The Chicago Bears can not enter the 2009 season without a veteran presence at the wide receiver position. Devin Hester's 51 catches, 665 yards and 3 touchdowns were a hopeful sign that the organization's faith in his development at the spot is well-founded. But mark my words, it will be wasted if the team does not put a significant threat on the other side of the field. There are four veteran wide receivers available to fill variations of that role.
ANQUAN BOLDIN
Boldin is attainable but someone is going to have to knock the Cardinals out with an offer. (The Bears aren't usually the team that does that.) But Boldin's size, physical play in space and reliability on third downs would make him the perfect compliment to Hester. If I were the Bears - who'll inevitably take a dud receiver at 18 - I'd be offering my first round pick to the Cardinals every single day.
TORRY HOLT
Holt is dying to get out of St. Louis, after failing to reach a thousand yards for the first time since last decade. Holt wouldn't require a long-term contract and would be eager to prove he still has something left in the tank. You don't need a hundred catches from any receiver in Chicago so he won't feel the pressure to live up to his early-career stats. Instead he could accomplish what Moose never did by simply not dropping the ball in big spots.
MARVIN HARRISON
No toughness but perfectly capable of being a viable number three receiver for a contending club (I know, I know). If the team drafts a young receiver, Marvin becomes an elder statesman and teacher.
T.O.
Yeah.
What would I do if I ran the Chicago Bears? I would trade my first and third round picks for Boldin and then sign him to a long-term contract. Then - and this is wacky, I know - I'd sign Marvin Harrison and enter the 2009 season with one of the most diverse receiving units in the sport. The sad part is...THIS CAN BE DONE. It would simply require the organizational ingenuity that Halas Hall rarely displays.
#2 jdawg said . . .first bitches!
March 7, 2009
#3 johnnyelpaso said . . .I meant to say MARS BITCHES!
Anyway, I agree with the receivers above, minus TO, unless he and Olin are roomies.
It will be interesting to see what the market for Harrison is. Also, is he really a mentor type of guy?
Yeah, ship the #1 to Arizona for Boldin and then pay him. Hopefully Arizona's front office is feasting on lead paint chips and will accept.
March 7, 2009
#4 Shady said . . .all of these recievers would be a good fit in chicago, but i favor Boldin and TO........they are more competitive and stronger than the others.......the bears need recievers that can take punishment and can withstand the cold winters of the windy city.....TO would be my man.
March 7, 2009
#5 jeff said . . .Maybe someone should post a more realistic set of potential WRs that JA and the Bears might target...
March 7, 2009
#6 Shady said . . .why, shady? to excuse their lack of ability to secure major talent? if fans don't require this team make a run at the top players in the game, who is going to? it looks like all four of these players are going to be in new locations next year and it'd be a damn shame if the bears didn't consider themselves an option.
March 7, 2009
#7 johnnyelpaso said . . .We, fans, have been requesting that this organization target premier talent for years, and to what end? Only to be disappointed with signings such as Moose, Booker, Lloyd and other uninspiring selections. This organization values the "fit" and "value" more than extravagant spending on established talent. Clearly JA has shown that the Bears are not in the business of throwing around money like some other organizations do to try and attract top tier talent. Honestly, most of the teams who do shop around each and every offseason for high priced talent don't have much to show for it anyway. Now, I'm not saying I wouldn't like a guy like Holt or Harrison, I'm just saying that if you think the Bears would aggressively pursue one of these guys this off season, I ask you: What team have you been following?? Maybe the Bears will surprise us and end up with one of these guys by using some low-key strategy, but chances are they won't, and we'll be discussing the return of Bobby Engram or how some other average WR will fit in with Orton and Hester. Just trying to keep my expectations in line... This whole being disappointed the Bears didn't pursue (insert your high priced FA here) thing each and every off season is getting old. Just trying to keep it real :-)
March 7, 2009
#8 Murph said . . .out of all of these recievers, BEAR FANS, who would you want playing for us on cold december or january playoff game in the negative degree temps.
March 7, 2009
#9 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Id go with Boldin, he is one tough son-of-a bitch!! If he could play as quickly as he did with that gawd awful injury....he sure as hell can catch in the cold. Stay away from TO, man he is good , but he sure is trouble. Like the idea though to room him with Olin, how long till TO's jaw would be wired??
March 7, 2009
#10 CA BEAR FAN said . . .I woudnt trade our draft picks for Boldin....we need those draft picks more than we need him..........I would sign Harrison and get Holt.......maybe TO but he is a big fucken pussy....
March 7, 2009
#11 jeff said . . .bears RESIGN KEVIN JONES! two year contract......there's our 1-2 punch FORTE AND JONES
March 7, 2009
#12 johnnyelpaso said . . .i have a lot of thoughts about the re-signing of kevin jones but primarily this: if we liked, where the hell did he go last season?
trading for anquan boldin is the kind of deal a championship-caliber team makes.
March 7, 2009
#13 jeff said . . .we all have to consider the conditions of the bears weather situation.......harrison is an aged dome reciever,holt is in the same boat, and the only proven reciever thats available is TO,he played in philly and the weather conditions over there are similar to chicagos weather......he would be a high risk and maybe trouble but a winner. hes my gamble in picking up a reciever FA offer him a 1yr deal and if it works out fine, if it doesnt oh well release him....
March 7, 2009
#14 johnnyelpaso said . . .TO about to sign with buffalo.
March 7, 2009
#15 Shady said . . .Terrell Owens: The Chicago Bears No. 1 chance at a No. 1 receiver
It's Friday, and I have all the answers ...You could argue in favor of the Bears' at least considering Terrell Owens, a point made early yesterday by someone I consider extremely knowledgeable and insightful (not to mention handsome).
Or you could argue against it, as a couple of my Trib teammates did here and here.
You can tell me how old Owens is and you can tell me what a divisive crybaby he is, and I can't blow that up. But guess what? People who say N-O to T.O. can't blow up this, either:
Owens has had 1,000-yard seasons the last three years, while the Bears haven't had a receiver do that since Marty Booker in 2002 -- yes, Marty Booker 1.0 -- and you know what else? That embarrassing drought is the longest active failure streak by an NFL team.
