Looks Like Ben Johnson Isn't Done Overhauling Bears WR Position

When a new head coach comes in, so do his preferences on personnel. It was always understood that Ben Johnson would have different ideas about what types of players he wants on the Chicago Bears roster, especially on offense. People are already starting to see the adjustments unfold. Nowhere is that clearer than at wide receiver. Chicago signed Olamide Zaccheaus last week. Though not the pure route-running savant Keenan Allen was, his mix of speed, versatility, and blocking prowess made him an easy sell for Johnson's offense.

Most felt the Bears were likely done at the position, content to wait until the draft before maybe adding to it again. That seems to have been a miscalculation. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the team is scheduled to meet with former 2nd round pick Rondale Moore today. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons but never seemed to gain traction as a viable weapon.

Ben Johnson liking Moore is not shocking.

He proved in Detroit that he loves receivers with two qualities: speed and YAC ability. Of his 1,201 receiving yards, 935 have come after the catch. Moore displayed a 4.29 time in the 40-yard dash, confirming he has plenty of speed. The primary issues with him have been two-fold. He's small at 5'7, 181 lbs. That makes it difficult for him to match up with bigger defensive backs. He's also suffered through numerous health issues. He missed 12 games in his first two seasons with various ailments and by the time he was finally healthy in 2023, his place in the offense had been reduced. Arizona traded him to Atlanta last year, but he never saw the field.

There is no doubt Ben Johnson, with his boundless creativity, feels that Moore has something to offer. No coach uses more gadget plays than him. Having a Swiss army knife-type receiver like that can be beneficial. It will come down to what situation Moore is looking for. If he's hoping for a starting job, Chicago has nothing to offer. Conversely, if he's open to a limited package of situational plays, he may not find a better coach and situation.