The Bears have traded what is believed to be a sixth round draft pick for Adam Archuleta, Washington Redskins safety. To read John Clayton's story, click here.
I was for this move a year ago and am for this move now. Archuleta will provide depth at safety but - more importantly - will place a certified run stopper on the back line. Anyone who watched the Bears post-Mike Brown's annual trip to IR knows it was their biggest defensive hole.
In one week, the Bears have acquired a good player and lost Justin Gage. Things are looking up!
#2 Al in WI said . . .Just found your blog yesterday while looking desperately for any info on the bears making any moves or having anyone visit or talking about having anyone visit or if any of you had a dream about the Bears having anyone visit. Phew! By the way, lot of good knowledge on here and some real funny stuff too.
Well trading a sixth round pick and paying Arculeta less than 3 mil a year to hopefully keep those 100yd rushing games against us down to nil is much better than just losing our back-up defensive players to over-priced contracts all year. Lovie thinks he can still be effective and he knows how to use him. And if Brown doesn't make a Week 3 IR visit (hope, hope), no one should be running on us.
Now do we package our picks and go for Olsen or Meachem or stay put and get a WR and an OL or DL or LB since Briggs might have an aneurism before the season starts. At half a mil a week, you will only be able to stand sleeping on Rosenfucks couch for so long Lance.
March 21, 2007
#3 Danimal said . . .Love the move and agree with the post 100%. I view this as having replaced the mediocre Todd Johnson with a fmr pro bowler Archuleta!! Does anyone think they'll play him next to Brown ahead of Manning?
March 21, 2007
#4 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I don't think that Archuleta will play alongside Brown. Remember that he was benched last year in Washington and going into this year was thought of as a backup. I think it was a real good move though because we all know that we can't rely on Brown to stay healthy for an entire year and paying 3 mil a year isn't bad especially in today's free agent market. I think that the tight end position is the biggest need going into the draft.
March 21, 2007
#5 jeff said . . .1st time post
I've followed the site for the last year.Love the insights an debates between Bear Fans(#1 always!)But I finally have to speak.After watching this team dismantle there Super Bowl roster,Am i'm to believe we can return?I feel the brain trust is waiting to see who will be released after the draft.But if the best move they can make is Adam Archuleta.Should I be a lil concern?
Well looking forward to dropping my two cents in the future debates. BearDown Chicago!!!March 21, 2007
#6 craig said . . .Staleys. good concerns. i agree with you. and Danimal, i agree. archuleta plays the same position basically but i can see him possibly playing alongside brown on early downs and he may make up for cam worrell's loss on special teams.
March 21, 2007
#7 DTB said . . .I don't think Arch will play opposite Brown; cover skills are his weakness. He's better playing up closer to the line in run support. My guess is it's Manning/Brown and Arch is an insurance policy, though Jeff might be on to something with the idea that they work him in in certain packages.
Staleys, it's nerve wracking, for sure, but I don't think dismantle is the right word. First, Super Bowl contenders almost always tend to get 'looted' the following off season. You always have a bunch of role players who shine in a very particular situation, backup guys and such, who then get grossly overpaid to be the #1 somewhere else... The biggest contributor we've lost has been TJ, but lots of people here have made good reasonable comments about that situation, and the truth is that there's an alternative already on deck.
Second, it's not like the team was perfect last year. Tons of areas that could stand to be improved, even on the defense. And sometimes that means changing personnel, letting decent but ill-fitting players walk, letting younger unknown guys on the roster rise up, or grabbing someone here and there in FA and the Draft. Overall, will we have better personnel in all three phases than we did last year? I think so.
And as much as I might like to think I know about what it takes to build a winning football team, I have to assume Lovie and Jerry know more... so, for now, I'm trusting them...
