Bears May Have Cordarrelle Patterson Replacement In Mind Already

This offseason was always going to be difficult for the Chicago Bears. Mostly in terms of the good players they'd likely sacrifice to get their salary cap in order. One that is particularly tough is Cordarrelle Patterson. Despite being All-Pro two-straight years as a kick returner, the man hasn't been able to get a new offer from the Bears. They clearly believe he's grown too expensive for them. So what do they do? Losing him removes a unique talent with tons of versatility on offense and special teams. By the sound of things, the Bears may have some ideas in mind. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the team is exploring the possibility of signing wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie. He was quite the spark plug for Buffalo last season, catching five touchdown passes and also adding an 84-yard punt return score.

Though only 5'8, his speed and quickness are game-breaking.

It isn't a huge surprise McKenzie would be on their radar. He is exactly the sort of speedy, gadget-type of player that Matt Nagy likes. It was true of Taylor Gabriel and then Patterson. McKenzie is exactly the sort of player he'd love to move around like on a chessboard , trying to find favorable matchups. It isn't a bad idea presuming the price isn't too steep. One thing is clear. The Bears wide receiver room is undergoing some possible changes. Anthony Miller is already available for trade. Javon Wims could be out at some point too. Chicago is also reportedly interested in adding Kenny Golladay as well. This would give them some serious firepower along with a returning Allen Robinson who just signed his franchise tag tender. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL7ye8JXc7w&ab_channel=NFL

Cordarrelle Patterson loss stings but something is different

Even as they go about releasing key defensive players, most of the resources the Bears have this offseason have been directed at the offense. All of the big names connected to them in free agency were offensive guys. Are the Bears starting to embrace the idea of shifting their identity to the offensive side. It would make sense given the circumstances. Nagy is the head coach. He's an offensive guy. When he arrived, the Bears defense was set to be great. Like any smart coach, he did nothing to mess with that. However, after last season it's apparent the defense isn't at that level anymore. This feels like it might be the right time to reallocate some of those resources to help an offense that hasn't been good in a long time. Give Nagy's maligned system a chance to function with actual talent.

If nothing else, he'd like to go down doing things his way.

Nobody can fault him for that. Cordarrelle Patterson was a tremendous weapon but one that played a little too well. His price tag is out of their reach now. Having a great kick returner is a good thing, but it's not imperative to the success of a football team. Adding McKenzie to the mix would at least give the Bears added firepower.