Now that the NFL’s legal tampering period has begun, the Chicago Bears can attempt to lure in free agent receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, who is reportedly on their wish list.
Not sure if out there but source tells @sn_nfl that @ChicagoBears expected to make push to sign @Vikings UFA WR @ceeflashpee84
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 7, 2017
Chicago let Alshon Jeffery hit the open market this spring after deciding against using the franchise tag to keep him in the Windy City. Though the two sides are reportedly not opposed to a reunion, it’s far more likely Jeffery will land elsewhere on a ridiculously lucrative deal.
This means the Bears will need to look to the draft and free agency to replace the production Jeffery provided. Signing Patterson would be an interesting move on a couple of fronts. First, it would mean signing a player away from their divisional rival Minnesota Vikings. Secondly, it would signal the Bears are prepared to use Patterson more than he was utilized in Minnesota — something he’d obviously love.
Patterson was extremely under-utilized during his four-year stay in Minnesota. He caught just 132 passes for 1,316 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed for more than 10 yards per carry and scored four times on the ground and was a dangerous return man, with five touchdowns on kickoff returns.