Who Does Jay Cutler Throw To? Chicago Bears' Options at WR

(Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears have a legitimate franchise quarterback. I just wanted to say that again, since I've never been able to do so before last week. 

With the acquisition of Jay Cutler and the signing of Orlando Pace to protect him, the Bears have become the favorite in the NFC North and instant contenders for a Super Bowl appearance. One important missing piece, however, is a legitimate wide receiver (or two). 

To say Devin Hester is a true No. 1 receiver would be lying, and to anoint last year's third round pick Earl Bennett as the No. 2 with zero career catches to his name is insane. The Bears receiving corps is full of No. 3 receivers at best, and needs to add at least one target for Cutler.

Prior to the Cutler trade, it appeared that the Bears were targeting Maryland's Darius Heyward-Bey or North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks with the 18th overall pick in the draft. 

With those players, along with the likes of Kenny Britt and Percy Harvin, likely gone by the time the Bears pick at No. 49, let's take a look at some of the potential options for the Bears next season.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Torry Holt—Age 32

Holt would be my first choice. He has familiarity with the coach, an old friend in Orlando Pace, who has reportedly reached out to Holt about joining the Bears, and 869 career catches for over 12,000 yards. All are positives. Plus the opportunity to play for (hopefully) a winner might be attractive for Holt. 

However, the agent for Holt recently told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times that he was doubtful Holt will visit the Bears. While this would be a great addition, I don't see much likelihood that it will happen.

I said the same thing about Cutler though, so you never know.

Plaxico Burress—Age 31

A perfect target for Cutler. 6'5", 232 pounds, and amazing hands. 

I don't want any part of him. With the gun possession trial and reports of run-ins with police while driving, the distraction outweighs the talent. After the success of the offseason so far, Jerry Angelo would be foolish to even discuss bringing in the baggage that comes with Burress. 

Marvin Harrison—Age 36

The first thing that should scare Bears fans is the age. In receiver years, 36 is equivalent to 100 normal years. I'm not doubting that Harrison is one of the best receivers of all time, but he has been catching passes from Peyton Manning in a dome for the past 10 years.

Cutler is a step down from Manning, and Chicago in December is the opposite of a dome. 

I'd be happy to have Harrison, but I can't see the Bears matching the salary he is likely looking for in this stage of his career.

Amani Toomer—Age 34

Another receiver who is up there in years, but could be a perfect veteran leader to the young guys the Bears currently have.

With the exception of 2006 when he missed eight games, Toomer has played in 15+ games every year since 1997, and has caught an average of 65 passes per year for the past 10 seasons.

If Toomer comes cheap, the Bears should take a look.

Other potential Unrestricted Free Agents rated above 60 by Scouts Inc. include: D.J. Hackett, Reggie Williams, Joe Jurevicius, Ronald Curry, Shaun McDonald, Mike Furrey, and Justin McCareins.

All of these are solid receivers, but in my eyes are not much of an improvement from what the Bears already have on their team. I don't feel that any of these players are the answer.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Restricted free agents are trickier, as anyone worth signing will most likely end up costing the Bears a draft pick if the original team chooses not to match the offer. Despite that, here are a few names the Bears should at least consider.

Lance Moore—New Orleans Saints—Age 25

Moore had a breakout season last year for the Saints and fantasy owners alike. Moore had 79 rec, 928 yds, 10 TDs, all of which would have led the Bears by a large margin. While it is true that this was Moore's only good year, he is just a fourth-year pro, and could easily develop into a No. 1 receiver. 

The Saints are not likely to give Moore up without a fight, however, and it is very unlikely that the Bears would be willing to give up one of their two remaining early round selections to sign him.

Mark Clayton—Baltimore Ravens—Age 26

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