Think about that, Bears fans. Think about that when you consider Bears coach Lovie Smith's telling us Mark Bradley is his No. 1 receiver. Think about that when you consider general manager Jerry Angelo's spending a third-round pick on some supposedly decorated SEC wideout, and the guy can't play ahead of Rashied Davis. Think about that when you consider a running back is the team's best pass-catcher and a tight end is the best threat.
No team owns abject passing failure like the Bears. No team seems to be doing less about fixing it, either.
Till further notice, what I wrote earlier remains true: You can't get a difference-maker on your roster if you don't have a difference-maker in the GM's office.
March 7, 2009
#16 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Owens and Juron in Buffalo with no QB... This should be interesting.
March 7, 2009
#17 O-Line wins games said . . .hahaha.....JOURON: payback is a bitch!
March 8, 2009
#18 Murph said . . .2- I don't think Harrison is a teacher or mentor, this is actually the quietest guy in the NFL. He sits alone on the sideline all the time with no one remotely near him.
15- I actually think Trent Edwards is underrated, should be interesting to see what he does next year with TO. Will TO change his attitude?..... probably not.
Does anyone know the situation with Lloyd? Are the Bears interested in bringing him back? Is he interested in coming back?
March 8, 2009
#19 WTF are they thinking said . . .Poor Jauron, lets see if T.O can elicit some emotion from him.
March 8, 2009
#20 johnnyelpaso said . . .WOW, what a dream team. I can smell the bengay already. Can we get Jerry Rice back in uniform? He could probably keep up with these guys.
Harrison just beat a gun rap. Which doesn't bring up good memories(tank). He never came back from his knee injury. Manning couldn't make him look good.
T.O., this guy would be Moose part 2. Over paid, ball dropping, attitude having, over the hill receiver.
Holt would be my pick of the three. You could get him in FA and a three year deal would put him at 35 in the last season. Just make sure to store him in winter, and break the glass in time for the dome play off game.
Boldin is a no brainer but the Cardinals would be retarded to give him up. Plus I'm just nervous about how he plays without Fitzgerald.
March 8, 2009
#21 johnnyelpaso said . . .just got the news, TO is officially a Buffalo Bil. another bites the dust in the FA market that would tremendously wouldve helped our team. oh well lets just sit back and see which has been 2nd string reciever we get and he gets rich off of us....hahahaha. im tired of this wishing in one hand and shitting in the other hand.....ill let you guys get your hopes up and come crashing down at the end,it was fun blogging
March 8, 2009
#22 BearDown1982 said . . .Terrell Owens to join Buffalo Bills
Sat Mar 7, 2009 9:41pm EST Email | Print | Share| Reprints | Single Page[-] Text [+]
1 of 1Full SizeNEW YORK (Reuters) - Controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens agreed to a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills worth $6.5 million Saturday, just two days after being released by the Dallas Cowboys.The outspoken Owens, who has had run-ins with team mates on his three previous teams, caught 69 passes for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, but the Cowboys were looking to improve the atmosphere in the locker room.
"I'm leaving America's team (for) North America's team," Owens told a news conference.
A six-times Pro Bowler, Owens has 139 career touchdown catches to rank second on the NFL's all-time list behind Jerry Rice, who had 197.
Owens, who played three seasons in Dallas, played with San Francisco and Philadelphia before joining the Cowboys, who were 9-7 and missed the playoffs last year.
The Bills ranked 25th in the NFL in yards gained last year.
(Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
March 8, 2009
#23 Z said . . .I say Holt. Mainly, because we won't have to give up anything to get him. We need our draft picks, because as big a hole as receiver is for this team, we have other holes that still need to be filled if we really want to contend next year.
That said, I wouldn't be all that upset if we went after Boldin. I still think he ends up staying in 'Zona myself.
TO to Buffalo...no one saw that coming. Makes you wonder just how many teams were seriously looking to sign him. You gotta think Buffalo wasn't all that high on his wish list, right?
I like the Jones signing, but hope that the Bears actually give him the ball. I love Forte, but I'd rather have us not giving him the ball as much as we did last year. It catches up with anyone. IF Jones can actually be a stable 10 carry a game type guy, it would be huge for this team. I imagine this means we will probably cut AP..who has been a very likeable Bear, but had a tough year last season.
March 8, 2009
#24 Z said . . .Jones better get the ball at least a little for $3mill next season.
TO to Buffalo. Hmm. Just glad he is out of the NFC for at least a season. We all knew he wasn't coming here.
I will take any of the other 3 WR's of course. How much is it worth giving up for Boldin? We have a lot of needs with more coming on the horizon. Holt for 3 years sounds good. If TO got $6.5mill what will Holt and Harrison get?
March 8, 2009
#25 Phil from SATX said . . .And the Bills haven't made the playoffs in 9 years. They can afford this risk.
Looks like LT might turn down the Chargers last offer. Amazing how fast NFL RB's go down.
March 8, 2009
#26 Z said . . .Regarding TO, a perfect fit - the only coach that could handle him would have to be one based on circuitboards and artificial intelligence - ie a robot. And voila! He's with Dick2000 v4.0. It could work.
Re the so-strange effort to get Kevin Jones signed, I have a new theory. RT is a double agent, a mole, working incessantly to bring the Bears down and make them fail.
Why the theory? Because over and over again we are befuddled by personnel decisions - people who are not playing who should be - and it is 100% of the time on offense. The list of receivers is endless - Bradley, Hass, Rideau, Bennett, Lloyd, K Davis - and there have been some RB's too - Wolfe, and KEVIN JONES. So this signing only makes sense with an accompanying firing of RT.
Did it happen?
March 8, 2009
#27 jdawg said . . .Not yet but a fan can dream. Now true form for them lately would be not to play him and then release him for no good reason right when we need him most and then he would sign with someone else and have an All-Pro rest of the season. Has that happened yet?
March 8, 2009
#28 Tenacious D said . . .I don't have a real problem with what's happened in FA so far. Angelo has signed a good BU RB and what looks like a good, versital BU OL. I don't blame him for not overpaying TJH, who is 32. I don't mind that he hasn't persued Harrison or TO. I actually don't mind that he hasn't signed a safety because I'm hoping he'll screw his head back on straight and bring Brownie back.
