Chicago Bears: 5 best free agent wide receiver fits

HM: Deonte Harty, Shifty Slot, New Orleans Saints

Given that he only played 24 snaps in 2022, Deonte Harty may be under a lot of fans’ radars

Much of my desire for the Bears to acquire him comes from the 2021 season in which he was 4th in yards per route ran vs. man (according to PFF).

A repeated theme of this list will be guys that can get open on their own because Fields just didn’t have many targets who could do that last season.

That’s why that yards per route ran vs. man figure is important. It’s a great measure for receivers to see who is winning against one on one coverage. When Harty was a full time starter, he was doing that in spades.

His speed and quickness make him an absolute nightmare to cover out of the slot. He was an option route monster in 2021 and the Saints primary target in gotta have it situations.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1213899606448361472?s=20&t=_VKdqeJQ6_VdFLI2V8xNzg

With all of the great attributes that he offers, there is an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed.

Harty is 5’ 6” 170 lbs, which is probably the smallest receiver if not the smallest player in the NFL.

That reality could be problematic for an offense that requires its receivers to block. Ultimately, why Harty isn’t on the actual list.

He still provides value as a return man, gadget player and reliable option in obvious passing scenarios. All things the Bears could use.