NEWSLETTER
Even if the Bears get a healthy Darnell Mooney and a better showing from Chase Claypool in 2023, this team still needs reinforcements at wide receiver. And I’m curious if Chicago will have eyes for a player GM Ryan Poles reportedly went after last offseason, but ultimately came up short in his pursuit: Robert Woods.
The ball got rolling on that line of thinking after seeing news that the Titans are cutting the wide receiver, Woods:
Woods, 30, had an underwhelming season with the Titans last year. He played in all 17 games, but put up pedestrian numbers in Tennessee’s offense. Woods caught just 53 passes, put up just 527 receiving yards, and scored only two touchdowns. I don’t imagine that is what the Titans had in mind when swinging a trade with the Rams last year. Plus, a Woods cut makes sense for what looks to be an evolving Titans timeline. Between the disappointing performance and the cap space clearing a cut provides, this is a sensible move for Tennessee. Ultimately, I wonder if this can be a one man’s trash is another’s treasure type of situation. Because it doesn’t take much to make a case that Woods would provide an upgrade for the Bears’ receivers room.
The Bears reportedly had an interest in swinging a trade with the Rams for Woods last year. But I think the Rams, in the end, were trying to send Woods to his preferred destination. Hence, the Rams and Titans cut a deal. But Woods will be a free agent this time around and will make his own decision on where he plays next (without a team trying to navigate trade waters). Maybe the Bears will be a more compelling destination this time around. Not only is there a need Chicago must fill, Justin Fields did flash some high-end passing traits every now and again. Sure, Fields is still a work in progress. But there is more good tape than bad on him after Year 2 as compared to Year 1.
And yet, I’m not wholly convinced Woods is an ideal fit. Don’t get me wrong. Woods is a good player, has a solid résumé, and would represent a solid addition if the Bears went after him and successfully reeled him in. However, he is turning 30 and coming off a meh-inducing campaign in Tennessee. In the end, I can’t help but think the Bears might be better off targeting someone younger with more upside. Then again, beggars can’t be choosers. And because Woods would raise the competency level in the receivers room, Chicago should kick the tires on this situation. Due diligence is a heckuva thing.
