(670 The Score) During his four seasons in Kansas City, receiver Byron Pringle was one of many dynamic weapons for the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. He took advantage of the opportunities that were given, but there weren’t all that many to go around for him.
New Bears general manager Ryan Poles realized that as one of the Chiefs’ top football operations executives during Pringles’ four years with the team. He saw a young player who could make a bigger impact if given a larger role.
With that in mind, the Poles-led Bears recently signed Pringle to a one-year deal, bringing him in to serve as a top target for second-year quarterback Justin Fields.
“I know I fit perfect in this offense, especially with a quarterback like Justin Fields,” Pringle said Sunday after signing with the Bears.
Pringle joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He missed his rookie season due to an injury that he suffered late in the preseason, but he returned a year later and continued his development.
In 2021, Pringle hauled in 42 catches for 568 yards and five touchdowns.
“Byron is a grinder who brings toughness and dependability,” Poles said in a statement. “He not only improves our offense but will also impact our special teams."
Pringle, 28, cited his relationship with Poles as part of how his deal with Chicago came together. They spoke frequently at the Chiefs’ facility during their time together there, and they built a trust that has now carried forward to Chicago.
The Bears had a dire need at receiver after losing veteran Allen Robinson in free agency to the Rams. Seeking to build around Fields, Poles turned to Pringle and 6-foot-5 target Equanimeous St. Brown on one-year deals. Pringle and St. Brown (who was previously with the Packers) had similar experiences in that they were both pushed down the depth chart in top offenses.
Playing on one-year deals, Pringle and St. Brown each represent low-risk signings with potential strong reward. Both players will fill key roles in the Bears’ offense alongside incumbent top receiver Darnell Mooney.
For Pringle, joining the Bears brings an opportunity that wasn’t there with the Chiefs. But his mindset remains the same.
“I don’t care about numbers,” Pringle said. “I want that letter at the end of the game, that ‘W.’”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.