Chicago Bears: Possible 2018 cuts to free up cap space
Markus Wheaton, WR (Savings = $5 million)
This was disappointing. Markus Wheaton was supposed to be a big part of the wide receiver corps. However, he got injured in camp and had an appendectomy later on. He missed five games and something happened between him and the coaching staff which resulted in him making his first reception in Week 5 and finishing with just three receptions all season.
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This is the second consecutive season Wheaton suffered major injuries. Last season he missed 13 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers. I’d like for Wheaton to come back, but the wide receiver slot is something the Bears will hit hard and depending on him after two injury-filled seasons is risky.
There will be plenty of free agent receivers on the market this offseason, and some very good receivers coming out of college. These players can do more at this point than Wheaton. Like the Sitton situation, if Wheaton’s body cannot stay healthy, he’s not worth the risk. The Bears still have Kevin White so he’s the one the Bears keep. Cutting White doesn’t save any money so they’ll keep him and see if he finally contributes.
The Wheaton signing might have been the worst signing Pace made in his tenure so far. As bad as his season was, perhaps he deserves a second chance with a new coach. We’ll see what happens with this situation. I still feel he gets cut.