One must always be realistic when it comes to free agency. The idea of signing Davante Adams is a fun one for
Chicago Bears fans. He's the best in the business. Swiping him from the hated rival Green Bay Packers would be fun. However, the odds of it happening are remote. Even if the Adams isn't franchise-tagged, the expectation is he'll still earn top wide receiver money on the market. Money the Bears aren't really in a position to pay.
Not to worry though, because it seems the team is prepared to settle for a consolation prize. Evan Massey of NFL Analysis Net claims the Bears are prepared to make a run at looming
free agent Marquez Valdes-Scantling. With the Packers focused on keeping Adams, the belief is the former 5th round pick will hit the open market. With several open spots at wide receiver, the Bears seem like a natural landing spot.
The connections are easy to make here.
GM Ryan Poles has said he wants to add more speed at receiver. Valdes-Scantling is one of the better genuine deep threats in the NFL. Then there is the presence of Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator. He was Green Bay's passing game coordinator from 2019 to 2021 before arriving in Chicago. So he has an established relationship with the 27-year old. Even so, it isn't easy to take this seriously.
For one, Massey has a dubious reputation when it comes to sources. He is known for swinging and missing quite often. Then there is Valdes-Scantling himself. It isn't like he brings much to the table. Keep in mind this guy played with Adams for four seasons. One would think all that single coverage he saw allowed him to thrive. He has just 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns in that span. By contrast, JuJu Smith-Schuster had 2,343 yards and 14 touchdowns in just two years playing with Antonio Brown. One can make the case Valdes-Scantling is an underachiever.
The Chicago Bears can do better than MVS
Remember, this man had Aaron Rodgers throwing him the football for his entire career. Yet the best he's managed for a single season was 690 yards and six touchdowns. That doesn't even account for the 15 drops he's had. This isn't the type of "playmaker" that Poles said the Bears need to help Justin Fields become a better quarterback. There are several better options in free agency alone. Never mind the upcoming NFL draft.
It likely would come down to money. If Valdes-Scantling is willing to take a cheap deal, then maybe the Chicago Bears look at him as a decent #3 or #4 option. That probably won't sound appealing to the man himself. It is a safe bet Valdes-Scantling will try to get the most money he possibly can. Poles doesn't seem like the type of GM that plans to overpay anybody.
Especially with so many roster holes to plug.
Maybe the Bears end up signing him because of his relationship with Getsy. It just doesn't seem like this is the sort of move that will make the offense much better. Clarity should arrive in a couple of weeks.
