Bears' Plans For Equanimeous St. Brown May Not Be Just Depth

The reaction wasn't anything special when the Chicago Bears signed Equanimeous St Brown as a free agent. Most felt the team was adding cheap depth. St. Brown was somebody with ties to offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and brought value as a special teams player. However, when it came to expectations for his future contributions on offense, they were either low or non-existent. No doubt it's a byproduct of a player having 16 catches in the past three seasons. The story of St. Brown is one of unfulfilled expectations but also bad luck. His rookie year in 2018 was a promising one, making 21 catches for 328 yards. Hopes were high going into the next year. He had six catches for 86 yards in the preseason. It looked like his role might expand to play more snaps alongside Davante Adams. Then he suffered a nasty ankle injury, knocking him out for the season.

That setback set the tone for what followed.

His absence in 2019 allowed other receivers like Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to take on more significant roles. The Packers reached the NFC championship. By the time St. Brown returned, the team no longer felt they needed him, and he was relegated to a backup role. After a quiet 2020, he bounced between the practice squad and active roster for most of 2021. Now he is hoping for a fresh start in Chicago.

Talent was never the issue with Equanimeous St Brown. He brings 6'5 size and legitimate speed. Route-running is solid too. Some have questioned his competitiveness but if that were the case he wouldn't be fighting this hard to stay in the NFL. The Bears certainly wouldn't have signed him, given how much value the new regime places on a passion for the game. They believe he has something to offer, and Getsy is the man who can get it out of him. Receivers taking time to bloom in the NFL is hardly new. Future five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Smith had 22 total catches in his first four seasons. A four-time Pro Bowler for New Orleans, Joe Horn had 18 total catches in his first three years. Future Patriots hero Chris Hogan didn't even make his first official catch until his third season. It isn't crazy to think St. Brown might have more to offer Chicago than what he managed in Green Bay. He even Tyke Tolbert to help him. The new Bears receivers coach is no stranger to reclamation projects. His presence should be a big help, provided the 26-year old is willing to listen and put in the work.