The Chicago Bears seemed to take pride in never signing players who played for the Green Bay Packers for years. This was despite the Packers having no problems signing former Bears. Jim McMahon, Steve McMichael, Julius Peppers, and Adrian Amos are only some of several examples. However, things seem to have shifted since GM Ryan Poles took over. He has no qualms about acquiring former Packers if he feels they can help the team somehow. Equanimeous St. Brown was one example. Lucas Patrick was another. Jonathan Owens, a solid safety and special teams ace, became the latest this off-season.
Now it appears the Bears have struck again. As the Packers were trying to juggle a talented group of receivers, they had hoped they could bring back former 7th round pick Samori Toure on the practice squad after making him one of their final cuts. Apparently, he wasn’t wild about that idea and decided to accept an offer from the Bears to join their practice squad instead. Considering how lopsided the rivalry has been for years, it is interesting the third-year player would make such a pivot.
An in-division change of teams: Former Packers WR Samori Toure is signing with the Bears practice squad, per source.
The Chicago Bears’ interest in Toure isn’t shocking.
Green Bay’s sharp eye for wide receivers is well-documented. He showed flashes of ability during his brief appearances over the past two seasons. He is of good size, a solid route runner, and demonstrates an ability to get a strong release off the line. The primary concerns were his lack of pure speed and thinner build. He offers some promise as a slot target and is applauded for his efforts as a blocker in the run game. Last but not least, he is versatile. Nebraska used him as a weapon through the air and on the ground. He also showcased some kick return prowess for the Packers.
Truth be told, Toure is a solid depth option. He can give you some solid snaps in case of a string of injuries at wide receiver. Not only that, but he brings intricate knowledge of Matt Lafleur’s offensive scheme in Green Bay. That should help head coach Matt Eberflus better grasp his arch-rival when the two teams meet this season. Seeing a rare defection like this may suggest the Chicago Bears are pointed in the right direction. Even the Great Enemy has taken notice.
