The Chicago Bears may have a bright future, but Sunday's season-opener showed they still have a long way to go to become contenders.
In a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, the Bears got to 1-0 despite failing to score an offensive touchdown. A blocked punt returned for a score and a Will Levis pick-six was enough to get Caleb Williams his first win as a quarterback in the National Football League.
Williams has the trust of the Bears organization, but it will take some roster tweaks to ensure he has the best chance to succeed. That may include revamping his wide receiver room, one of the most favorable aspects of his situation coming into the season.
With veteran Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze joining the Bears in 2024, there's no need to trade for a receiver yet this season. But if Allen ends up elsewhere in 2024, reinforcements could be in order, meaning the Bears could look to pilfer another team's depth chart.
On Monday, Bleacher Report's Scouting Department predicted that the Bears will sign Titans wideout Tyler Boyd, a former standout with the Cincinnati Bengals.
"(Keenan) Allen turns 33 in April and will likely be looking for one more big payday. Also, the club spent a first-round pick on Rome Odunze, who would ideally become the offense's WR2 next year," the authors said.
"So, adding a receiver like Boyd to operate out of the slot and be the team's No. 3 WR could be enticing. He shouldn't command a huge contract and has been consistently productive, racking in roughly 60 catches and 700 yards over the last four seasons."
Boyd is entering his ninth NFL season, and his first in Tennessee. He has 6,018 career receiving yards under his belt, including crossing the 1,000-yard mark in 2018 and 2019. Last season, he still managed 667 yards despite being the clear third option in the Cincinnati offense.
Though he may not give the Bears offense the ceiling it has with Allen, Boyd would certainly be cost-effective. He signed a $1.4 million contract in Tennessee this season and unless he improves drastically on his one-catch outing from Sunday, he'll likely command a similar price.
More NFL: Bears rookie could become team's top weapon, according to latest 'bold prediction'
