Coming out of minicamp, the Chicago Bears have reason to feel far better when it comes ot the team's depth at the receiver position. Kalif Raymond and Zavion Thomas both had incredibly strong showings, giving reason for the Bears to believe the current depth chart is more than capable of shouldering the load. Free agent addition Scotty Miller had some nice moments as well, attempting to play himself into a rotational depth role. Still, the Bears are counting on a lot of hypotheticals, with the biggest expectation being both Rome Odunze and Luther Burden taking leaps in production.
With this in mind, the Bears would be wise to make one final addition that doesn't block its current talent but provides a bit of insurance. There are incredibly limited options remaining in free agency, with Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill being the headline names that are yet to find new landing spots.
These are two players who clearly are far away from Chicago's current comfort zone with the addition of Hill or Diggs blocking the exciting development of Thomas, as well as taking away targets if the team's first two options take the expected leap. What the Bears should consider is signing Sterling Shepard, a player who can easily be cut if your depth takes the expected leap in training camp and preseason.
Bears Should Consider One Final Addition to Add Depth to the Receiver Position
Shepard in no way blocks the development of Thomas and simply serves as injury insurance and an accomplished veteran that should be able to help your young pass catchers in training camp. The receiver spent last year with Tampa Bay and finished with 371 receiving yards and a lone touchdown. While the production is far from elite, Shepard is a proven option that can take a bit of pressure off the bottom of the depth chart without locking down a roster spot.
Chicago can sign the pass catcher for the veteran minimum and easily part ways with Shepard if it doesn't prove to be a fit. This covers bases for the Bears without bringing in someone that is going to take the targets of Odunze or Burden, and leave a clear path for Thomas to continue to fight for a starting role.
It is really difficult to see any downside to the addition, with the franchise dealing with questions around the position after the offseason losses of DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus. Adding Shepard is a safe answer that doesn't dial up the pressure and gives Caleb Williams a capable depth target if needed.
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