The hits keep coming this offseason for Jahdae Walker, whose path to a significant role in the Chicago Bears' receiving corps continues to become clearer with every move that the front office is making.
On Monday, upon the kickoff of NFL free agency, Olamide Zaccheaus signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Zaccheaus was not popular in the Windy City, but DJ Moore was before being traded to the Buffalo Bills last week.
What's the payoff to these moves? Well, Rome Odunze continues to be solidified as WR1. Luther Burden III likely steps up and has a much bigger role. And behind them, Walker, after proving himself in training camp.
Walker has already proven himself to a degree. As a rookie, Walker had an unforgettable touchdown catch in December to force overtime and help Chicago clinch the NFC North against the Green Bay Packers. That gave the Bears home-field advantage against the Cheeseheads a month later in one of the all-time great comebackwins at Soldier Field. Who knows what that Wild Card Round matchup would've gone at Lambaugh Field?
Being that established that quickly, with a quarterback who is rapidly ascending and opening the championship window, is a major factor for Ben Johnson and Co. to be confident about rolling with Walker. Especially because buying someone to sit ahead of him on the depth chart probably isn't good business at this point.
Market Explodes After Alec Pierce's Deal, Making Walker Obvious WR3
Good for Alec Pierce to be part of a historic Cincinnati Bearcats College Football Playoff run, to the second round of the NFL draft, and to the largest contract in the history of free agency for a receiver. Pierce will receive $116 million over four seasons, with $84 million guaranteed.
That dangerously inflates the market, though, and should give Ryan Poles pause about looking to sign a WR3. If anything, the later rounds of the draft could be used to find depth, but the undrafted free agent market should offer plenty of gems. That's what Walker was last year, and he unearthed his abilities and potential with big moments in the preseason and regular season last year.
Chicago should make every move with Caleb Williams in mind. If Williams can trust Walker in the biggest moments, he could probably trust him at any point on any given Sunday, Monday, Thursday, or Saturday.