Sammy Watkins rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky No. 10 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Ford Field on December 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

3. Chicago Bears

Without using Google, could you guess who led the Bears in receptions and yards last season? The answer is Kendall Wright with 59 receptions and 614 yards(incidentally, both are more than Watkins). The leader in receiving touchdowns was tight end Adam Shaheen with three. To say that Watkins would be an upgrade is probably not near enough and second year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky really needs some help to take the next step in his development.

Chicago also just hired Matt Nagy, who was offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. If they were to bring Watkins in, the Bears offense could have some similarities to the Chiefs of 2017.

Trubsky isn’t going to be mistaken for Alex Smith in 2018. The jury is still out on just how effective he’ll be as an NFL quarterback. It’s also slightly unfair to judge him from 2017 with putrid weapons and a conservative head coach in John Fox, who could be characterized as a Jeff Fisher clone. There does appear to be talent there that Nagy could tap into. Running back Jordan Howard may not be Kareem Hunt but is highly talented. He’s totaled over 1,100 yards on the ground in both seasons. He’s not a dynamic receiver but Tarik Cohen can handle those duties out of the backfield.

Watkins could play the Tyreek Hill role, and both receivers are burners who excel at getting downfield. The Bears may not have a Travis Kelce, but Shaheen could be an effective red zone target. Watkins would instantly change this offense and be a security blanket for Trubisky as he grows. It’s not that different a situation than last season in Los Angeles.