The ONLY player I would make a major play for is Boldin. I don't see Harrison as a mentor, unless you're talking at the range.
I think people need to stop acting like the FA period is over and we're getting ready for pre-season. I think this is somewhat the result of boredom, but still.... its only the 2nd week of March.
March 8, 2009
#29 Z said . . .Yeah, lets go overpay for another aging prima donna wide receiver because it worked so well the last time. (Harrison, Holt, TO) = Moose all over again. No thanks.
Boldin makes sense, but you have to have a willing trade partner to make a trade and I don't believe the Cards want to unload the guy. So that leaves the draft. Hello Maclin!
March 8, 2009
#30 Idonije said . . .Not going after the topWR's is understandable or all the high priced defensive players but the good WR's that didn't go for that much and a bunch of safeties that were reasonably priced is not. Don't you want someone to at least compete with Craig Stoltz? You think our pass defense was bad last year. I like the Jones signing but we still don't know how that knee is going to hold up. Did he even take a hit last season? He did play some ST at the end. Scraping the players up that can't make other squads at the end is not a plan to get you to a championship. It didn't work last year. What makes you think that it will this year? At least bring in some competition if your picks aren't good enough to get on the field because too much talent certainly wasn't the problem last year.
March 8, 2009
#31 Ronald said . . .#19 you are nervous about how Boldin plays without Fitz, go look at the numbers he put up without him. That guy can play regardless of situation.
March 8, 2009
#32 WTF are they thinking said . . .I've read Lance Moore (Saints) could be attainable for a second round pick. National Football Post had a story up that suggested he could be a Wes Welker type player.
I kinda like that idea for the Bears. Draft could go like this:
- 1st: Draft an OL/CB or DE depending on who's still available
- 2nd: trade for Moore
- 3rd: OL/CB/DE or SS depending on what we did in the first, and who's still available.March 8, 2009
#33 The Ghost of Halas said . . .#30 Boldin has only played two complete seasons. One in 03, and one in 06. Since he is 28, turning 29 during the season, I'm concerned about him being able to remain healthy shouldering the load for a full season.
March 8, 2009
#34 Z said . . .Yes, I too believe that Anquan Boldin has lost the appeal he once had upon me.
If I had to choose a player from that list I would go with Torry Holt. Two-year, incentive-laden contract. I think Boldin is a spectacular #2, but we need a #1 quality guy to compete with Hester, motivate, inspire, and coach him. Holt is the best man for the job...therefore he shall be overlooked in favor of bringing David Terrell out of his exile/retirement because Terrell is cheapest. Couldn't you just see that?
March 9, 2009
#35 JWilson said . . .The Arizona Cardinals went out to help their defense by reaching a deal with one of the best remaining free agents on the market, cornerback Bryant McFadden. He agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract that has a simple structure. McFadden will make $5 million in 2009 and $5 million in 2010. A source indicated that the entire salary for 2009 is guaranteed.
March 9, 2009
#36 Z said . . .Our starting WR's could be Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, 2009 draft pick, Brandon Rideau, and Rashied Davis?? 1,100 yards between the two guys that actually caught NFL passes last year. WOW! just WOW!
March 9, 2009
#37 Z said . . .Don't forget the cut player or two we will pick up late. That could really make a difference in how the practice squad performs this season.
March 9, 2009
#38 Brad said . . .After spending 11 seasons in Philadelphia as one of the top left tackles in pro football, Tra Thomas is heading home to his native state of Florida as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Monday, Thomas agreed to a three year deal. He started 165 games as an Eagle and he went to three Pro Bowls.
March 9, 2009
#39 JWilson said . . .I will take any receiver at this point! We have one guy who is capable of being a legit WR and he has less experience than most guys we will get in the draft. As far as I am concerned, Rashid Davis is a 5th WR because he is good on special teams. Otherwise, he would be in the arena league. Right now, he is a starter on our team. This better change!
March 9, 2009
#40 Tony C said . . .How come Khalif Barns is still on the market? Why haven't we signed him yet? You know we could have took care of our line with free agency and took care of the rest of the holes in the draft.
March 9, 2009
#41 jdawg said . . .Why not bring in Harrison and Holt to teach our 2008/2009 picks how to catch the damn ball. Pay them both simple 2-year contracts. That could sure up a force in the up-field with Hester being more of a slot back and running crossing routes and deeper patterns. With real receivers running around he may be more effective. Plus, everyone in Chicago remembers how Harrison tore up the Bears secondary in the SuperBowl. It would be interesting. Boldin will cost too much. Let him stay a Card. Not only that, but the Bears secondary might get better practicing against a few guys that consistently burn them on other teams. Good competition usually drives success.
March 9, 2009
#42 The Ghost of Halas said . . .you know, I'm starting to think we're going to have a tough time signing Holt or Harrison, or trading for Boldin. This isn't meant as a shot at Orton, but why would a receiver want to come here unless they were going to get paid a lot of money? Does anyone think we're going to cough up a lot of money (or draft picks and money) for any one of these guys?
Orton, to say the least, is unproven, and the only other guys on offense that other teams could want are Olsen and Forte, and if Olsen doesn't learn to block that leaves Forte.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have one of those three, but I'm not holding my breath.
March 9, 2009
#43 Z said . . .In my experience, Wide Recievers are the biggest assholes and prima donnas in football.
The greatest incentive a wide out would have to come to the Bears is to show up and do an outrageously good job...the Bears make the playoffs and maybe even succeed in the playoffs, said Wide Reciever is viewed as the missing offensive link. That's what might lure Torry Holt here.
...No offense to any wide recivers who might be reading this.
March 10, 2009
#44 Z said . . .The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran blocker Brett Romberg. Romberg, 29, is expected to add veteran depth to the offense line. During his career he has lined up mostly at center, where incumbent Todd McClure has become a fixture, but can also play guard.
