Given only an original-round tender as a restricted free agent, Bears receiver Cam Meredith visited the Colts on Tuesday, sources confirmed, leaving open the possibility that he could receive an offer sheet. The receiver is expected to meet with the Ravens on Thursday, per the Baltimore Sun.
If he signs an offer sheet with either team, the Bears would have the right to match. If they don’t, however, they won’t be entitled to compensation.
The Bears gave Meredith the tender last week, which would pay him $1.907 million for 2018.
Meredith, the former Illinois State quarterback, caught 66 passes for 888 yards in 2016. He was poised to be the team’s top receiver last year before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee — and partially tearing the medial collateral ligament — in the team’s third preseason game.
The Bears could have placed a second-round tender on the St. Joseph’s High School alum, all but guaranteeing his return for 2018, but they demurred. The second-round tender cost about $1 million more than the original round tender he was given. Restricted free agents must sign their tenders by April 20.
The Bears signed receivers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, but Meredith’s versatility — he can play the slot and outside positions — would seemingly make him valuable to the Bears in 2018. Meredith, 25, represents one of the Bears’ best development jobs since he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Free agent Allen Hurns figures to interest the Bears, who could also draft a pass-catcher next month.
