The NFL Scouting Combine Has Unearthed a Bunch of Suitable Alternatives to Trading for Jarvis Landry and Other Bullets

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry has thrown down the gauntlet, suggesting he would rather sit out the year than play on the franchise tag. Then, a Landry-for-Jordan Howard rumor was floated out there, but subsequently shot down.

As we know by now, the Chicago Bears have a need at receiver and the Dolphins have 1) an asset the Bears might covet and 2) a desperate need to get out of salary cap trouble as they are currently over the cap.

Long story, short: The fun is just beginning.

  • I suppose we can start knocking teams off the Landry Watch radar. Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer hears the Carolina Panthers aren’t interested in trading for Landry. Person adds the team is looking for a faster receiver for their offense. For what it’s worth, Landry ran a 4.77 40-yard-dash at the NFL Scouting Combine four years ago. Then again, he’s picked up 400 catches and more than 4,000 yards in his first four NFL seasons.
  • You can knock the New Orleans Saints off the list too. Josh Tatzenstein of NOLA.com reports that while the Saints are in the hunt to add more playmakers to already dynamic offense, the team isn’t going to be in running to Landry. Even though the team showed an interest in Landry, the cost of doing business for what they believe to be a “luxury piece” was too steep. It’s not like New Orleans is hurting for options with running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, as well as receivers Michael Thomas and Tedd Ginn Jr.
  • So, who’s in? Here’s an update from Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post:
  • Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune writes that while Landry would be an instant upgrade to the receivers room, trading for Landry isn’t the right move for the Bears right now. The Bears’ receivers took a step back in 2017, leaving the front office to dig out of a hole it has created in recent years by trading Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett, allowing Alshon Jeffery to walk away without compensation, and drafting just two receivers (Kevin White and Daniel Braverman) in three drafts. Landry would definitely boost the Bears’ passing offense, but the team shouldn’t force a trade when there are viable options elsewhere.
  • One place the Bears should be looking is the draft, where Bob LeGere notes there is something for everyone. Alabama’s Calvin Ridley has polish, SMU’s Courtland Sutton has size and go-up-and-get-it potential, Oklahoma State’s James Washington has some eye-popping numbers, and Texas A&M’s Christian Kirk has punt return skills and slot experience. In short, you’d have a hard time going through this class of receivers and not finding someone you liked.
  • Speaking of Sutton, Chris Emma of CBS Chicago/670 The Score notes the talented receiver has met with the Bears. Naturally, the 6-4 target feels like he could bring something new and valuable to the Bears’ offense. “There’s a lot of benefit to being 6-4, 218 and being able to run really fast,” Sutton said. “I try to make sure I’m maximizing that.”
  • (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

  • As someone who is 5-foot-9, I can’t relate. Must be nice, though.
  • Clemson’s Deon Cain has first-round talent, but is rough around the edges and could use some hard coaching to pull out his upside and potential. Emma tweets Cain has met with the Bears, with the Tigers stud wideout saying: “I feel like I could definitely be a great asset to them.” Cain’s stock has dropped to the point where he is a Day 2 target who could be fit to be selected in the second round. It’s possible Cain becomes the next great Clemson wide receiver to hit it big in the NFL. If he does so, he’d follow in the footsteps of DeAndre Hopkins (Texans), Sammy Watkins (Rams), and Martavis Bryant (Steelers), among others.
  • An outside-the-box option could be Indiana’s Simmie Cobbs, who measured in at 6-4, 220 pounds. Cobbs was a stud in the Big Ten, but he ran a pedestrian 4.64 40-yard-dash that could drop his draft stock. Still, there isn’t much doubting Cobbs’ ability to high-point a football despite concerns about his inability to create separation. Cobbs’ NFL Draft profile projects him to be a fifth-round pick. I’m curious if having a tattoo of your favorite team will help his cause:
  • In other Dolphins news that could have implications on the Bears and/or the wide receiver market, Miami has traded for Los Angeles Rams defensive end Robert Quinn in a move that could have Bears implications aplenty. First, Quinn was on the salary cap chopping block and the Bears could have been interested in adding him to a roster that returns just two pass rushers from last year’s team. The move also clears some cap space for the Rams, who are hoping to keep safety Lamarcus Joyner and receiver Sammy Watkins – a possible Bears target. According to Spotrac.com, the Rams have an estimated $46.3 million in salary cap space, which is the 10th highest number in the league as of Saturday
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    Braves vs. Phillies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Ronald Acuna Jr. and the Atlanta Braves take on Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 3:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Atlanta...

    Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    On Thursday at 8:00 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, and Jonas Valančiūnas' 3-pointer prop for this clash requires just one trey.Jonas Valančiūnas' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksJonas Valanciunas' over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

    Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

    The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Arizona Diamondbacks look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-226) in a season-opening matchup with the Colorado Rockies. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET on ARID, live from Chase Field.Arizona's Zac Gallen...

    Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Seattle Mariners look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-155) in a season-opening matchup with the Boston Red Sox. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET on NESN, live from T-Mobile Park.Luis Castillo...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Cleveland Guardians begin their season as -156 favorites in a road tilt against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA.Cleveland's Shane Bieber gets the start, and he'll go against Oakland's Alex Wood.Guardians vs. Athletics...

    Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Will Damian Lillard make four 3-pointers when the Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for...

    more bears news