March 21, 2007
#8 DTB said . . .Archuleta is not a big time playmaker. He is not fast nor is he all that athletic. With that being said, this is a great trade for the Bears. He brings a wealth of experience playing in this system and he is a sure tackler. He hits and wraps. Something I cant say for Todd Johnson, Chris Harris or Daniel Manning. I cant begin to express my frustration watching those three attempt to bring down ball carriers throughout the playoffs. Also, this will help Mike Brown, not just provide a replacment for him once he gets hurt. The aquisition of Archuleta allows the Bears to spell Brown during the regular season without much drop-off on obvious running downs. Less demand of Brown will undoubtedly increase his effectiveness, especially when we need him to be on the field. On third down. I like this trade alot. And as far as the draft goes, this year is no different, we will hear two names with 31 and 37 that will leave us all scratching our heads. The Bears dont trade up ever, they dont fall in love with players and I honestly think that is the reason why they draft so well. And Briggs, what a joke. Send him on his way. He'll get his money and shit the bed the following season. Enjoy being game planned out, enjoy Urlacher's double teams and then realize that it is exactly what you asked for. Pussy.
March 21, 2007
#9 Lazarz said . . .Archuleta is not a big time playmaker. He is not fast nor is he all that athletic. With that being said, this is a great trade for the Bears. He brings a wealth of experience playing in this system and he is a sure tackler. He hits and wraps. Something I cant say for Todd Johnson, Chris Harris or Daniel Manning. I cant begin to express my frustration watching those three attempt to bring down ball carriers throughout the playoffs. Also, this will help Mike Brown, not just provide a replacment for him once he gets hurt. The aquisition of Archuleta allows the Bears to spell Brown during the regular season without much drop-off on obvious running downs. Less demand of Brown will undoubtedly increase his effectiveness, especially when we need him to be on the field. On third down. I like this trade alot. And as far as the draft goes, this year is no different, we will hear two names with 31 and 37 that will leave us all scratching our heads. The Bears dont trade up ever, they dont fall in love with players and I honestly think that is the reason why they draft so well. And Briggs, what a joke. Send him on his way. He'll get his money and shit the bed the following season. Enjoy being game planned out, enjoy Urlacher's double teams and then realize that it is exactly what you asked for. Punk.
March 21, 2007
#10 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .archuleta, urlacher, ogunleye. SAY IT THREE TIMES FAST, I DARE YOU!
March 21, 2007
#11 Z said . . .I think that's alot of money to pay someone to back up M.Brown.You think the Bears forsee a problem with restructing Brown's contract?So they made this deal,since Adam is well verse in the Bear Cover 2(Brian U. called it that after an interview)To the non fans of C.Harris is this the end for him in Chicago?
March 21, 2007
#12 Pissed off said . . .Good points DTB . Especially about easing things for Brown on obvious running plays. A more effective and hopefully more durable Brown makes us nasty. A good back-up on D and sure tackler against the run and a gain on special teams for a sixth round pick. I know it's not earth moving but aren't we all happy just to hear about the Bears doing anything.
Seems like we suddenly had a lot more needs than I thought when the big game ended. Most were expected but the TJ trade still stings. I would have rather had the extra pick, even a 3rd rounder. Better to give the boys one extra player to draft. Better odds with two instead of one and they seem to find talent all over the board. Would love to see another playmaker Rex can throw to. Clark had some great games but someone like Olsen could really help Rex not freak out so much when he has to pass. Maybe shorter distance to throw = less chance to get picked off?? I know that isn't quite how it works but it would help my blood pressure during games. I wonder if the QB coach should sedate him or try the cattle prod thing I read in an earlier post. He should be better and calmer with a full year under his belt.
Again DTB you are right, they probably won't trade up and I just said that they have better chances with more players anyway. Damn, busted myself. I was screaming TE and WR early last year and they did just fine not listening to me. In Angelo and Lovie we trust. We have been tearing up the North and did just go to the big one, so they have my confidence. This year at least.
March 21, 2007
#13 JB said . . .I heard the Archuletta deal was for 3 years, 8Mil total. I cant wait to see if he starts opposite Brown come opening day. Most of you think not and I tend to agree with you, D Manning is up and coming and getting better. This gives us some nice depth and Adam is a solid player. He doesnt stir the pot, just grabs his lunch bucket and goes to work every day.
