Fixing the Holes in the Chicago Bears' Roster

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears' offseason has been eventful with some notable moves, including trading for QB Jay Cutler and signing free agent offensive linemen Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale and Kevin Shaffer to protect him. Of note on the defensive side, the Bears released fan favorite but injury prone safety Mike Brown and signed free agent Josh Bullocks as a potential replacement.

The Bears have improved dramatically since missing the postseason in 2008 for the second consecutive year.  However, there are still holes to fill and questions to be answered.

The most glaring hole on the offensive side is at the wide receiver position. Of the 10 receivers that the Bears have on their current roster, only two—Devin Hester and Rashied Davis—have reached double digits in career receptions. 

Running back Matt Forte was the team leader in receptions last season with just 63. Devin Hester's 665 yards were tops on the squad, yet it was 49th in the NFL and fourth lowest among team leaders. 

Currently, the Bears have Hester at No.1 and slotted at No. 2 is second-year player Earl Bennett spot, who did not make a catch last year as he had trouble learning the playbook.

This problem, however, can be fixed.  Currently, the Bears are missing a big target for Cutler, and made a solid effort in the draft to address that by picking up Juaquin Iglesias from Oklahoma in the third round. The Bears also used two second day picks on Abeline-Christian's Johnny Knox and Pittsburgh's Derek Kinder as upside plays. However, none of these players should be counted on to contribute right away.

The missing piece is a veteran wideout who can contribute both on the field and as a teacher in practice and on the sideline (size wouldn't hurt either). While GM Jerry Angelo has said the Bears are done making moves for now, there are a few options that the Bears should keep their eye on.

Although not on the Bears' radar for now, Amani Toomer should be.  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. At 34 years of age, he is a bit old for the WR position, but this is outweighed by his reliability.

At 6'2" and 215 lbs., Justin McCareins would provide the big target that the Bears need if Iglesias cannot contribute right away.  McCareins' stats are not outstanding, but this could change with Jay Cutler throwing him the ball.

Drew Bennett is coming off two disappointing seasons with St. Louis, but he is only four years removed from an 80 catch, 1247 yard season with Tennessee. At 6'5", he provides the height the Bears need, and could be in for a rebound year.

Other options include Marvin Harrison, Joe Jurevicius and D.J. Hackett.  The Bears need to go into the season with another wide receiver, especially a veteran one, in order for the Jay Cutler trade to be a good one.

It is all well and good that the Bears have their best quarterback in half a century, but without a proven receiver as a target it is a complete waste of his talent.

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