Bears sign WR Devin Thomas to one-year deal

Quote:

---

For his career, Michigan State product has 43 catches for 482 yards with 3 TDs

By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter
7:50 PM CDT, March 28, 2012

Advertisement

The Bears have added another receiver for Jay Cutler to target.

Wednesday evening, the team agreed to terms with free agent Devin Thomas on a one-year contract. The terms of the deal were not immediately available.

"I know I'm joining an organization that's legendary. That's the first thing that comes to mind, the tradition and the history," Thomas told ChicagoBears.com. "The team has shown so much promise and just needs a little bit more to get to the Super Bowl. I think they're putting the right pieces together. They have the right mentality to be right there. I'm looking forward to joining the team and adding to the success of the team."

Thomas was a second-round pick of the Washington Redskins in 2008 but never panned out in that offense. The former Michigan State standout has started 11 career games with the Redskins, Panthers, and New York Giants. He was a key special teams contributor during the Giants' run to the Super Bowl championship.

In his career, Thomas has 43 catches for 482 yards with three touchdowns. Thomas also has the ability to contribute as a return man.

It's not surprising that the Bears had an interest in Thomas. The team put Thomas through a private workout prior to the '08 draft. That year, the Bears drafted Earl Bennett in the third round.

The addition of Brandon Marshall as the No. 1 receiver and the possible contributions of Thomas and fellow newcomer Eric Weems to the receiving corps should make up for what could be a significant loss for the Bears. Multiple sources said Johnny Knox, who underwent spinal fusion surgery in December, is scheduled to start the season on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover. Knox would miss the first six games of the regular season if placed on the PUP list, as expected.

Bears coach Lovie Smith refused to speculate on Knox's status during the owners' meetings, but signing Thomas gives the Bears added insurance at receiver and on special teams.

Twitter @vxmcclure23

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

---

Devin Thomas: Chicago Bears sign WR Devin Thomas to one-year deal - chicagotribune.com

As long as they still grab a WR in round 2 or 3.

Dude has made some big plays during his career on ST but there's enough talent as a WR to be hopeful about. Just cuz a guy doesn't break into the starting line-up (on a team that is deep at his position) doesn't mean he can't / won't contribute if given the chance on a diff team. Plus he's 6'02 220 so there's something to work with here.

Goodbye Roy "Mr Mittens" Williams!

I like the pickup. He has had a disappointing career as a WR, but he is VERY FAST and a pretty good ST guy. The guy had a real attitude problem coming into the NFL, but seems to have grown up some. He's 6'2 so who knows...maybe he gets a shot at getting some time at WR since he was used sparingly in that area by the Giants.

It sure is looking like Emery is NOT going to be drafting a WR in the first 2 rds. I think its clear those 2 first picks will be defense. Bummer as I was hoping for either Floyd or Wright at #19.

So, now it would be something like:

1. Marshall
2. Bennett
3. Hester
4. Rookie
5. Sanzenbacher
6. Weems
7. Thomas

I doubt the Bears are going into this season with seven receivers, so who gets the boot? Maybe between Sanz or Thomas, which ever one looks better in training camp?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BigBadPapaBear

I like the pickup. He has had a disappointing career as a WR, but he is VERY FAST and a pretty good ST guy. The guy had a real attitude problem coming into the NFL, but seems to have grown up some. He's 6'2 so who knows...maybe he gets a shot at getting some time at WR since he was used sparingly in that area by the Giants.

It sure is looking like Emery is NOT going to be drafting a WR in the first 2 rds. I think its clear those 2 first picks will be defense. Bummer as I was hoping for either Floyd or Wright at #19.

---

At least Jay now has three 6-2+ guys to throw to in Marshall, KDavis, and Thomas. Yes, it clearly looks a D-heavy draft coming up since FA has been all O.

DE + CB in the first 2?

Or, if Okoye leaves, are we looking at some combo of DE + DT + CB in the first 3?

Might be able to throw in an OL in the 3rd, but that would be my guess MP.

I think Sanz is gonna get da boot

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MPBears68

At least Jay now has three 6-2+ guys to throw to in Marshall, KDavis, and Thomas. Yes, it clearly looks a D-heavy draft coming up since FA has been all O.

DE + CB in the first 2?

Or, if Okoye leaves, are we looking at some combo of DE + DT + CB in the first 3?

---

I'm thinking it could be DE + CB in the first 2rds. I'll tell you man, I love the possibilities with Cutler working with those whole crew of WRs. lol This is going to be a fun year if the Bears can avoid any major injuries. Lot of very fast guys on the offensive side of the ball and lots of depth in the RB stable.