DA With Vikes, Puzzled Over Martz Rejection..
Ex-Bears WR Aromashodu unsure why he didn't click with Martz
http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/...0-03144638.jpg Devin Aromashodu becoms the latest former Bears receiver to join the Vikings. (Chris Sweda/Tribune)
By Dan Pompei Tribune reporter 4:46 p.m. CDT, August 3, 2011
MANKATO, Minn. -- The Chicago Bears wanted a big receiver this year, but they had one last year. Now, Devin Aromashodu is wearing enemy colors as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears did not try to bring Aromashodu back, and the free agent was signed by the Vikings in the hopes that he can help replace Sidney Rice.
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Aromashodu is the latest in a string of Bears receivers who have become Vikings, following Bobby Wade, Bernard Berrian and Juaquin Iglesias. Berrian and Iglesias remain on the Vikings.
"The Bears decided to take things in another direction," Aromashodu said. "It can’t work out for everyone. I’m not sure why things didn’t work out, but I’m here now so I focus on that. This seemed like a good place to come to for another opportunity."
Aromashodu clicked with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, but not with Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz. At one point, Martz said it was difficult to give Aromashodu an active roster spot because he didn’t want to play in the slot.
"I’m not sure where that came from,"Aromashodu said. " think I’m a good receiver who is very capable of playing in any offense. This is going in another direction."
Aromashodu said he hopes Roy Williams can give Martz what he is looking for in a big receiver.
"I wish Chicago the best," he said. "I hope Cutler and Roy do click. They already had a solid receiver corps they brought back, and adding him will definitely help."
Aromashodu is with his seventh team in six NFL seasons, and he has yet to establish himself. His nearly three year stay in Chicago was by far his longest.
The 27-year old needs to start producing consistently.
"I’m not worried about running out of chances," he said. "All it takes is one person to think you have the ability to play and give you a chance. If you make the best of it, there are a thousand others watching. I think I’ve made the best of my opportunities. I’m headed in the right direction."
Aromashodu could find himself battling his former teammates later this year, but he said he isn’t looking at a clash with the Bears as payback.
"It’s a division game so we want to win both of those games," he said. "It’s no bigger than any other game to me and it shouldn’t be to any other player."
dpompei@tribune.com
Twitter @danpompei
Copyright © 2011, Chicago Tribune
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