The Bears are signing former Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, according to Kimberly Jones and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). It will be a one-year deal. 
As PFR’s Sam Robinson detailed recently, Cruz is a logical fit for Chicago. The Bears lost Alshon Jeffery in free agency this offseason (without much of a fight) and Kevin White cannot be counted upon given his injury concerns. The Bears added Kendall Wright and Markus Wheaton this spring to help fill the void and Cruz is the latest addition to bolster the WR group.
In addition to Cruz and the aforementioned Wright, White, and Wheaton, the Bears have Cameron Meredith atop the WR depth chart. Joshua Bellamy, Deonte Thompson, and Daniel Braverman are among the other WRs presently on the 90-man roster.
After missing the majority of the 2014 season and sitting out the entire 2015 season, the salsa-dancing fan favorite clearly lost a step in 2016 as he caught 39 passes for 586 yards and one touchdown in 15 games. However, the 30-year-old (31 in November) might be able to recapture some of his old magic if he is used in the slot.
In his best seasons, Cruz was a legitimate star for the Giants. He burst on to the scene in 2011 by catching 82 passes for 1,536 yards and nine scores. His encore saw him set a new career high with 86 grabs for 1,092 yards and ten touchdowns, earning him a trip to the Super Bowl.
Before agreeing to sign with Chicago, the Jaguars scheduled a visit with Cruz, but that was cancelled for unknown reasons. The Ravens also reportedly expressed interest in him.
Photo via Pro Football Rumors on Instagram.
Another WR to throw on the scrap heap of hurt and mediocre wideouts they have. Glennon will really have his work cut out for him, really hope they don’t get antsy and throw Mitch into this tire fire.
They really had no other options but to throw a bunch of one year deals at average WRs with some upside. Alshon wanted out of Chicago, and the FA market after him wasn’t great.
Alshon wanted out because the Bears wanted rid of him, Fox was never a fan of his from what I’ve heard. I’m fine with the see what sticks mentality with bringing in a bunch of guys but this is where giving up those extra draft picks for Mitch hurts because none of these guys has much upside or is an option long term. If they play well they’ll win more games (which is bad for a team rebuilding) and will look for more money next year. It just comes off as another not sure which direction they’re going move.
I doubt the Bears wanted to get rid of Alshon. They wouldn’t have offered him a multi year deal if they did. It shows how much he wanted out of Chicago by taking a one year, prove it type of deal.
I couldn’t agree more about trading picks to move up one, but if Trubisky ends up being the real deal, no one will question the trade. It would be nice to have reassurance that the Browns were actually trying to trade for the second pick from the 49ers to take Trubisky, but it seems like the Browns and the 9ers won’t let that story leak.
My guess is white still hurting or his route running according to some scouts is below average or BOTH? Keep repeating they drafted Antonio brown’s college QB in sixth round about ten picks BEFORE Antonio brown was taken! I know so did a lot of other teams miss the boat there
Ill take Cruz in the slot. This WR core is definitely better than what we sent out there on game 1 of 2016
I was kind of hoping to see Braverman in the slot to see what he can do. Even as a 7th round pick, there was some decent buzz that he had the shiftiness and hands to be a solid slot receiver. Plus with Shaheen in the fold, slot receiver is going to be an important part of the offense. If it ends up being Cruz in the slot, I just hope he can stay on the field.
I know. Health is always an issue with Bear receivers.
I hope Shaheen is bright then he appears. Anyone that pronounces the S in Illinois makes me question their intelligence
Brighter*