The
Chicago Bears are on the hunt for offensive help. That much has become clear over the past week. They inquired about star left tackle Trent Williams. Then they made an aggressive push to sign standout receiver Kenny Golladay. While both attempts ultimately failed, it sent a big message. Despite the money concerns, GM Ryan Pace was intent on finding ways to give his offense some help.
So if another move is coming, are there any names out there that make sense? One thing to remember about Pace is he tends to operate a certain way. When it comes to free agency, he likes to target players on the younger side. Guys who look like they are ascending in their careers and may be ready to play their best football in the near future.
That is why people should pay attention to Josh Reynolds.
He isn't a hot name. Not a
surprise since it was so easy to forget about him in Los Angeles. The Rams were dominated by names like Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Cam Akers, and Jared Goff. Reynolds didn't really have a lot of opportunities to stand out even though he had the best statistical season yet of his career. A total of 618 yards and two touchdowns on just 81 targets.
He's 6'3 with long arms and deceptive speed. A nice, big target. With Anthony Miller and Javon Wims both failing to ascend this past year, the Bears are right to consider changes. Reynolds won't return to L.A. This is a player they need to give a chance. He could make for a nice #3 option alongside Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVJ30HBPjus&ab_channel=HighlightWorkshop
Ryan Pace should be able to afford Reynolds
At this stage, the wide receiver market is rather cold and soft. This means most of the players remaining aren't likely to cost much. Reynolds was never going to command top dollar anyway. He'll seek a one-year deal somewhere with a team that is willing to give him some serious playing time. Chicago would be as good of a place as any. Andy Dalton may not be a star but he knows how to spread the ball around. He also likes big targets.
This isn't a signing that will generate a ton of buzz. However, it would be one that makes the Bears' offense better. That is what Ryan Pace is trying to accomplish right now. Even minor improvements are welcome. This team has to score more points in 2021. That is the only way they avoid another mediocre season. Reynolds would give them a nudge in the right direction.
It will be interesting to see where this offseason goes.
There is still well over a month before the NFL draft. Chicago has a lot of vacant roster spots to fill. So one should expect more
free agent moves to come. It's a matter of finding the right bargains. Pace is typically good at this sort of thing and Reynolds is exactly the sort of talent he'd covet in this situation. One can imagine this coming week will reveal much about their plans.