March 10, 2009
#45 Z said . . .I live in an exciting city. This is what we do on Saturday nights.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3965863
March 10, 2009
#46 Anonymous said . . .And this is what we do on Sundays.
Jags WR Jones arrested in Arkansas
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3965961March 10, 2009
#47 Anonymous said . . .The Bears offense ranked 25th in the NFL on third downs with a 35.6 percent success rate last season.
Yet another reason Orton sucks and is not the answer.
Draft a real QB...for once...shit I bet even Pat White can do better, he's short but his deep ball is 10 times better than Orton's.
Draft White in the 2nd or 3rd rd and I bet he beats Orton out for the job or they put him in midway through the season when they realize..."hey this Orton guy really sucks, glad we didn't sign him long term."
If not him, draft Bomar...draft Freeman...draft Davis...anyone but Orton! Kyle sucks, he's Rex part 2, without the cannon.
March 10, 2009
#48 Tony C said . . .Sorry guys, I just miss Sexy Rexy. My bed is do cold without him:(
March 10, 2009
#49 Max said . . .Are you serious? In the games where Orton wasn't hobbling, he completed most of his passes to receivers who can get open and catch (I'm only going to count Forte and Olsen cause Booker 2.0 dropped pretty much everything and Lloyd was mysteriously missing from so many games). I'd like to see what Orton can do with some other guys who will burn D backs and smile in the endzone every now and then. Also, what happened to Kellen Davis? He has good size and strength. Put him out there with Olsen and teams may get confused on who's going to catch the ball. Hmmmmm..... it's confusing me.
March 10, 2009
#50 Phil from SATX said . . .We trade the first round pick for Boldin or somehow get Holt.
I mean, if we use or first round pick on a receiver, then its a fuckin wasted pick anyway.
I am so depressed. This has been a shit show of a free agency period.
Angelo needs to go... I am over this sit-and-wait bullshit. If we do not sign any wide receiver until the draft, the man needs to get fired.
March 10, 2009
#51 Z said . . .Totally agree Max, and I will add that it won't count if he does the same last minute sign the remaining close-out items left on the shelf like he did last year. We need a bona fide WR and there will be no excuses if he doesn't get it done - even a first round signing doesn't excuse the "obvious to everyone" need for a proven veteran. Of course, we've been here before - LAST YEAR with the same needs!
I feel like our BT is perpetually frozen in indecision - like they are so afraid of making a mistake on someone they'll choose no one. Pitiful. I'm picturing Jerry like that sad chick we all know - burned in love, now she's totally damaged goods - a freak show. That's our Jerry!
March 10, 2009
#52 Z said . . .The Atlanta Falcons took the first step toward revamping their linebacker corps on Tuesday morning, reaching an agreement with unrestricted free agent Mike Peterson. Peterson 32, will sign a two-year contract, league sources confirmed; financial details were not immediately available.
March 10, 2009
#53 Urlacher FTW said . . .The Rams' have reached an agreement with Giants free agent strong safety James Butler to a four-year contract that could be worth as much as $17 million.
March 10, 2009
#54 Phil from SATX said . . .At first I thought the idea was stupid but when I think about it maybe not.
A friend of mine said we need to trade Hester for Boldin straight up. I said get bent but now I'm thinking...
1. We'd lose a great punt returner, speed guy but gain an actual true #1 WR who get's seperation has great hands and gets YAC.
2.What is easier to replace in the draft, a speedy ST specialist (Harvin will likely be there at 18) or an experienced possesion WR with lots of tread left on the tires?
3. Both franchise's would gain, Ari had issues in the return game and have enough WRs to allow Hester to actually develop in the slot where he belongs, and with Breaston and Fitz, he would never see his contract bonuses; Chitown gets out of the Hester experiment and gains a reliable #1 WR and has to fall back on... the best KR in the NFL, teach Manning how to field a punt and ur golden.
Maybe is wasn't a totally stupid idea afterall.
March 10, 2009
#55 Anonymous said . . .Ur, I like it. I think we done f'd up our golden ticket when we decided to make him into a WR. Turned gold into pyrite, diamonds into carbon. I'd do it. DH has world class physical gifts coupled with okay football skills - Boldin has great physical gifts coupled with great skills. I still do not believe that Hester will ever morph into anything but an average receiver. Hate to be pessimistic about it, but that's what I believe. Just another example, to me, of bad personnel deployment decisions under this administration.
March 10, 2009
#56 Urlacher FTW said . . .#53 54 Hester for Boldin straight up? This won't happen, why the hell would AZ do this, Hester lost all his special teams value, he is scared to return punts since becoming a receiver. He used to be great on ST but now just runs sideways. Boldin is a beast, and like you said, who wants a fucked up golden ticket.
Long story short, true #1 does not equal to a #3 or #4 receiver with has been ST value. AZ wants to get better not worse.
March 10, 2009
#57 Z said . . .I disagree that AZ would be worse. Would Breaston and Hester have to step up and cover Boldin's grabs , yah but with Fitzy there losing whoever is #2 isn't going to hurt that badly. Teams would still have to respect Hester, did you watch the New Orleans game? The only knock would be that Fitzgerald already has to hold up on his speed to not outrun Warner's arm; now you put Hester in...
But to me both teams would benefit from the trade pretty equally and what does Arizona get out of not moving him this season? A UFA next year which if they don't tag and overpay for him then (which they can't after the Fitz and Warner deals) they get nothing for him and lose him the last season in which caps apply?
Anyway I don't know that this has ever even been discussed so I wasn't really wondering if you thought the teams would do it, I mean Chicago wouldn't sign TO for 6 million; just wondered what peple thought of the possibilty.
March 10, 2009
#58 Z said . . .The Dallas Cowboys added much-needed veteran depth at safety on Tuesday, reaching a one-year contract agreement with unrestricted free agent Gerald Sensabaugh, who previously played all four seasons of his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sensabaugh, 25, should compete for the starting job at strong safety. The team's No. 3 safety, Keith Davis, a standout special teams player, is currently an unrestricted free agent and might not return to the Cowboys.
March 10, 2009
#59 Z said . . .The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with unrestricted free agent cornerback Leigh Bodden on a one-year contract. Bodden was arguably the best cover man still available in free agency, according to most pro scouts.
