[CBFF] Bears basically bargain hunting :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears - Sent Using Google Toolbar

[Victor Waldron]

This is a great assessment of the current WR situation.

While I don't think Johnson is a superstar we almost have to sign him.
Booker plus Lloyd's '08 salaries are probably less than what Moose was
supposed to earn here so you have to believe the money is there
somewhere, even taking future monies for THarris and Hester into
account.

The scouting on Johnson seems to indicate he's taller and nearly as
fast as Berrian, though he hasn't produced as much as Berrian. A lot
of this is due to him being the #3 behind Fitz and Boldin, a situation
where Berrian would also be #3 on the depth chart.

At a minimum I'd like to believe that Johnson (along with Booker)
would basically have our WRs at the same level as last year, perhaps
an upgrade overall if Johnson could flourish after coming out from
behind the shadows. I'm not holding my breath that we'll sign him but
I really hope we do.

>  Booker serves as a replacement for Muhsin Muhammad, but Lloyd is no
>  guarantee to make the team. The Bears still need to enhance their receiving
>  corps, and using a first-day draft pick will make it more difficult to fill
>  other needs. Berrian is the only wideout Angelo has drafted who has done
>  anything of note.
>
>  While time appears to be running out, it's not too late to sign Johnson, who
>  would take pressure off Hester and Mark Bradley to perform. Bradley hasn't
>  been able to stay healthy, and Hester has much to learn at wide receiver.
>
>  The secondary group of available receivers is thinning out. Drew Carter
>  signed with Oakland, and Justin McCareins returned to Tennessee. D.J.
>  Hackett visited Washington on Wednesday and reportedly will be in Tampa
>  today.