The Chicago Bears continue to add weapons to their receiving corps.
After adding Allen Robinson and Trey Burton earlier in the day, reports surfaced that Taylor Gabriel will also join once free agency begins Wednesday afternoon. His former teammate Andrew Hawkins was the first to report on the developments. Gabriel will sign a four-year deal with the Bears worth $26 million with $14 million in guarantees, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Taylor Gabriel expected to sign with the Chicago Bears on a 4 year deal. per source.
Taylor Gabriel is my source. #ThomaHawk
— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) March 13, 2018
The #Bears are expected to sign WR Taylor Gabriel to a 4-year deal worth $26M, source said. He gets $14M guaranteed. The max is $28M with incentives. Nice deal for the former undrafted speedster who finally cashes in.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Report: Chicago Bears To Sign Taylor Gabriel to Four-Year Deal
Gabriel started his NFL career in 2014 as an undrafted free agent from Abilene Christian going to the Cleveland Browns. Gabriel’s rookie year still holds his career highs for receptions and yards. That year, he recorded 36 receptions for 624 yards and one touchdown, all while starting only two games. In 2015, Gabriel started four games and only put up 28 receptions for 241 yards and no touchdowns. Gabriel only played in 13 games that season due to a concussion.
After his first two years in Cleveland, the Browns released Gabriel. A day after he was cut, Atlanta was able to pick him up on waivers. Gabriel was used as a vital piece for the Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl run that season. In 13 games, Gabriel recorded 35 receptions for 579 yards and six touchdowns in 2016. Gabriel even had to deal with a foot injury and a concussion that season. Taylor saw a lot more looks with Atlanta than he did with the Browns. All-Pro teammate Julio Jones demanded most of the attention from opposing defenses. Atlanta placed a second-round tender on Gabriel in March 2017, and the receiver stayed with Atlanta for the season.
Gabriel had a quiet second season with the Falcons. He started only three games and finished the season with 33 receptions for 378 yards and a touchdown grab. Ultimately, the Falcons were unable to make it back to the Super Bowl, even though they went fairly deep in the playoffs. Gabriel had a mixed performance during his two years as an Atlanta Falcon. He was used primarily as a second or third option, and will almost definitely play that role moving forward. Gabriel still has a lot to prove, and a lot of years left in the league to make an impact. He just needs to prove that he can be consistent.
