Chicago Bears Roster: Breshad Perriman adds WR depth

After waiving 2021 6th round pick Dazz Newsome and parting ways with Riley Ridley, Javon Wims, and other receivers, the Chicago Bears got some depth back today.  The NFL cut down deadline was August 31st, and even though the initial rosters were finalized, many teams continue to make more moves before the season begins. The Bears were one of them, as they brought in Breshad Perriman on a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter.

The former Central Florida receiver was cut by the division rival Detroit Lions, despite signing a one-year deal with them back in March. Perriman was originally drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Perriman showed great physical abilities prior to being drafted, as he possesses blazing speed. He has yet to break out but had a career year in 2019 with 645 receiving yards and six touchdowns with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This could really prove to be a diamond in the rough as Perriman also adds good size to the wide receiver position. At 6′ 1″, Perriman weighs 215 pounds and has the blazing speed for somebody of that size.

The Chicago Bears could use as much help at wide receiver as they can get.

The Bears needed depth at receiver. With Darnell Mooney, Damiere Byrd, and Marquise Goodwin, the offense has incredible speed which can complement well with Allen Robinson’s superb catching and route running. This could really help boost the offense’s capabilities, as they’ll be able to stretch the field better, especially when Justin Fields gets the starting job.

There are a few issues surrounding Perriman, one of which is health-related. That explains his small reception totals due to missing games. He has never recorded more than 36 receptions in his career and he has only caught 49% of his targets. However, he does show flashes when he plays.

Since 2016, among 91 wide receivers with 200 targets or more, Perriman ranks 4th in yards per catch, with 16.53. According to Pro Football Focus, the average depth of his targets in his career is 16.4 yards and last year, only 10 receivers in the NFL topped that number. This is a testament to his blazing speed which will only help the Bears create that separation on the field.

If Matt Nagy wants to get creative, he could use Perriman as an end-around guy sometimes, as Perriman does have a few rushing attempts. Either way, this is a solid signing for the Bears, who need to do what they can to finally have a respectable offense.