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The Chicago Bears made significant changes to their offense this season and NFL rumors have hinted that wide receiver Anthony Miller could be the next to go.
Miller, a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of being a reliable weapon out of the slot. Across his first two seasons, he averaged 12.7 yards per catch and many expected him to become a breakout player. But for a variety of reasons, including poor quarterback play, Miller disappointed in 2020.
Following three years of inconsistency, the Bears put the 5-foot-11 receiver on the trade block. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed in April that Chicago was discussing trades with multiple teams, but a deal never reached the finish line.
With training camp around the corner, Miller’s name could soon be floated in trade rumors once again. With that in mind, let’s examine a few potential landing spots for Chicago’s slot receiver.
Anthony Miller traded to New England Patriots
Bill Belichick deserves credit for being aggressive this offseason, improving the offensive line and signing two of the NFL’s better tight ends. It’s going to make life a lot easier for Cam Newton, eventually Mac Jones, but it’s not enough. If cost is the reason the Patriots avoided a Julio Jones trade, Miller is a reasonable option.
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- Anthony Miller stats (2020): 49 receptions, 485 receiving yards and two touchdowns
He only has a $1.21 million base salary this season with zero guaranteed money owed. If things didn’t work out for him, New England could let him walk in free agency next offseason. But this is a player who showed the ability to create separation working out of the slot. The Patriots’ passing attack will rely on quick passes and Miller fits that mold. If he only cost a Day 3 pick, that’s worth it.
Indianapolis Colts finally add another weapon
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We’ve been critical of the Colts for not doing more to improve their receiving corps. Indianapolis re-signed T.Y. Hilton and then spent a seventh-round pick on Michael Strachan, doing the bare minimum to help Carson Wentz. It’s fine if they don’t want to give up a premium pick for a star receiver or hand out a huge contract, but something must be done.
Miller is a reasonable solution. The Colts are counting on Parris Campbell, who saw 94.9% of his snaps in the slot last season. But a history of injuries makes it difficult to think he’ll suddenly stay healthy in 2021. Miller, who should only cost a fifth- or sixth-round pick, will provide tremendous depth at wide receiver and could earn even more snaps if he plays up to his talent.
Los Angeles Chargers bolster receiving corps
The Los Angeles Chargers are poised for a breakout season, especially if Justin Herbert takes another step forward as a passer. With Anthony Lynn gone and Joe Lombardi taking over as play-caller, we should see three wide receivers on the field more in 2021. That’s why Anthony Miller makes sense for Los Angeles.
Keenan Allen can be outstanding working out of the slot, but he’s also more than comfortable playing on the outside. With three-receiver sets, the Chargers should be looking to bring in the best weapons possible. Miller could learn a lot from Allen, potentially even helping him make strides as a slot receiver. If Miller impresses the coaching staff and has chemistry with Herbert, Los Angeles can re-sign him in the offseason.