An initial look at the wide receiver landscape for 2023 isn't encouraging. Guys like Jakobi Meyers and Mecole Hardman headline free agency. Not exactly the star power a needy team like the Chicago Bears is hoping for. The NFL draft doesn't look much better. While it should still have some good players, the star power is lacking. Only two names are expected to go in the top 20 and maybe the 1st round altogether. That doesn't inspire much confidence. It leaves GM Ryan Poles in a dilemma.
Either he takes a risk by adding one of them or he contents himself with trying to find a hidden gem in the later rounds. That or perhaps he gets lucky and somebody unexpected becomes available. The trade market can often be the great equalizer in these situations. Nobody envisioned guys like Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, and Amari Cooper being available this past year. There is a strong possibility something similar could happen again. Here are some names worth watching.
The Chicago Bears may have outside shots at some prominent names.
DeAndre Hopkins
Why: Looming upheaval at the top of the Cardinals organization
D-Hop has had a frustrating past year. Hamstring issues hampered his 2021 season. Then a suspension kept him out for six games this season. By the time he returned, everything had gone to hell. Kyler Murray looked like a shell of himself after getting his contract. Kliff Kingsbury had no answers for a rough Arizona start, and GM Steve Keim had to take a leave of absence for health issues. Many believe owner Michael Bidwill may blow up the organization and start fresh, meaning a new GM and head coach. At 30 years old, Hopkins likely won't want to stick around for that.
Mike Evans
Why: Expected departure of Tom Brady
One of the most consistently excellent receivers over the past several years. Evans is a 1,000-yard machine. If he collects 87 more yards, it would be his ninth-consecutive year crossing 1,000. It is crazy he is still only 29 years old. However, Tampa Bay looks like they're staring mortality in the face. Brady is a free agent in 2023, and most experts believe he'll bolt for a new team. Tampa Bay will have significant salary cap problems on top of that. Unloading Evans and his hefty contract would make obvious sense. While on the older side, there is no reason to think the four-time Pro Bowler is in decline.
Tyler Boyd
Why: The pressing need to find cap space
Cincinnati has done a phenomenal job building around Joe Burrow. However, doing so can become expensive. It's already clear they'll need tons of cap space for Burrow and star receiver Ja'Marr Chase. The same goes for fellow target Tee Higgins who had his second straight 1,000-yard season. The Bengals don't have enough money right now to do this. That means they'll have to find it. Cutting Boyd would secure them an additional $8.9 million in cap space. This would give them enough wiggle room to extend Higgins while retaining safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell. Boyd is one of the league's most consistent and dependable slot receivers.
Davante Adams
Why: Likely exit of Derek Carr
The Las Vegas Raiders gave away a king's ransom to get Adams from Green Bay. It paid off handsomely, with 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns. The problem is that he went there primarily to play with Carr, his great friend and former college QB. Now the Raiders have benched him, and it's clear as day they're going to move on in 2023. Adams probably won't like that and could push the team to ship him elsewhere. Trading for a receiver that will be 31 next year is dangerous. It comes down to the asking price. If Vegas seeks similar to what they gave up to get him, that isn't happening. If it's more manageable such as a 2nd round pick, then the Chicago Bears have to at least consider it.
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