The Chicago Bears have some key positional needs heading into free agency, where wide receiver is among the top of the list.
With the importance of developing quarterback Justin Fields, surrounding him with weapons is a good place to start. Right now, Darnell Mooney is the only dependable wide receiver under contract, and new general manager Ryan Poles will look to add more to the fold, starting in free agency.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen did a deep dive on the best fits for the top 50 pending free agents on the market. Among those is Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup, who Fowler and Bowen believe is a perfect fit in Chicago.
Why it makes sense: The Bears will prioritize a receiver who can win one-on-one matchups for quarterback Justin Fields. Gallup will be the steal of free agency if a team gets a discount due to his torn ACL. By midseason, he should be humming. Offensive coaches around the league love this guy’s game and felt he has been underutilized in Dallas. — Fowler
Scheme fit: The Bears need playmakers in the pass game opposite Darnell Mooney, and Gallup brings a physical element to the position, with the ability to stretch the defense over the top as an outside target for Fields. — Bowen
Gallup would be a solid addition for Chicago. He’s a young receiver that’s showed an ability to get separation and would be a great complement to Mooney. Plus, he would come at an affordable price, when looking at the rest of the market.
Last season with the Cowboys, Gallup had 35 receptions for 445 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. He missed a good potion of the season with a calf injury. Unfortunately, Gallup tore his ACL against the Cardinals on Jan. 3, which means he’ll be rehabbing heading into the offseason. Still, his injury should make him even more affordable.
According to Spotrac, Gallup is expected to cost $11.3 million per year, which wouldn’t require Poles to break the bank. And even if the Bears were able to hash things out with Allen Robinson — who is slated to hit free agency — reports indicated he was seeking more than $18 million per year.
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