issue, as has his effort.

Now, he joins a Texans team who may be without Deshaun Watson this year, as the team turns to veteran Tyrod Taylor under center. We’ll see if Miller can make good on his new fresh start, while the Bears try and make something of their late-round pick swap.