NFL Free Agency 2011: 15 Unrestricted Wide Receiver Options for Chicago Bears
Published by Bob Warja on May 8, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
With the lockout locked in again, everything is up in the air, including potential free agency. Not only do we not know when teams will be able to sign players, we don’t know who will be restricted vs. unrestricted free agents.
Meanwhile, the Bears had a pretty successful draft overall, yet they did not draft a wideout. While they say they like their current crop of receivers, many Bears fans are clamoring for some fresh blood.
The Bears three main wide receivers last season—Earl Bennett, Devin Hester and Johnny Knox—are not, and may never be, true No. 1 wideouts.
Admittedly, improving the offensive line is a bigger need, and GM Jerry Angelo started that process by landing Gabe Carimi in the first round. But landing a No. 1 wide receiver—like potential free agents Vincent Jackson and Sidney Rice—ought to be pretty high on Angelo’s wish list.
But as of now, those players will be restricted free agents, and I just don’t see the Bears going that route. That said, let’s focus on unrestricted free agents that won’t cost the team anything in return.
Now, the new CBA, once agreed to and signed in blood, may alter the current rules governing free agency.
But for the purposes of this article, let’s assume they are the same as they were in 2010, requiring six seasons of playing tenure to qualify as unrestricted.
That puts the following 15 WRs in the mix as unrestricted free agents. Let’s take a look at each one in alphabetical order.
Bear in mind that prior to 2010, players needed only four years of service to qualify as unrestricted. So, this list could grow if the new agreement restores that rule.
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