When the
Bears had a private workout with
Devin Thomas before the 2008
NFL draft, they obviously figured the former Michigan State standout was capable of contributing.
Four years later, it's obvious the Bears feel the same way about the 25-year-old Thomas.
The need for insurance at receiver based on
Johnny Knox's injury status, as well as the desire to keep the special teams units among the league's elite no doubt prompted the Bears to secure Thomas with a one-year contract. He comes to fresh off a
Super Bowl title with the
Giants.
Maybe his championship vibe can rub off on a franchise desperate for a ring.
"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 the Bears' club-controlled website. "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.''
The
Redskins made Thomas the 34th overall pick of the '08 draft but he never lived up to the high expectations while playing alongside quarterback
Jason Campbell, now his teammate on the Bears. Thomas has just 11 starts in 55 career games with the Redskins,
Panthers, and Giants and has recorded 43 catches for 482 yards and three touchdowns.
Judging by looks alone, one would think the Bears would find a way to utilize the 6-foot-2, 221-pound Thomas on offense to give
Jay Cutler another big receiver opposite
Brandon Marshall (6-4, 230). Marshall will be the primary target, and
Devin Hester should have an increased workload under new offensive coordinator
Mike Tice.
