Most people probably aren't thinking much about Cameron Meredith anymore. Why should they? Shortly after the
Chicago Bears shocked their fans by letting the New Orleans Saints sign him away, the team drafted two wide receivers in Anthony Miller and Javon Wims. Not to mention signing more veterans like Bennie Fowler and Marlon Brown. This in addition to the prior arrivals of Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel.
The issue at hand here isn't so much whether the Bears need Meredith anymore. It's getting to the bottom of the real reason they let him go. There are some who still think given the price (just under $5 million per year) made it worth the risk. However, GM Ryan Pace didn't mince words. When asked why the Bears let him go, he stated simply it was a decision where they trusted in the team doctors.
That was a clear indication the Bears didn't trust Meredith's knee, destroyed last August in the third preseason game against Tennessee. Even the wide receiver himself admitted two months ago he wasn't sure when he'd be 100% again. Well, things seem to have changed a lot since then. At least according to Saints head coach Sean Payton.
Cameron Meredith "ahead of schedule" in return from knee injury
Herbie Teope of NFL.com, who covered the Saints at one point, caught up with Payton about the progress of the team for this season. When the subject of Meredith came up, the coach didn't seem at all worried about the knee. If anything he was rather optimistic.
This is certainly a shift from what Pace seemed to indicate back in March. If true it likely means Meredith could be ready to suit up for the Saints on opening day, adding another in a lost list of weapons for Drew Brees. Thus the question must be raised again. Why did the Bears not match the offer when they had the chance?
Sure the knee probably played a part, but not nearly as much as the Bears would prefer people to think. More likely it's the simple fact that Matt Nagy didn't see the same value in him as the previous coaching staff. They didn't need another big target with the arrival of Robinson and he wouldn't provide the same impact as a slot or deep threat like Miller or Gabriel.
No doubt it will upset many people if Meredith becomes a success down in New Orleans. That's understandable. Still, given the parameters, it's hard to judge the Bears too harshly on their decision. At the same time, would it really have been such a headache to keep him around?
