The Bears Had Two Reasons They Let Cameron Meredith Walk

The Chicago Bears off-season took a curious turn on Wednesday when GM Ryan Pace made his first controversial decision of the year. This involved not matching the offer made by the New Orleans Saints for restricted free agent receiver Cameron Meredith. Most assumed the two-year, $9.6 million deal wouldn't scare the Bears off. After all, they had more than enough money to handle it.

So what happened? There were probably a variety of factors involved. One of which was new head coach Matt Nagy. Remember that Meredith was the darling of previous offensive coach Dowell Loggains. It's quite possible Nagy didn't see the same value in him. That happens a lot when schemes change. It's important to remember reports hinted Nagy had significant say in how his offensive roster would look this year. However, the biggest reason is a somewhat obvious one.

People tend to forget how catastrophic the knee injury Meredith suffered was. It wasn't just a typical ACL tear. He shredded almost the entire knee. It even required an air cast to get him off the field when it happened. Things are never good when air casts get involved. It's likely the Bears weren't comfortable devoting serious money to three of their top receivers who have significant injury histories. Allen Robinson (ACL) and Kevin White (everything) being the other two. So what's the other reason?

Cameron Meredith decision likely means Bears have other names in mind

As stated earlier, Nagy may want a different type of receiver in his offense. Robinson provides the big body target. Taylor Gabriel represents the speed threat. It's possible what he's looking for now is somebody in the Albert Wilson role from Kansas City. A shifty, quick slot receiver with reliable hands who can move the chains. Could Meredith have filled that role? Possibly but at almost $5 million a year that seems too expensive. Kendall Wright gave them that last year for just $1 million. It's quite possible the Bears feel they can find somebody in free agency or the draft that can solve this problem at a fraction of the cost. One mustn't forget Jeremy Maclin is still available. The 29-year old veteran knows the Nagy offense well and has lots of experience operating from the slot. Not only that, but word persists that this 2018 draft class is unusually rich in receivers who fit the slot type. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMit-EcAbck&t=107s One shouldn't worry about the idea of using a first round pick either. That is unlikely to happen. Since 2010, a total of 17 wide receivers drafted in the second round or later have made at least one Pro Bowl. That includes Jarvis Landry and Golden Tate. In fact two of the best in the game today, Doug Baldwin and Adam Thielein? They were undrafted free agents. Just like Cameron Meredith was in 2015. This is a tough loss to be sure, but far from a catastrophic one.