I also heard Jeramy Stevens is out in Seattle, any chance we can sign him, he's got weed problems, and attitude problems but he's got quite a bit of upside if he decides to not be such a douche. I wouldnt mind picking him up on the cheap either. He's had good stats, quite a few TDs but too many dropped balls. But then of course the team probably wouldnt look for a TE early in the draft. Who knows.
March 21, 2007
#14 mikebdot said . . .PO'd....are you serious? I thought we were all talking about ridding ourselves of the cancer that is Lance Briggs, and you seriously want to think about Stevens? Normally I agree with your ideas, but I'm going the other way on this one...let's just draft Zach Miller since Olsen will be gone when we're on the clock.
About Arch...fantastic move. Does it seem to anyone else that this is officially Lovie's team now? He gets the coaching staff he has always wanted and is making personnel moves to build the team the way he wants it. It gets me excited.
I think we can call the secondary "problem" solved for now and can now focus on the offensive side of the ball in the draft. OL & either TE or WR with the 1st two picks...
March 21, 2007
#15 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Why not just make Archuleta an OLB? :)
March 21, 2007
#16 thegreenmenace said . . .With this move do the Bear draft another CB instead of safety?I can't see the Bears paying both Corners top dollar to stay?An Ricky M did o.k. when he started.Is this move leading up to a Mike Brown trade.I know Lovie really high on Mike but business is business.
March 21, 2007
#17 thegreenmenace said . . .According to
Archuleta is the starting strong safety playing next to Danieal Manning. The Bears will talk to Brown about a restructured contract. Right now, Brown gets 2.5 million a year for the next two years. Does this make sense?March 21, 2007
#18 Pissed off said . . .sorry, this is the this I was referring to:
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-070320bears,1,4385458,print.story?coll=cs-home-headlinesMarch 21, 2007
#19 JB said . . .WOW thats retarded if they are planning on getting rid of Mike Brown and having Archuleta start. Yeah he gets hurt but there's no comparison as to who's better. I cant believe that article was written! I hope theres not a shred of truth to it. MY GOD! If they get rid of Brown then the offseason is back to shitty status!
Hey JB, take a breather man, we probably wont sign him but I said if we could straighten him out I'd like to have him. The Bears have leaders in the locker room and Stevens wouldnt be a cancer because those leaders would regulate. Plus its about what you do on the field. Look at Tank.....Stevens isnt as problematic as he is and we have him on the team. He'd be a significant upgrade....he's young, quick and has that competitiveness...if thats a word.
March 21, 2007
#20 Pissed off said . . .Po'd, I have to completely agree with your point on Mike Brown. If this move was made to replace MB, I don't like it one bit. But if we are planning on using MB AA and Daniel Manning, I think the saftey position goes back to being a strength rather than a glaring weakness.
And a good point on Tank...and maybe if Jeremy Stevens had a cool nickname I'd be in favor of bringing him on. As it is, not a big fan of the dropped passes.
Has anyone heard about this Briggs trade rumor to the Eagles? I guess it was on a radio show and they said the Eagles would potentially trade away an OL with a couple draft picks, maybe a 1 and a 3. Sounds a little unreal to me but the Eagles fans were all for it...it seemed a little lopsided in our favor. Anyone heard about this?
March 21, 2007
#21 Shamen said . . .I dont know if I think thats one-sided in our favor, its a good deal considering he wont play for us but the eagles #1 is pretty low and it would depend on the lineman we get. I always like draft picks but we cant be a team full of rookie inexperience and get to the Super Bowl again.
March 21, 2007
#22 said . . .I like the Archuleta pickup. As DTB said, if he can cut down the times I have to scream "Tackle!" at the TV by even 1/3 I will be very pleased. I hope to heck Mike Brown stays healthy all year, but if not we'll be glad we have AA. Plus it never hurts to add another big hitter to your special teams.
As for drafting, you can't go wrong with a CB. We won't get to keep both Vasher and Tillman long term, and if there's one position where you need crazy depth it's CB. The Dime package has *4* of them on the field. We learned last year that if we can make sure Devin Hester is not one of those 4 (or, God forbid, the third corner in the nickel) it is to our benefit.