The six-year veteran is a versatile defender, who can play man-to-man coverage, off-man, and zone looks. He is a physical, aggressive cornerback, who can redirect receivers. At one point, earlier in his career, Bodden was regarded as one of the fastest players in the league.
March 10, 2009
#60 Shady said . . .Orlando Pace, a seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle dogged by injuries in recent seasons, was released Tuesday by the St. Louis Rams.
The 33-year-old Pace was the first overall pick of the 1997 draft. The move cleared $6 million in cap space for the Rams.
Pace started 14 games last year, but missed half of 2007 and virtually all of 2006 due to injuries.
March 10, 2009
#61 Z said . . .This is going to sound crazy but... I'd rather sign John St. Clair.
March 10, 2009
#62 Murph said . . .The Denver Broncos brought their free agent haul to 14 players Tuesday, including the first holdover from the Mike Shanahan days in defensive lineman Kenny Peterson.
The Broncos also signed defensive tackle J'Vonne Parker.Pittsburgh Steelers restricted free agent tackle Willie Colon signed his one-year tender Tuesday evening that will guarantee him $2.189 million.
March 10, 2009
#63 jeremy34 said . . .I'd sign Pace, the man can play!! You been drinkin tonight Shady? No one has expressed interest in St. Clair....Pace wont last long unless he is hurt at this time and we dont know about it. If healthy hes gone!
March 11, 2009
#64 jeremy34 said . . .Jerry A., I know you haven't drafted a first round receiver since fifteen years ago, or whenever that was. Adn I know Moose M. was terrible in Chicago. And I know you and Lovie are somewhat at a turning point....but we got to get something....not a a number 2/3....but a good receiver.
I know the bust ratio is high....and I know the years it would take to produce would be at least a year and a half....but I am tired of not having a wide receiver. I want to at least make the attempt to get a good one in the first round. Orton is decent enough to be our quarterback for a bit and develop with our new wr. I know that Bears bank account is untouchable....but try to make something happen and bring us a good receiver....Hester's development (as mentioned) increases exponentially with a new good addition at wr.
Harrison is just too old. Holt is close to too old....and I am not a fan of players who don't like to get tackled. Bolden I am sure is too expensive....so then make a trade for one or use a first round pick on one.
By the way, do we still have that crappy wr coach who says basically you can't play rookies because you lose something when they are on the field and they make mistakes......yeah....get rid of that coach now. Bring in some proven coaches. And Lovie i know you love to give coaches their opportunity, but bring in more proven coaches like Rod M. .... or maybe a great quarterback coach to a team that can't seem to find one.
Come on Bears.March 11, 2009
#65 The Ghost of Halas said . . .As for previous post to someone who said Vernon Davis is the fastest tight end in the league.....I am talking about tight ends.......like Greg Olsen. Not workout wonders who have worst football (juke) moves than a basketball player in the fifties. Not workout wonders who make Mike S. so mad on the first day of coaching he goes off on him in public. I am talkign about tight ends......not stupid idiots who cry their eyes out like other busts like Cedric Benson.
Heyward Bey (sp?) may be a converted track start and maybe slower with pads....but it was a joke and my idea of spending a first round pick on a wr. Nonetheless I still want another fast wr.
Olsen is tall and fast...and Bey is pretty fast himself. What we need most is a good to great physical receiver (tall) that works well oppposite Hester. I know we lilkely won't get one....but we should then at least have a great running game and defense...which of course starts with the trenches then.
And I believe Ron Turner when he says Hester was great at times last year...I think if he can stay healthy he will be good.
Man, what the hell is Orton thinking right now....no wrs', Angelo flirted with getting a new qb to the media (which hopefully was for show) Bears media talking about getting Cutler.....before we know it....Orton will leave and we will be stuck with a guy like Chad Hutchinson again.....man was he bad.
March 11, 2009
#66 Z said . . .Urlacher & Phil,
I am inclined to agree with you two about Hester. As a Return Man he has changed the course of nearly every game in which he scored. As a Wide Reciever he is anything but a game-changer. He's good. He's not great and he never will be. He's an adequate catcher.
I'm hoping that Dave Toub will re-shape Hester into his old form or Danieal Manning will take his punt-return job too.
By the way, Phil, how is "Halas by Halas" going?
March 11, 2009
#67 Z said . . .LT restructured his 3 yr contract with San Diego and
Alex Smith restructured his 2 yr deal with S.F.
I'd take a solid #2 or even a #3 WR right now. Then we would have a #2 and a #3.March 11, 2009
#68 Z said . . .The Browns signed former New York Jets linebacker David Bowens to a four-year contract. The Browns also signed restricted free-agent safety Abram Elam to a one-year deal. The Jets have seven days to match Cleveland's $1.5 million offer.
The San Diego Chargers signed Dallas linebacker Kevin Burnett.
Burnett chose San Diego over several teams including Oakland and Green Bay. Burnett will likely be given a chance to win a starting job at inside linebacker.The fullback market is moving again now that former Saints starter Mike Karney and the Rams have agreed to terms on a contract. This presumably means Leonard Weaver will find a home in the near future. The Eagles and Bucs are possibilities for the unrestricted free agent from Seattle. Weaver could also re-sign with the Seahawks. If Weaver signs elsewhere, the Seahawks might be more likely to sign former Raider Justin Griffith, who visited with the team recently and played for Seattle offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Oakland and Atlanta.
March 11, 2009
#69 Z said . . .Interesting article about how the Broncos dealt with Jay Cutler on Monday.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-6-284/Key-for-Broncos--Get-Cutler-to-show-up-Monday.html
Even if they are right, why on Earth would you further piss off your QB? This is a rough way to start running your 1st NFL franchise. 3 thoughts.
1. This sucks if it gets Det, Minn or TB in a position to trade for this guy.
2. Have any former Belichick disciples succeeded after leaving NE? Is there a Billy curse? Once you leave the Dark Sith's hoodie, do the powers of success (and video taping equipment) stay behind you?
