The Bears won’t pick up wide receiver Kevin White‘s option for 2019, a source tells Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter). This was the expected move since White has been plagued by injuries so far in his young career. 
As a wide receiver taken in the top ten of the 2015 draft, the extra year for White would have cost a whopping $13.9MM. He is now officially entering his contract year, which could give him an opportunity to line up a nice payday in Chicago or another city. Last year, the Bears declined cornerback Kyle Fuller‘s option due to his up-and-down performance and he responded with a strong showing in 2018 that resulted in a new four-year deal worth $56MM with $18MM in guaranteed money.
Before White can dream of a substantial multi-year deal, however, he’ll have to focus on his health. The talented West Virginia product missed his entire rookie season due to injury and has appeared in a combined five games over the last two years.
Wednesday marks the deadline for teams to exercise the fifth-year option for eligible players. To keep track of all 32 decisions, check out PFR’s 2019 Fifth-Year Option Tracker.
Bears fans will be 100% on board with this decision. Then He’ll have a breakout year, and Bears fans will get upset with Pace for not picking up the option.
As a Bears fan, if White has a breakout season this year, I will feel the same as I did when Jeffrey left for more money. Good luck in your next endeavor. That money can be used for other resources that want to play for this team.
I’m using the Fuller situation as an example here. But yea – breakout or not, the only way I’d care about his leaving is if the new additions don’t pan out.
Gramma should be elated.
Bad move! Bears will live to regret this! He’s the fastest guy on the bench!
Too bad he hasn’t been healthy
Can always resign him it was the correct move