There was a time when NFL free agency featured teams hosting high-profile free agents for visits. Teams would pitch the player on why their city/franchise/scheme/whatever was the best fit for them, their family, and whomever else was in the picture. At some point, there was a pivot to instant signings and moves, and we – as a football public – haven’t looked back since.
Kenny Golladay’s situation seems to be a throwback to a simpler time. Because rather than jump into a deal with a new team, Golladay is testing the waters with old-school team visits. And his latest one was close to home:
Lions' free-agent WR Kenny Golladay spent Wednesday night meeting with Bears GM Ryan Pace and HC Matt Nagy, per source. He is scheduled to be in New York tonight to meet with the Giants.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2021
The Bears hosted Golladay for a visit on Wednesday. Hello.
GM Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy should be familiar with Golladay, who spent his entire four-year career (to this point) with the Detroit Lions. Golladay, 27, has a pair of 1,000-yard receiving seasons under his belt and is one year removed from hauling in a league-leading 11 touchdowns. I’d bet that was a conversation point during the meeting. And I’d think that an injury shortened 2020 might’ve come up in talks, too.
In addition to being a familiar face because of his time with an NFC North rival, Golladay is a Chicagoland product. Golladay played his high school ball at St. Rita before attending Northern Illinois and balling out for the Huskies. Considering Golladay’s background and local ties, I’d be curious to hear what College Scouting Director Mark Sadowski has to say about the free agent receiver. Sadowski is also a St. Rita product. And because of his job of scouting college talent, I’d love a chance to check out his pre-draft notes on a player who went in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
And when you throw in the Bears’ needs at the receiver position, one can understand why the Bears have Golladay on their radar. A meeting with the Giants is up next. But part of me hopes Chicago gives him a reason to cancel.
And, hey, it’s not like Allen Robinson has rushed to sign his franchise tag just yet:
It Doesn’t Sound Like Allen Robinson is Rushing to Sign That Franchise Tag Tenderhttps://t.co/8RX6ma3l5D
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) March 18, 2021