3. Is Cutler worth us pursuing and what would he be worth to you?
March 11, 2009
#70 Phil from SATX said . . .And as previously stated, I like this number so I am taking this post too. Have a nice day.
GO BEARS!!!
March 11, 2009
#71 Urlacher FTW said . . .Thanks for asking Ghost, I'm stalled - forgot to bring it to the coast this past weekend and got deep into a Harlan Coban thriller. I'll be returning shortly, try to give some more pithy facts/quotes from the Great One.
Nothing on the radar for the Bears, huh? Nobody visiting? No fullbacks, no WRs, no safeties? No guards? NO ONE???
Well I guess that means we're set!
I'll just ask one more time - why do we feel we now have a backup to Matt Forte when we tried the same guy last year and found him wanting ("we" of course refers to the idiots who run our team)???
Can someone esplane this please?
March 11, 2009
#72 Z said . . .Well Phil this is just my take mixed with opinion but here goes :
I like the move because I think KJ is an above average RB and can spell Matt with a negligible impact on the offense.
As to why he didn't get used much last year?
Well he was signed as almost a favor right.. like he was damaged goods and had to prove himself all over again. And his first few games back he sorta played like it, he wasn't finishing runs, or exploding through holes, he didn't trust his leg. That combined with the fact that he wasn't good on ST got him combined with the fact the Bears always kept Matt on the field anyway led to the decision to not keep him active.
I think a lot of other teams in the NFL try to have the best Offensive and Defensive players active in any given game and let the non starters play ST. I think the Bears have 7 or 8 spots on ST where they have definate ST starters and they serve as backups to other positions. Kind of the other way around, so AP being better on ST and being a RB got him the spot over KJ.
This year the contract is different, the situation is different and I really think KJ will be the backup RB period. I really don't like them carrying 4 RBs, I wish AP would gain some weight and switch, I do like the way he finishes runs.March 11, 2009
#73 Reality Check said . . .Agreed about the AP to FB thing. It is at least worth trying to open a spot and maybe have some success out of the position if they are so determined to use it as a weapon in our Offense.
March 11, 2009
#74 Phil from SATX said . . .These guys will end up with the Eagles or Giants where they are hurting for receivers and will actually pay people.
March 11, 2009
#75 Rancid said . . .Ur, good job! Best explanation I've heard, and it actually makes sense. The only confusing thing to me is, I thought he DID show some burst and evidence of his ability early in the season - you would have thought that he could have won a job in there instead of completely going away whether he was a strong contributor on special teams or not. But then again I don't know the numbers game they have to play with all their positions.
I too like the signing, because I liked Kevin Jones last year and just constantly wondered where the hell he was. So if the coaches are committed to him, I think he helps us, and maybe frees up a draft pick.
Another vote here for BULK UP AP!!! Don't want to see him gone.
Speaking of our platoon of RBs, I guess next year has to be the "contract year" for Hungry Like The. Two pretty much wasted seasons for him, although he came on strong last year on special teams - but mostly when the front line tackling was sucking. Hope to see him have more of a role in the offense this year, or else prove definitively that he is another JA 3rd round bust. Rooting for him though.
March 11, 2009
#76 The Ghost of Halas said . . .I've always liked AP for his heart, but if we let MB go, we can't assume that heart alone is going to keep anyone here.
March 11, 2009
#77 Z said . . .Hmm. Bears cut Terrence Metcalf. I wonder if this means they expect to get St. Clair back.
March 11, 2009
#78 Phil from SATX said . . .Shouldn't we do the signings before the cuts?
and Safety Reed Doughty has re-signed with the Washington Redskins.
and Jimmy Kennedy has re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings, providing the team with insurance at defensive tackle.
and the Philadelphia Eagles signed safety Rashad Baker to a one-year contract Wednesday.
and the Carolina Panthers have released starting cornerback Ken Lucas in a move that clears about $2.3 million in salary-cap space. The Panthers had been trying to work out a trade for the veteran, but Lucas vetoed a deal to the Detroit Lions last month.
March 11, 2009
#79 Z said . . .Hey Z, you need to follow our team too!
Bears add depth to secondary, sign Bullocks
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1471577,bears-bullocks-031109.article
Safety Josh Bullocks signed to one year deal, $525M guaranteed. Hope to have him competing for the free safety position. First three years have been in NO.
At least it's something!
March 11, 2009
#80 Phil from SATX said . . .My sincere apologies Phil, I thought you were kidding when I saw the $525mill until I clicked the link. 3 yr starter for NO, we will definitely take it. He averaged almost 90 tackles a year his 1st 3 yrs.
I am checking out multiple sports. Sorry that our moves don't make it onto the front pages of si.com espn.com or even NFL.com, even during the day. I was just on Da Site reading about Metcalf and it wasn't there. You are just quick on the draw my friend.
And I mainly list the moves so we know who is left for us possibly and to know how our enemies are improving or wasting money.
March 11, 2009
#81 Z said . . .I'm just busting on you Z. And after you said that, I realized that my company's use of M for thousands may be specific to us - we use MM for millions, M for thousands. Seriously, you've done great work for us in keeping us abreast of how much others are doing and how little we're doing.
But today I see Jerry as George Constanza - he gets to ring the bell today! - or going back to Glengarry Glen Ross - Jack Lemmon - Put me on the board!!
He's officially doubled his FA activity. I bet he's wore plumb out.
March 11, 2009
#82 zisk said . . .Yeah but Lemmon closed Patel on that deal right?
I am thrilled with any signing at this point, especially one of need.
What I don't understand is why on Da site the story says he has 306 tackles in 4 yrs
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5644
and on NFL.com under player bios it says he has 256 in 4 yrs.
http://www.nfl.com/players/joshbullocks/profile?id=BUL538299
Is it really that hard for a multi-billion dollar industry to keep a little info straight? Even with leaving out last year accidently it doesn't add up. Just pisses me off. I am already untrusting enough.
In any case, I am happy.
March 11, 2009
#83 Duff Diggler said . . .I love this move. Barring severe adam archulitis he should be a decent starter next year.