March 21, 2007
#23 Pissed off said . . .Fantastic post Shamen #21. I just really, really hope we arent planning on getting rid of Brown, then this deal sucks and we need to still draft a safety. Ive heard we are going to try and restructure his contract, if he doesnt get pissy about it, I'm all for making more cap room to sign other players. Plus he steals about half of his salary each year while on IR so he shouldnt complain too much. That said I hope he's healthy all year and he will be back to the pro bowl and be one of the most feared safeties in the NFL IF he stays healthy.
On the tackling issue, I scream the same things....but lets keep in mind that our defense likes to go for the strip every time and sometimes that means missed tackles....I'll take the missed tackles if we can create the number of turnovers we did last year again.
And finally someone is singing my praises about the CB need. We need a CB, or two, plain and simple. There were times last year and may be again this year where either Vash or Tillman is out and yes, Ricky Manning is pretty good but after that, we suck. Hester....Please god no. So if one is out and we need three or four corners in there, were screwed. I've debated this with Phil and I say we need a corner badly. Its one of our most pressing issues plus if we have to get rid of one a year or two from now, then what do we do. So thank you for the CB endorsement, someone else gets it.
March 21, 2007
#24 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .#22 is me
March 21, 2007
#25 Dave said . . .If Mike B was traded,would we really get anything good in return?With his recent Injury history.I don't see great value coming back.(remember TJ was healthy an it seem like we didn't get much for him)
I read an article that the Igloo's might be interested in Briggs.But I don't see them really dropping 2x 1st rounder,An a big contract for a OLB.
J.Steven might be a steal,If his contract demands aren't crazy.(Anyone remember how they felt about Dez when he got here?)Yes he drops balls alot,But he's done enough in this league where ya still have to cover him.My concern is if we got him can he block?
March 21, 2007
#26 craig said . . .There's a reason Archuleta was traded. The Skins figured out the guys overrated.
Thats why Ram let him go, and the Skins gave up on him.
Just check the film. The guy gets steam rolled when coming up to stop the run and his pass coverage is suspect at best.
The only good hits he delivers are when the the opposing players doesn't see him and hell anybody can blind side someone.
Hey, maybe they should play Archuleta the first half of the season so when he bows out on IR, Brown can finish up.
Lets face it the only reason they traded for him was to quiet the masses and because he was cheap. That seems to be the one quality the Bears look for first
He'll never make up for any lost players your team has suffered, namely Briggs.
Good thing the NFC will suck again this year.
March 21, 2007
#27 Max said . . .agreed. if the intent is to have Archuleta replace Brown, this sucks bigtime. Sure, he's been bitten by the injury bug the past few years, but both guys being healthy, Brown blows Archuleta out of the water...
March 22, 2007
#28 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .DON'T . . . LET. . . MIKE. . . . BROWN. . . . GO. thats all i have to say
March 22, 2007
#29 craig said . . .Well everybody agrees that letting M.Brown would be a bad move right now.
So maybe the idea is to put Arch in with short down yardage plays,An take Hillenmeyer off the field.Move MB into short field coverages.thereby increase their chance to send more blitz packages with Arch in?This at least get MB out in space to make more plays on the ball.This would also increase the chance of more sure tackler on the field.We saw how the dink an dunk offense killed us in the (ugh)SBMarch 22, 2007
#30 Phil from SATX said . . .word from the Sun Times is that the reason Archuleta could start at SS is because Brown may still be rehabbing when the season starts. But they also mention that the team is considering moving Danieal Manning to CB (because, they say, the plan is to lock up Peanut long-term but not Vash) and move M. Brown to FS when he gets healthy.
Not sure how I feel about all that...
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/305783,CST-SPT-bear21.article
March 22, 2007
#31 Pissed off said . . .David Haugh talks about the possibility of lining up MB and AA and thereby having one of the most savvy and experienced tandems back there, which would counter potentially lagging athleticism. That sounds great to me - especially if Danieal Manning can move to CB. Did he play that at Abilene Christian?
