The Chicago Bears took a calculated risk in exposing undrafted free agent wide receiver Tanner Gentry to the NFL waiver wire, but it looks to have paid off.
Gentry has reportedly cleared waivers (Jahns, Biggs, Emma) and is expected to re-sign with the Bears and join the team’s practice squad.
Exhale.
The Wyoming product flashed in training camp and became a fan favorite by making plays down the field on deep passes and building a connection with fellow rookie Mitch Trubisky. By clearing waivers and signing on to the practice squad, the Bears can continue to develop the undrafted free agent and build on his connection with Trubisky without taking up a spot on the 53-man roster. For a team rebuilding and re-shaping its roster, this could turn out to be a pleasant surprise.
After all, Cameron Meredith – last year’s leading receiver and the player who was expected to be the top pass catcher this season before his ACL injury – was an undrafted free agent who worked his way up the depth chart and into a lead role.
With Gentry back in the fold, we’ll hopefully see some more plays like this … but in games that matter.