2011 NFL Free Agency: Mike Sims-Walker Is the Missing Piece for the Bears

After the lockout ended and the free agent blitz began, most analysts and fans of the Chicago Bears were aware of their team's main need: a wide receiver.

The Bears don't need just any wide receiver. The team needs a wideout who stands taller than six feet tall (generous listing, considering no Bear besides Earl Bennett is over 5-10).

The latest word to come out of the free agent rumor mill is that the Bears are going after former Jets kick-return man Brad Smith. Another return man is the opposite of what the Bears need.

The Bears need Mike Sims-Walker. He's the missing piece.

Currently, the Bears have munchkins lining up with Jay Cutler. He doesn't have big targets to throw to like he did in Denver. He has receivers with speed but no height. Now I understand Sims-Walker isn't much taller than what the Bears have currently as he is only 6'2'' but he has a better skill set.

The past two seasons, Sims-Walker has caught seven touchdown passes from a mediocre quarterback on a mediocre team.

Now I know Sims-Walker is not explosive by any stretch of the imagination. An explosive wide out is not what the Bears need. They need a route runner and Sims-Walker is exactly that.

Currently, Jay Cutler has to waste time-outs throughout the course of a game because the play clock runs low while he tries to direct traffic and put Hester and company in the right position. Sims-Walker alleviates that problem.

Additionally, Cutler's interception rate is high because the present receiving troupe again and again run behind defenders instead of coming back towards the ball. Sims-Walker alleviates that problem.

Again, the current wideouts on the Bears can't out-jump corner backs. Sims-Walker has proved on occasion he can. I will take "on occasion" rather than "never."

Acquiring Mike Sims-Walker gives the Bears a true wide receiver for the first time since Marty Booker. The last time Jay Cutler had a real wideout, he put up outstanding numbers with the Denver Broncos, throwing for more than 4,000 yards in 2008.

Sims-Walker told the Tribune that he can put the Bears over the top. If he thinks he can, it would be stupid of Jerry Angelo not to go get him.

On behalf of Bears Nation, Mr. Angelo, don't disappoint. Sign Mike Sims-Walker.