I would also not buy that AA has been exposed as a fraud - the only reason Rams didn't keep him was because of free agent dollars, and this year is being very instructive to Bears fans about how you can't keep every unrestricted free agent you want. He signed the historically largest contract, so he was indeed a highly coveted safety, and he didn't play for half of last year, so he should be pretty much the same guy. No stretch of the imagination to believe that the hapless Redskins didn't manage their defense properly. I am totally psyched about this signing, the Sun-Times suggests that at $2.49MM per year the Bears for MB the Bears shouldn't even have to worry about restructure - the guy's under contract, and he shouldn't be going anywhere.
If it is true that no team can afford 2 unrestricted free agent corners, then I'll go along with you PO'd, we'll need to layer in a young stud who's cheap. Ricky Manning Jr. was not signed to be a #2, so I don't think he's the guy. The only thing is you could wait until next year's draft to do it.
Also, see that 8 other coaches were signed including Ron Turner. Sigh. You better get better sir, in spite of my repeated Rex bashing post SB I still firmly believe you had a large hand in the Cannon's troubles. Learn from your mistakes, coach the kid better and call better plays that have lower risk and keep our offense on the field.
Sorry for long post, been gone for a little bit.
March 22, 2007
#32 Pissed off said . . .Well now that I've read Phil's post Its about time to go home for the day....Just kidding Phil. If the brain trust thinks that D Manning can be a corner, fine with me, one less need to address. And it adds the needed depth but now we might still need to draft a safety or corner. If the story is true, I am Ok with it. I would rather have Tillman than Vash if we could only keep one, but I hope we keep both. Things are starting to get exiting as the season nears, I'm just so pumped to see how this all plays out......the draft, free agency, the pre season. Its all good.
March 22, 2007
#33 Phil from SATX said . . .Did you know that Muhsin Muhammad's real name was Melvin Campbell. His dad converted to Islam when Moose was 4 years old thus changing his sons name. Moose though, is a Christian. Theres some trivia for you....I got it off of Wickipedia.
March 22, 2007
#34 Al in WI said . . .MELLLLVINNNN doesn't sound nearly as good as MOOOOOOOOSE, does it? But then it would be much easier for my 9 year old to say, who insists on calling him M0osheen, or sometimes just Mooshee. Go Melvin!
March 22, 2007
#35 Phil from SATX said . . .I totally agree with the sentiment that if Brown is gone then this move sucks. One thing to consider though is that Brown's injury is very serious, and the rehab angle is very legit. The reason I would like to see them on the field at the same time is that it would allow for more blitzing. Both are good at not getting caught out of position (D Manning, C Harris) so you could take more chances. It could also mean less time along the line of scrimage for Brown thus limiting his injury exposure.
March 22, 2007
#36 Al in WI said . . .Al, let's look at it a little differently - what if MB's injury is deemed career-ending? If we learned that tomorrow, wouldn't the AA signing make even more sense, especially for the price. I think you're referring to let's hope they're not voluntarily swapping AA for MB. That would be a terrible move. At this point the risk is that the Bears go on the cheap and roll the dice that MB isn't worth the $2.5MM because of the injury. If he can come back from it he's worth far more than that. I know none of us forget the beginning of the season when that defense was ROLLING, and that with a rookie safety next to Brown. Brown's still got a lot of football left in him if his foot cooperates. Who's got an update on his rehab?
March 22, 2007
#37 Pissed off said . . .Phil that is what I meant.
According to the Bears website under the chalk talk tab his rehab is going well and they expect him back for training camp and they expect him back in the starting lineup. They also are saying it's likely that my original suggestion of playing Archuleta and Brown together is a strong possibility.March 22, 2007
#38 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .So whats the deal then with this rumor that we are getting rid of Mike Brown or restructuring his contract or that his rehab may have him out some of the begining of the year?
March 22, 2007
#39 Z said . . .Al I hope your right.That would send C Harris to help out on special team coverage.An offset the lost of Cam W an Todd J.
