Just what did the Bears get when they signed free-agent wide receiver Marty Booker?
According to those who have studied him, they are getting the exact receiver they traded to the Dolphins four years ago. That is to say the 31-year-old has not begun to show his age. And in some ways, Booker should be an upgrade over Muhsin Muhammad.
“He’s a step better than Moose,” one AFC pro personnel man said. “Moose is a better blocker. He brings more toughness and aggressiveness. But Marty runs better routes, and he’s smoother. He gives you more in the passing game.
“His skill set has not diminished. But he has been nicked up a lot. He’s always battling little nicks. I think he can be productive, but I don’t see him as a No. 1 receiver.”
Another AFC pro personnel director said he thought Booker was probably a couple of years away from starting to slow down.
Former Bears offensive coordinator Terry Shea worked with Booker in 2004 in Chicago and last year in Miami. Shea, now the quarterbacks coach for the Rams, said he thought Booker was emerging as the Dolphins’ go-to receiver even before the team traded Chris Chambers. And he thinks Booker still can be a No. 1 receiver.
“He’s a real quality guy with a couple of fine years ahead of him,” Shea said. “He still has separation skills and plays fast.”
