The Pittsburgh Steelers have claimed wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones, and in the process released speedster Dri Archer. With the Chicago Bears having some issues with depth at running back and wide receiver, as well as a lack of explosiveness on special teams, they should consider signing Archer and see how he fits.
Archer was selected in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Steelers, so it's a bit surprising that he was cut so soon. During his time in Pittsburgh, he had just 10 carries for 40 yards to go along with seven receptions for 23 yards. As a returner, he averaged 22.4 yards on 23 total returns with a long of 38.
While his NFL stats are rather unimpressive, it wasn't so long ago that the 4.26-second 40-yard dash runner was a hot commodity. He absolutely tore it up at Kent State, excelling as a running back, receiver and return specialist, scoring 34 total touchdowns in his final two seasons.
The Bears are in need of someone versatile like that. Not only do they have Marc Mariani as the kick and punt returner, who is probably the slowest return man in the league, but they've had injuries at running back and wideout all year. Adding depth to that area with a guy who could potentially be a home-run threat if given the opportunity might not be a bad idea.
After all, what's the harm in bringing him in?
If he doesn't pan out, the Bears won't have any contractual obligation to him and he can be released. But on the off chance that he could supply some excitement and explosiveness to their special teams, maybe it'd energize the whole phase, both in returns and coverage.
Honestly, the Bears special teams has been trash this season. They've done almost nothing positive, and perhaps they just need a shot of energy.
Archer is the type of guy who could potentially add that.
Devin Hester used to, and Jerry Azumah did before that. During that 10-year span or so, the Bears had some of the best special teams play in the entire league. It gives the other 10 guys a real sense of purpose if the man carrying the ball behind them is a game-changing threat.
So maybe, just maybe, that can happen once again if Dri Archer is given a chance.
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