Bears: Adding All-Pro FA would take the team to new heights
The Chicago Bears under general manager Ryan Poles have not been afraid to take a big swing. From trading the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to paying up for a star linebacker and guard, the team is already improved on paper. With Justin Fields having an improved receiver room and offensive line, […]
The Chicago Bears under general manager Ryan Poles have not been afraid to take a big swing.
From trading the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to paying up for a star linebacker and guard, the team is already improved on paper. With Justin Fields having an improved receiver room and offensive line, the sky is seemingly the limit for the young QB.
However, the roster isn't perfect and the offense could still use more star power. Luckily for Poles & Co., a former All-Pro just became available on Friday.
DeAndre Hopkins was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Friday putting an end to a months-long saga. While many rumors were flying about a trade, Hopkins' massive contract ultimately proved too burdensome to move.
Now Hopkins is free to sign with whichever team he chooses. If I were Ryan Poles, I would call Hopkins immediately.
Zack Pearson of 247Sports agreed that the Bears should at least reach out to Hopkins, but ultimately the writer sees Hopkins signing with "an immediate contender."
However, what if Poles can convince the star receiver that the team is a contender with him? One would be hard-pressed to find a better trio of receivers than Hopkins, DJ Moore, and Darnell Mooney/Chase Claypool.
The Bears' brass could also pitch an improved defense that added multiple starters this offseason.
Another factor that should be considered is the lack of a clear-cut contender in the NFC North. The Detroit Lions are currently favored to win the division, but the Bears are only one projected win behind the Lions. Could Hopkins be the difference between winning the NFC North and not? I believe so.
The veteran had two consecutive injury-marred seasons in 2021 and 2022, but the receiver had always avoided injury before that. In 2020, his first season in the desert, Hopkins was his typical self, collecting 115 catches for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns. The only active receiver with more career receiving yards than Hopkins is Julio Jones.
An offense that fields Hopkins, Moore, Mooney, and Claypool at receiver with Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan at tight end? That seems like a playoff team to me.
