Say this for the Bears: they get their top receivers the ball. Star wideouts Brandon Marshall (163) and Alshon Jeffery (150) were two of the 11 most-targeted players in 2013, per NFL statistics.
The Bears’ third-most targeted wide receiver — Earl Bennett — was released by Chicago this week, opening up a role in the club’s potent passing offense.
Second-year pro Marquess Wilson is one of the primary candidates to take some of the reps that once went to Bennett. And in a story published Sunday by the Chicago Tribune, Trestman indicated Wilson has shown some promise early in his pro career.
“I think he showed that we can work with him and develop him. He’s got the football intelligence that we’re looking for and the ability to be flexible within the offense,” Trestman told the Tribune‘s Brad Biggs. “He was consistent. So we’ll see how it goes. We’re not anointing people at this point in time. He’s going to have a chance to compete and be a part of what we do after Alshon and Brandon (Marshall).”
Bennett was targeted just 43 times in 2013, so even if Wilson wins the third receiver job, he might only see a few targets per contest. Nevertheless, an increased role would be a good sign for his future in Chicago. Marshall, it should be noted, is slated to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2014 season, while Jeffery’s contract is up after 2015.