2024 Bears Free Agent Target: Marquise Brown |
Two years ago, during the first round of the NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens dealt receiver Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals. Since then, Brown has had two of the worst seasons of his career, although he has been around poor quarterback play. Now, the once 1,000-yard receiver is set to become a free agent.
During his time with the Ravens, Brown showed the kind of receiver he can be. In 2021, he had 91 receptions for 1,008 yards. That year, he also had six touchdown receptions. Undoubtedly, that was the best season of his career thus far. However, the Ravens had problems finding a No. 1 receiver, because Brown is not a No. 1, and the Cardinals have been struggling greatly. He has not gotten the chance to be a No. 2 receiver on a team with an elite receiver and strong quarterback play. Coming to Chicago, he would be playing alongside DJ Moore, and if the Bears keep Justin Fields around for one more season, Brown would have a veteran quarterback to play with. This would give Fields another weapon and perhaps help him take the next steps Chicago fans have been waiting for. In regard to his contract, this is very doable. Last season, he made over $13 million and did not produce; the previous three seasons combined, he made under $5 million. Therefore, Brown would be a low-price receiver who would also be capable of being Chicago’s No. 2 receiver or even No. 3, depending on what they decide to do in the draft. The Bears could give him a one-year contract for about $3 million or even a multi-year contract for about that price per season. Either way, he is an inexpensive receiver that has the potential to boost Chicago’s receiving core. Such a low contract is incredibly feasible as the Bears have over $49 million in salary cap space. Particularly because they are losing depth with wide receivers Equanimeous St. Brown, Trent Taylor, Darnell Mooney, and Joe Reed all set to hit free agency with no true reason to give any of these players another contract, Chicago definitely needs to pick up at least one receiver in free agency even if they decide to take a receiver at some point during the NFL Draft. One concern with Brown is his injury history. Over the last two seasons, he has missed eight games. Most of his injuries are to his right foot, including a heel injury he suffered at the end of the 2023 season. He has also suffered right thigh and knee injuries. According to Draft Sharks, his risk of injury per game is 8.8 percent, which is incredibly high. However, they also state that he is an incredibly durable player who can play through minor injuries. Despite the injury concern, Brown would be a good pick-up for the Bears due to his potential for productivity and low price at only a few million dollars. Adding another receiver in the draft would also be incredibly beneficial, even if that does not occur in the first round.
