The Chicago Bears have some important needs to address this offseason, including wide receiver.
While the addition of DJ Moore, acquired in a trade last offseason, has done wonders for Chicago’s offense, the team lacked an impact contributor at receiver opposite him. Darnell Mooney, set to hit the open market, underwhelmed last season, and the Bears need to build this receivers room around Mooney.
Outside of Moore, Tyler Scott is the only viable receiver on the roster. Chicago will need to sign several wideouts this offseason, be it through free agency and/or the NFL draft.
One option could be Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who was dubbed a potential fit for the Bears by Pro Football Focus.
With D.J. Moore in place, Chicago could get two players who are interchangeable as X-receivers up on the line and as good move/Z-receivers with alignment versatility. Both can create separation vertically, but Ridley could take the top off defenses even more and let Moore utilize his high-end after-the-catch abilities at the short and intermediate levels.
In 2023, Ridley had 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games as Trevor Lawrence’s top target. A potential Moore-Ridley pairing would allow both wideouts opportunities to shine as downfield playmakers.
The only question is who will be throwing them the ball: Justin Fields or Caleb Williams.