March 11, 2009
#84 BDG said . . .Hey Jeff, here is the reaction to T.O. in a bills uni.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okhiJjuefPw
March 12, 2009
#85 do said . . .Like the Bullucks signing. Needed to add some talent there. He lost his starting job for most of last year which worries me but at least he's young big and was a beast in college. Let's hope we can get the most out of his talent. Still would like to bring back Mike Brown to teach his fellow Nebraska alumn and provide insurance. He should get a life time contract for playing/ coaching if he wants it.
I guess it's good we finally have moved on from Metcalf. He seemed ok but it should allow us a spot for some young talent for the line. Of course he'll probably start for the next 7 years for someone now lol
What up Duff.March 12, 2009
#86 enderwiggin said . . .Im super excited about the Bullocks signing. I played against him in high school so its kinda cool that he is now a Bear.
March 12, 2009
#87 Z said . . .Bullocks better be able to play the pass, or i will change his "L's" to "T's"
March 12, 2009
#88 do said . . .#85 do:
Did he cover you? Were you a WR? Can you still play at all? I am being serious.
March 12, 2009
#89 Albert In Tucson said . . .haha z. I played LT my whole career and I was a freshman when he was a senior. I was recruited pretty heavily coming out of high school, I committed to an SEC school but decided to stay home and go to a college in my hometown because of personal reasons.
I will say however that at the Vanderbilt senior camp I remeber Chris Williams, and I was MUCH better than him.
March 12, 2009
#90 Albert In Tucson said . . .Bears signed just Safety Josh Bullocks.
Late of the regularly torched defense of the New Orleans Saints. Pardon me if my enthusiasm is, er...muted?March 12, 2009
#91 Phil from SATX said . . .Josh Bullocks, 2008:
9 games - no starts. 1 INT., 6 passes defensed, 29 Tackles, 1 forced fumble.
He DID start 43 games for the Saints from 2005 thru 2007. 6 Career INTs.
Whew! Glad we found a replacement for Mike Brown.March 12, 2009
#92 BearDown1982 said . . .Do, WE NEED YOU AS A WALK-ON!!! Git yer ass over to Lake Forest!
Terry Metcalf was really not good. That one hardly qualifies as news, or as a move.
March 12, 2009
#93 WTF were they thinking said . . .I'm with Albert on Bullocks. This guy couldn't find the field as a full time starter last season for one of the worst defenses in the NFL? I'm glad we picked up someone...but I'm not sure this guy is the answer we are looking for. Hopefully, we can find someone in the draft in the later rounds.
March 12, 2009
#94 sean said . . .Josh Bullocks signing is a band aid on a bullet wound. I don't think he's meant to be the long term solution. I hope this is just to get us to next draft where there will be a better class for FS.
March 12, 2009
#95 jdawg said . . .Hester has got to have the worst performace record of a declared #1 receiver. He has progressed though, and there is no reason to think he can't have 1000 receiving yards next year. In the last 8 games of the season he had nearly 500 yards rushing and receiving combined. His hands have improved and his route running has improved. With the complement of a down the field threat he should get better looks. Orton's progress should also improve Hester's numbers.
Over paying for an over-the-hill wideout is not the answer, and I'm glad the bears have been patient up till now. Hopefully whoever they gamble on in the draft will come through. Evaluating WR talent and predicting whether or not it will translate to the NFL has proved one of the most difficult jobs for GMs and coaches, just look at the Lions. The bears drafted statistically the best WR in SEC history and he never saw the field last year because he couldn't get open in practice.
March 12, 2009
#96 Phil from SATX said . . .I think you're confusing most yards by a WR in SEC history with best WR in SEC history.
March 12, 2009
#97 jdawg said . . .Sean, you're making an excellent argument for why we HAVE to sign a usable, every-down WR in FA. Everyone in the draft is a crap shoot.
As far as Bennett not getting open in practice, I'm assuming you're assuming that - I hadn't heard that as a general knowledge kind of thing. I wish he had been given a chance to prove that he can or can't get open. Maybe he's the kind of guy who doesn't get a lot of separation but can still grab the ball - but right now no one knows that because he never got a pass thrown to him all season. (Okay he had one pass errantly thrown to him by the hobbled KO). Yet another reason why I HATE RON TURNER!
March 12, 2009
#98 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Turner was on record after the end of last season as saying Bennett was slow in practice. Not slow in the sense that he couldn't run pretty fast, but game-speed slow, as in route running, making breaks, etc... In other words, the game hadn't slowed down for him yet.
Maybe after a season and an off-season things will click. But I don't blame Turner for not getting him on the field.
March 12, 2009
#99 Phil from SATX said . . .I concur with Phil.
Do, bro, you'll be Da Blog's inside guys in Halas Hall. Plus you'll be a lineman, something greatly sought after these days.
March 12, 2009
#100 jdawg said . . .Jdawg, appreciate the additional color there, my problem is I don't think Turner has proved himself as a very good judge of receiver talent. And when the guys on the field are simply NOT GETTING IT DONE, is it so wrong to just try the new guy? See what happens?
Maybe that's too simplistic. I respect the possibility that despite your starters not performing, still believing that on the next pass, they are still the best chance to advance the ball.
But I really don't get not trying new guys when the old guys aren't getting it done. Marty Booker did NOTHING. Rashied Davis regressed to a horrible point. Brandon Lloyd looked pretty good when he was out there, but now I read the big issue was he pissed off the coaches by not coming back when they thought he should, by insisting he needed to be 100%. But that said, being pissed at someone's work ethic shouldn't have mattered last year, when you just needed someone, anyone, who could get open and catch a ball.
You going to tell me Ron Turner couldn't have tried Earl Bennett, the guy we hired, at least in part, because of his Vandy brains and ability to contribute right away? And Brandon Rideau is another one, I know preseason is meaningless but he looked pretty dang great in preseason. Kellen Davis? At least they have an excuse for not putting him out there.
I do blame RT. (for just about everything I can)
March 12, 2009
#101 BDG said . . .I'm not defending Turner, I'm just relaying what I read.
Bennet did get on the field the last game or two. Whether he should have been on there earlier we'll know by late October or early November.
Turner is a bit of a cypher to me. He got great production out of Kramer and gang, enough to land him a HC position. He obviously isn't HC material but he did have previous success.
