The Chicago Bears are being linked to a pair of big fish receivers who could prove difficult to reel in.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport mentions the Bears as among the group of teams who could pursue Los Angeles Rams receiver Sammy Watkins if he reaches free agency (something we discussed loosely earlier today). It’s long been believed that Watkins wouldn’t make it to free agency because the Rams would extend the franchise tag to keep him. However, it’s possible the Rams will pass on Watkins – who caught just 39 passes for 593 yards in 15 games – to instead give the tag to safety Lamarcus Joyner.
In the same video report, Rapoport offered up the Bears as a team who could be interested in trading for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry. The Dolphins announced they were designating Landry as their franchise player earlier in the week, but might be doing so as an avenue to trade the talented pass-catcher who been at odds with management during his search for an extension.
While Landry will earn an estimated $16.2 million on the franchise tag if he doesn’t sign a long-term extension. Perhaps that exorbitant salary could drive down the cost of a return in a possible draft. Rapoport believes acquiring Landry might not result in losing a high pick.
“It doesn’t have to be for two first-round picks,” Rapoport said. “It doesn’t have to be a ‘1’ … it could be a 2 or a 3 or really whatever the price would be. … This is something Dolphins are open to if they get the right offer.”
Either way, bringing Watkins or Landry will cost something of significance. But since both would be a major upgrade at a position of need, it will probably be worth paying..