[CBFF] Scout.com: Berrian Bolts to the Vikings

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Berrian Bolts to the Vikings ________________________________

John M. Crist
 BearReport.comMar 1, 2008

The Chicago Bears had one of the worst offenses in the NFL this past
season, and now they have to replace their leading receiver. Bernard
Berrian signed a six-year free agent contract with the division rival
Minnesota Vikings, leaving a giant vacancy in the passing game.



Subtracting leading receiver Bernard Berrian from a pedestrian passing
game would have been bad enough for the Chicago Bears, but losing him
to a division rival over money is even worse.

Initially rejecting a five-year, $25 million contract from the Bears
just before the free agency period began, Berrian signed a six-year
deal Saturday with NFC North rival Minnesota. After breaking out in
2006 with 51 receptions for 775 yards and six touchdowns, Berrian led
Chicago with 71 catches for 951 yards while scoring five TDs this past
season. Originally a third-round selection out of Fresno State, the
former Bulldog has reeled in 150 balls for 2,197 yards and 15 scores
in four years.

Berrian instantly becomes the Vikings' top target through the air, and
his ability to stretch the field vertically will only be helped by the
presence of Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson in the
backfield.

JC's Take: Most Bears fans were resigned to the fact that the team was
going to lose Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs in free agency, but
there was still hope that Berrian would be brought back – that hope
has now been shattered.

With Berrian now a memory and Muhsin Muhammad released back on Feb.
18, suddenly the Midway Monsters have to replace both of their
starting wide receivers from the last two years. Fourth-year pro Mark
Bradley is now the most experienced wideout on the roster, yet he
posted a grand total of six receptions for 71 yards in 2007. The only
pass-catchers currently under contract are converted cornerback Devin
Hester and practice-squad veterans Mike Hass and Brandon Rideau.

Head coach Lovie Smith said in his press conference at the NFL Combine
that the organization values Berrian as a No. 1 receiver and will do
whatever it can to keep him in the Windy City, but ultimately deciding
not to put the franchise tag on him looks to have been a huge mistake.

John Crist is the Publisher of Bear Report and a member of the
Professional Football Writers of America. To read him every day, visit
BearReport.com and become a Chicago Bears insider.

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