The Chicago Bears look like they're satisfied with what they've put together on offense to this point. Things can change fast though. Injuries could hit or maybe training camp reveals the team might not actually like what they have. GM Ryan Pace should at least keep his options open. Especially if the right name is available. There is one out there that might be worth watching and the team has an in with him courtesy of Nick Foles.
The veteran quarterback would probably like to forget his one year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A season marred by a rough collarbone injury and then getting benched in favor of a rookie. Still, he managed to use that time to get to know some interesting players on that offense. One that stood out was Dede Westbrook.
College football fans will remember him as a star at Oklahoma. Since coming to the NFL though he's been mostly a #3 receiver who provides occasional big plays. Yet his skill set is capable of so much more. The kid not only has speed to spare but also has deceptive after the catch ability. Two things the Bears are seeking more of.
Nick Foles has every reason to talk up Westbrook
So the obvious question is would the Jaguars even entertain this idea? Yes. For two reasons. The first what they've done this offseason. They drafted not one but two receivers this past April. Laviska Shenault in the 2nd round and Collin Johnson in the 5th. Combine that with their move to retain Keelan Cole and it looks like Westbrook might be on the fringe. Especially with a new offensive coordinator in Jay Gruden.
Then there is the contract. Westbrook is in the final year of his rookie deal. Jacksonville may not want to give him a new deal since they have other potential free agents to handle next offseason. Trading him now would assure them a draft pick rather than taking chances with the compensatory formula. Something that is not a guarantee given his uneven production and injury history.
He would be a risk but his ability is a natural fit for this offense with his speed and quickness.