Does anybody know anything about Tyler Everett?He's been mention a couple time on the Bears website.Sounds like he's being counted on to help this season.
Maybe he might offset the need to draft a safety?
March 22, 2007
#40 craig said . . .The Lisfranc surgery is a very serious one and you have to wait several months to have the pins/screws removed before you can put full weight on the foot and resume activities at all. He had the surgery in mid Oct. and I read he was hoping to begin rehabbing about ten months from then. I haven't been able to find any updates on how he is progessing but if that is accurate it is still a long ways away and dangerously close to the season. That being said, even if he has to miss time at the start of the season or like a few sites are saying possibly start on the PUP list, we have to keep him and see how he does. When on the field, we have all seen what a game changer and leader he is on D. We were locking opponents down to start the season last year. PLEASE do not cut MB. He is a bad ass playmaker and I for one say he is worth the 2.5 Mil even for half a season. Come on Bears you made us a little happy and hopeful that AA can help us a bit on some run stoppage at the line and maybe some blitzing, don't F this up. If MB starts the season and D.Manning can play corner that would be great, I am starting to think we need to draft some secondary too. Wish we had more or higher picks.
March 22, 2007
#41 Al in WI said . . .I remember the coaching staff being high on Brandon McGowan too. But you're right, there just isn't as much depth as we'd like at safety and corner.
March 22, 2007
#42 Al in WI said . . .PO'd, the rumor of Brown being dumped started in John Mullin story about the trade on Tuesday or Wednesday in the Chicago Tribune. But I've seen several sources including the Sun Times and David Haugh at the Trib dispute that along with the team website.
Z may very well be right about the time frame of this injury, and there has been speculation about him ending up on the pup list in both papers, but the website does claime he's on tap to be back for training camp.March 23, 2007
#43 Pissed off said . . .PO'd, the rumor of Brown being dumped started in John Mullins story about the trade on Tuesday or Wednesday in the Chicago Tribune. But I've seen several sources including the Sun Times and David Haugh at the Trib dispute that along with the team website.
Z may very well be right about the time frame of this injury, and there has been speculation about him ending up on the pup list in both papers, but the website does claime he's on tap to be back for training camp.March 23, 2007
#44 beardown1982 said . . .The rumor better not be right or Pissed off will get really Pissed off.
March 23, 2007
#45 Pissed off said . . .Brownie is a quality Team guy to have around...especially next year with the Briggs and TJ situation from this offseason.
Supposidly, they were gonna let Brownie go out for the coin toss in the Super Bowl, but he declined because he said it would be too hard for him knowing he couldn't play....not to mention, how he stayed on the field after the '01 loss to the Eagles in the playoffs even as they started tear down seats
Gotta keep a guy like that around. Let's at least wait and see what he can still bring to the table.March 23, 2007
#46 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Totally agree, hey Jeff can we get something new to talk about......I heard Alfonso Boone got signed by the Chiefs to a 4 year deal, is Ian Scott gone then.... I thought he was cut or traded or something already. At any rate, we are thin at DT.
March 23, 2007
#47 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Copeland Bryan,Dusty Dvoracek,Antonio Garay,Israel Idonije,Tommy(Gun)Harris,Tank(Lockdown) Johnson Are the current Bears listed at the DT position.I'm assuming that some of these guy made Boone & Scott expendable.So maybe the Bears won't target a DT that high in the draft,With 6 guys under contract an possible cuts coming after the draft.This might not be a position of need right away.(Even with Tank in the clink)
March 23, 2007
#48 Big Dawg said . . .Update on the Lance(STFU)Briggs saga
He went on the NFL Network to plead his case,An basically Rod Woodsen told him to man up an play.On a side note his snake charmer agent got caught in 2 lies,Saying that there was 2 team looking into trading for Briggs(Redskins and Seahawks).But both franchises said that not true.
March 23, 2007
#49 craig said . . .Danieal Maning played Corner at Corsicana High HE CAN DO IT!!!!
March 24, 2007
Archuleta believes he's the starting SS: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?categoryId=67040&type=InsideSlant
March 24, 2007
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.