The Miami Dolphins are here to pump the brakes on the Chicago Bears “dream pass-catching scenario” we discussed yesterday:
The #Dolphins are planning to sign former #Chiefs WR Albert Wilson to a 3-year deal worth $24M when the league year begins, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
After four years in the Kansas City Chiefs offense, Wilson has found a new home and an expanded role in the offense. It just won’t be in Chicago.
Miami emerged as the favorite on Monday night to land Wilson and it’s fitting the team made him a priority and struck a quick deal. The Dolphins just traded Jarvis Landry and were in the market for a cost-efficient alternative as the team continues to clear salary cap space. According to Spotrac.com, the Dolphins were below the cap by $2,567,355 as of Tuesday morning. It’s not much, but it takes them out of the red and puts them in the market for a receiver like Wilson.
The Bears had been linked to Wilson since the team hired Matt Nagy as head coach, but it’s evident Wilson’s market took off more than originally expected. That’s great for Wilson, who was positioned to be paid handsomely by some team looking to upgrade at the the position. On the other hand, it leaves the Bears looking for an alternate option at slot receiver who can complement Allen Robinson’s skills on the outside.
At least with Robinson in the fold, the need to sign Wilson isn’t as high as it was yesterday.
The Bears still have needs at receiver, could find use for a speedy, reliable slot receiver working across the middle. Wilson was familiar with Nagy’s offensive concepts and terminology, which gave him a leg up on others in the market and would have been nice to add to this offense. So while it was as perfect as a match could get, the Bears have other options to fill their remaining needs at the position.