The Chicago Bears have made significant changes to their offensive this season and NFL rumors suggest that wide receiver Anthony Miller may be next.
Miller, a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has shown that he’s a dependable weapon out of the slot. In his first two seasons he was average 12.7 meters per catch and many expected that he would become a breakout player. But for a variety of reasons, including poor quarterback play, Miller disappointed in 2020.
After three years of inconsistency, the Bears put the 5-foot-11 receiver on the trading bloc. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network unveiled in April that Chicago discussed trades with multiple teams, but a deal never reached the finish line.
With the training camp around the corner, Miller’s name could soon be circulating again in trade rumors. With that in mind, let’s examine some potential landing spots for Chicago’s slot receivers.
Anthony Miller moved to the New England Patriots
Bill Belichick deserves credit for being aggressive this off-season, improving the offensive line and signing two of the NFL’s better tight ends. It will make life a lot easier for you Newton cams, in the end Mac JonesBut it’s not enough. If cost is the reason the Patriots avoided a Julio Jones trade, Miller is a reasonable option.
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- Anthony Miller statistics (2020): 49 receptions, 485 yards and two touchdowns
He’s only got a base salary of $ 1.21 million this season and no guaranteed money. If it doesn’t work out for him, New England could let him run the free agency for the next off-season. But this is one player who has shown the ability to create separations out of the slot. The Patriots’ passing attack will rely on quick passes and Miller fits into that form. If it only costs a day 3 pick, it’s worth it.
Indianapolis Colts finally add another weapon
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We have criticized the Colts for not doing more to improve their receiving corps. Indianapolis re-signed TY Hilton and then picked Michael Strachan in the seventh round to do what it takes to help Carson Wentz. It’s fine if they don’t want to miss out on premium selections for a star recipient or spend a huge contract, but something has to be done.
Miller is a reasonable solution. The Colts are counting on Parris Campbell, who saw 94.9% of his snaps in the slot last season. But a history of injury makes it hard to believe he’ll suddenly stay healthy in 2021. Miller, who should only cost one pick in the fifth or sixth round, will offer tremendous depth on the wide receiver and could earn even more snaps if he plays down to his talent.
Los Angeles Chargers strengthen the reception corps
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The Los Angeles Chargers are facing a breakout season, especially if Justin Herbert takes another step forward as a passer-by. With Anthony Lynn gone and Joe Lombardi taking over the play caller, we should see three more wide receivers on the field in 2021. That’s why Anthony Miller makes sense for Los Angeles.
Keenan Allen is great at working from the slot, but he’s also more than convenient to play outside. For sets with three receivers, the Chargers should try to bring the best possible weapons with them. Miller could learn a lot from all of them, and possibly even help him progress as a slot recipient. If Miller impresses the coaching staff and the chemistry with Herbert is right, Los Angeles can sign him again in the offseason.
