NFL Free Agency 2018: One move each team should make
Chicago Bears: Sign WR Albert Wilson
As a whole, Chicago Bears had what was probably the worst group of wide receivers in the entire NFL last season. Slot receiver Kendall Wright led the way with 59 receptions for 614 yards and the entire unit as a whole only caught four touchdowns on the season. Wright, Josh Bellamy and Dontrelle Inman were all mediocre in large offensive roles and each player is set to hit free agency this offseason. The Bears need some fresh talent at wide receiver and will have an opportunity to add it.
I fully expect Chicago to attack their obvious need at wide receiver both through NFL free agency and the upcoming draft. They need to find multiple receivers who can come in and make an immediate impact. When it comes to free agency, Albert Wilson stands out as a picture perfect fit.
A former undrafted free agent out of Georgia State, Wilson has spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. He immediately became a reliable option for the Chiefs out of the slot showing impressive quickness and route running ability on the inside.
Wilson had a career year with the Chiefs in 2017, piling up 42 receptions for 554 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers don’t necessarily stack up well against Wright’s with the Bears in 2017, but it is important to keep in mind each player’s role with their team. Wright was essentially the Bears’ number one target all season long while Wilson was a role player who was never better than the fourth option in the Chiefs offense.
Make no mistake about it, at this point in their respective careers, Wilson is a much bigger weapon out of the slot than Wright.
No matter who was coaching the Bears, Wilson would be a strong fit. He is an undervalued wide receiver who is a true playmaker at the position. However, the fact that the Bears hired Wilson’s former offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as their head coach makes this a perfect fit. Nagy was able to get Wilson the ball in space with consistency last season. His ability to make plays after the catch is legitimate and Nagy knows how to get him in favorable situations.
Albert Wilson is an obvious target for the Chicago Bears in NFL free agency. This one just makes too much sense.