Chicago Bears: Tanner Gentry Controversy Developing

The Chicago Bears were bound to make one or two curious decisions with their roster this year, and it seems wide receiver is ground zero for that.

Cutting Victor Cruz grabbed plenty of headlines. Many hoped the former Pro Bowler could help the team given its now dire need for weapons after Cameron Meredith injured his knee. Alas that wasn’t meant to be. The continued stance on Markus Wheaton is also curious. He’s been injured twice already (appendix and broken finger) but the Bears seem intent on keeping him.

The big hoopla though, at least among Bears fans is the curious decision by the team to cut undrafted free agent Tanner Gentry. The Wyoming product had an excellent training camp and produced a couple of memorable big plays in the preseason. This includes a beautiful 45-yard touchdown courtesy of rookie QB Mitch Trubisky.

https://twitter.com/KokeReport/status/902047982052413440

Tanner Gentry love affair born of desperation

Nobody is saying that Gentry can’t be a good player. He productivity at Wyoming in 2016 was amazing. He was singly responsible for almost a third of their entire offense. It’s no surprise he stuck out quickly in camp and had some nice moment. The problem is his “domination” wasn’t sustained. For each of those big plays Gentry produced in the preseason, there were several where he showed some difficulty getting open.

That comes from his slight lack of speed and inconsistent route running. That’s not to say he can’t get better. He’s more than talented enough to do. He’s just not at a point where he can help the Bears where they need it most right now. Provided he goes unclaimed he’s almost a guarantee to land on the practice squad. Perhaps he may yet see action this season should that happen. Otherwise it’s best to trust the Bears that they know what they’re doing with him.