Good players make geniuses. We'll see what kind of genius Turner is with the crew he'll be starting next season.
March 12, 2009
#102 do said . . .You guys need to look at Duff Diglers you tube post on T.O. Funny fucking shit there.
Just wanted to post a coment and see your thoughts on this. Greg Gabriel the Bears dir. of college scouting was at Pat White's proday at UWV. Ofcourse about 25 other teams were there too but would you be happy if the Bears could get White with the 2nd rd. pick to use a slot reciever and wildcat QB/ change of pace QB. I know we need lineman and safeties, but I think White is a special talent. Any thoughts?March 12, 2009
#103 Rancid said . . .Second round might be a bit high for a player like White. If he is there in the fifth round then I would not mind taking a shot with him, I mean if he is a bust then thats nothing out of the ordinary for JA.
Inside guy at Halas Hall, huh? Might not be a bad idea. In HS I did block some guys that are currently in the league and starting. I did a pretty good job against Dorsey (LSU) and a kid named Demonte Bolden who was the number 1 DE in the nation in college. If I did make the team I am pretty sure that I would be the biggest line man on the team? Who knows maybe it is worth the shot?
March 13, 2009
#104 Max said . . .Yeah, kudos to Duff for the Hitler video, that was some funny shit. I've passed it about 5 of my friends here in NY who are Bills fans. My lack of posting is kind of a "screw this" mentality. I'm sick of trying to think about what we should do. I get distracted this time of year by March Madness anyway.
March 13, 2009
#105 Z said . . .Ha. Video makes me laugh. Touche Duff
March 13, 2009
#106 Z said . . .I just watched that video. That was great. Duff you always pop on here with some cool shit.
When your team motivates you to make stuff like that. Wow.
Even though I am not wowed by the signings, I am happy to have anyone else in the mix to compete and maybe step up and improve a position. Especially with all the injuries throughout an NFL season.
Not losing sleep over Metcalf.
Would still like Brown and Lloyd back cheap. Besides Holt any other WR's left that anyone thinks could make an impact or S or O-line?
back to back threads over 100. No offseason.
March 13, 2009
#107 Z said . . .Roster news: In other news, the Bears placed tackle John Tait on the reserve/retired list after he filed his retirement papers with the NFL, and cornerback Marcus Hamilton, an exclusive rights free agent, signed his one-year tender.
Kevin Jones sounds really excited to be back with us and the Bears matched 2 offers from the Bills to keep him. He says he is in way better shape and his knee is great.
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5646
March 13, 2009
#108 Z said . . .The Miami Dolphins have signed free agent cornerback Eric Green to a multiyear deal. Green comes to the Dolphins from the Arizona Cardinals.
Another former New York Jet has followed coach Eric Mangini to Cleveland. David Bowens, a 10-year veteran linebacker who spent the 2008 season with the Jets, has signed with the Browns.
Also on Thursday, the Browns released offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer, who had started 47 games in three seasons with the team. Shaffer, 29, started his NFL career in 2002 with the Atlanta Falcons and spent four seasons with the team, becoming a regular starter in 2004 and 2005.
The New York Jets compensated for the recent free agency loss of versatile defensive lineman C.J.Mosley (Cleveland) by signing unrestricted free agent tackle Howard Green to a one year contract on Thursday. The Browns also expressed interest in Green during free agency and the Seahawks attempted to re-sign him.The Philadelphia Eagles took another step toward bolstering their depth at safety by agreeing to a one-year deal with former Oakland Raider Rashad Baker.
March 13, 2009
#109 Phil from SATX said . . .Here's who's left
March 13, 2009
#110 Gin said . . .Thanks for that, Z, for everyone like me who's not an insider, you can still sort these guys by grade. Highest ranked WR still available is DJ Hackett - didn't we talk about him last year? Lance Moore is out there but as RFA. Mark Clayton is an RFA on the Ravens. Next is ANCIENT Bobby Engram. How about Amani Toomer? Ancient as well, but he's still pretty good, right? Then Reggie Williams from the Jags - he's 6'4" and only 6 seasons in. What's wrong with him? Must not be very good with that height and age, to be so low. Joey Galloway, ancient. Ronald Curry? 6'2", 8th year, released from Raiders who know nothing about football - maybe he's good.
So everyone can do this, chip in!
March 13, 2009
#111 Urlacher FTW said . . .Our new safety and defensive savior, Bullocks....
Well done Jerry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYJhqDm0L-A
March 13, 2009
#112 MattIsMyForte said . . .Okay after watching that...
um start Steltz.March 13, 2009
#113 The Ghost of Halas said . . .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7bCO5-69mU
Funny and sad at the same time.
March 14, 2009
#114 Z said . . .GREAT video!
Especially enjoyed watching Thomas Jones RAPE the Saints secondary in the NFC Championship. Good times, good times. Jeff thought I was stupid, but I stand by my season prediction. Right now, at this moment the 2009 Chicago Bears are 6-10 and falling fast.
March 14, 2009
#115 Anonymous said . . .After they failed to gain trade value, the Rams announced Friday they have released wide receiver Torry Holt.
The Baltimore Ravens have informed cornerback Samari Rolle that he will be released, a source confirmed on Friday.
The Cleveland Browns signed unrestricted free agent ex-Seahawks OL Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack. Womack, 30, is a versatile blocker who can play all of the line positions except for center.
The Denver Broncos signed former Browns guard Scott Young Friday.
March 14, 2009
#116 WTF were they thinking said . . .Jerry,
Extend Forte's contract now. Just do it. Make the commitment now. If we are not going to spend money on free agents, then spend it on the stud rookie RB we got for cheap last year. I know it does not make football or business sense to do it now, but do it anyway.
Every second round pick for forever more will play harder if they know they will be rewarded. Roll the dice. Forte earned it. Pay him, with the hope that you get more out of your future second rounders. Give him a raise, Jerry.
Then fire Lovie.
March 14, 2009
WOW, those videos gave me a flash back of the mike green and aron gray days.
I just want them to hold of on a FS until next season. Where they could get a much better one.
March 14, 2009
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