The Bears will host Keith Kirkwood on a visit today, according to a source who spoke with Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). If all goes well, the wide receiver could join Chicago’s 90-man offseason roster with a chance of making the final cut towards the end of the summer.
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Kirkwood has previously spent time with the Saints and Panthers. He appeared in nine games for the Saints between 2018 and 2019 and suited up for another four contests with the Panthers in 2020 and 2021. All together, he’s got 17 catches for 239 yards and two scores to his credit.
The Bears probably aren’t looking at Kirkwood as a leading target, but they could use some improvements at wide receiver overall. Currently, their WR depth chart is led by Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, Byron Pringle, Nsimba Webster, and David Moore with support from third-round rookie Velus Jones Jr.
Still, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy recently told reporters that he’s fairly comfortable with the current group.
“Of course everybody wants Davante Adams,” Getsy said (via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune). “But Davante wasn’t Davante until he became Davante. I think the system will enable some of these guys to play at their potential. We’ll give them an opportunity to show what they’ve got.“
Getsy went on to explain that quarterback Justin Fields is getting “much more comfortable” with his receivers, but Bears fans would still like to see a proven veteran added to the mix. Kirkwood doesn’t quite fit the bill, but the Bears could have some new options to explore once teams begin their summer roster shuffle.
FYI – Braxton Jones is not a WR. He’s a Tackle. Might want to correct the article.
Just curious. Where do you see “Braxton” Jones?
They probably could have drafted a Wr with the 3rd pick instead of reaching for Velus Jones Jr.
there was definitely better WR options there and even in the 4th round but nope .. Doesn’t matter who they make GM or coach until the owners sell the team to someone who has a clue we won’t win another SB shoot way may never even make the playoffs at this rate
Too soon to say that with Poles. He said from the day he was hired, it’s gonna take time. The holes in the secondary were as big as at WR and the O-line. There’s no guarantee that any of the other options from the 3rd round will do any better than Jones. Give the guy a minute..
Totally agree.
The “popular” pick(s) would have been to take “name” OL, or WR, BUT, in the Real World, lowering the chances that the opponent will score — assuming the LCB and SS play up to expectations — the Offense won’t have to worry about getting involved in Scoring Shootouts, for which they appear ill-equipped at the moment.
I think velus might be pretty good, actually. Reporting I’ve read indicates that he had improved as a route runner after transferring to TN. Tyke Tolbert is highly regarded as a receivers coach. Superstar? Maybe not, but i think he’s got a chance to be pretty good.
“But Davante wasn’t Davante until he became Davante”.
Wow! Those job interview questions the Bears ask coaching candidates really test the ol’ I.Q limit.
“Fairly Comfortable”
and the Davante Adams reference…..