New Bear Marquise Goodwin Seems To Be An Avid Walter Payton Fan

Marquise Goodwin is the latest addition to the Chicago Bears offense. He signed a one-year deal to join the team on Friday. The former 3rd round pick is known for his electric speed. Pairing him with Darnell Mooney certainly has an appeal to it. Does he have any juice left? The good news is he should be well-rested and healthy after opting out of the 2020 season. Probably a wise decision considering he'd been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Considering the limited money he's probably getting, it's interesting Goodwin chose the Bears. Did he have any motivation besides them offering him an opportunity? Maybe he's a fan of Andy Dalton. Both are Texas boys. Dalton went to TCU and Goodwin probably watched him extensively prior to attending Texas University. Then again, the wide receiver may have had a different lure pulling him to Chicago as his Instagram revealed. https://www.reddit.com/r/CHIBears/comments/mspxdy/marquise_goodwin_seems_excited_to_be_a_bear/

Even to this day, Walter Payton has pull

Goodwin seems drawn by the all-time Bears great. A reminder of just how lasting his legacy is. The organization stands to benefit again. Goodwin may not be a star receiver, but he has a role to play that could be a big help in this offense. There is no such thing as too much speed. He isn't going to be the Bears' Tyreek Hill. However, he could be their Mecole Hardman. For those who aren't following, Hardman is the "other" speedy receiver in Kansas City who is often paired with Hill. Though not the primary target, he is good for at least one catch of 15 yards or more almost every week. Not to mention a constant threat for that deep bomb for a touchdown if defenses forget about him. That can be Goodwin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvlRfOMkx68&ab_channel=225Highlights

Marquise Goodwin can be good if he stays healthy

He's suffered from two issues that have held back what could've been a stronger career. Health and quarterback problems. Between Buffalo and San Francisco, he suffered from a myriad of injuries from concussion, ankle, hamstring, ribs, knee, and foot problems. If that weren't enough, his list of QBs throwing him the ball isn't too impressive either.

• E.J. Manuel
• Thad Lewis
• Jeff Tuel
• Kyle Orton
• Tyrod Taylor
• Jimmy Garoppolo
• Brian Hoyer
• C.J. Beathard
• Nick Mullens

He managed over 900 yards in 2017, his most healthy season and that was with three different quarterbacks throwing him the ball. So he's proven he can be productive. The question is can he stay on the field and can the QB get him the ball? Dalton isn't known for having the strongest arm. However, he has a better deep ball than people think and isn't afraid to take shots. The Bears coaching staff are also sure to find creative ways to get Marquise Goodwin in space.

If it doesn't work out? Then he won't stay long.

This is a low-risk sort of signing that could work out in their favor with a little luck. Maybe the ghost of Walter Payton will give him some added protection against injuries. Here's hoping he succeeds where Ted Ginn failed. One can bet he'll be getting the same sort of sideways glances as the other veteran receiver who failed to stand out last season.