***2013 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[RBM]

Rank these prospects in terms of who you want the Bears to draft (if all are available):OLB Jarvis JonesOLB Alec OgletreeILB Manti TeoWR Tavon AustinOT DJ FlukerG Jonathan CooperOtherGiven Jarvis Jones' spinal stenosis condition, if he was to fall to the Bears (although unlikely), would you want the Besr to take the risk and draft him? How would you feel if they select Ogletree or settle on Manti Teo?

Def Cooper number 1. I like Jones but not really sure he makes sense in a 4-3.Ogletree and Teo seem like reaches at 20. Rather see the best DT or CB on the board.

 

[flapgreen]

Jonathan Scott back on a one yr deal.

Great!

 

[Statcruncher]

Jonathan Scott back on a one yr deal.

Great!

I finally agree with you on something.

 

[avina1]

Jonathan Scott back on a one yr deal.

Good... is it a given that Carimi will be right guard now? I'm not giving up on him yet.Lots of one and done deals this year though, lol. I honestly have no idea who they will draft, O-line or LB...

 

[flapgreen]

Jonathan Scott back on a one yr deal.

Great!

I finally agree with you on something.

You my boy, Blue!!!

 

[flapgreen]

Jonathan Scott back on a one yr deal.

Good... is it a given that Carimi will be right guard now? I'm not giving up on him yet.Lots of one and done deals this year though, lol. I honestly have no idea who they will draft, O-line or LB...

It looks like the current staff is giving up on him. He must be really bad.

 

[Azhais]

Bears have a contest starting to win the chance to read off the 4th round pick:

http://www.chicagobears.com/fan-zone/ultimate_draft.html

 

[The Tick]

Jonathan Scott back on a one yr deal.

Good... is it a given that Carimi will be right guard now? I'm not giving up on him yet.Lots of one and done deals this year though, lol. I honestly have no idea who they will draft, O-line or LB...

It looks like the current staff is giving up on him. He must be really bad.

I liked that pick when we made it too. Really thought he could have been that nasty RT that we had just been missing for a while. I knew there was the knee, but I didn't think it would be that much of an issue.Hopefully with a new staff there can be some salvaging of him, but who knows. Is it the technique, the talent, or the injury?

 

[flapgreen]

Jonathan Scott back on a one yr deal.

Good... is it a given that Carimi will be right guard now? I'm not giving up on him yet.Lots of one and done deals this year though, lol. I honestly have no idea who they will draft, O-line or LB...

It looks like the current staff is giving up on him. He must be really bad.

I liked that pick when we made it too. Really thought he could have been that nasty RT that we had just been missing for a while. I knew there was the knee, but I didn't think it would be that much of an issue.Hopefully with a new staff there can be some salvaging of him, but who knows. Is it the technique, the talent, or the injury?

You and me both.

 

[BassNBrew]

So anyone that thinks Urlacher is in serious decline and not worth the money he wants only listens to the media and doesn't watch games? Alrighty.

If you think there's a better option for this defense than Urlacher at 2yrs 6 mil, tell me who it is. That's all I'm saying. Everyone knows he's in decline when compared to his HOF career. He's still better at running this defense than half the starters out there, even during the downside of his career. Playing MLB is about more than making tackles. He qb's the defense. Again, look at the stats with and without him last year. They aren't close. The whole " he missed a lot tackles last year so he sucks" stance is ridiculous. It's a huge loss for the defense. I can't believe you guys think the defense won't miss a beat without him. He wasn't demanding huge money, just not a slap in the face.

Still waiting for one name for who is our starting MLB week 1.

James Anderson

For the Bears, lets look at Julius Peppers' contract. Peppers' joined the Bears in 2010 with a six year, $91.5 million dollar contract, with $42 million guaranteed. Two years into the deal, Jerry Angelo restructured the deal, saving the team about $8 million against the cap that season. The Bears shifted a $10.5 million roster bonus (which would become guaranteed and count against the cap unless Peppers was cut in that offseason) into a signing bonus that would be spread out over the remaining four years of the deal. The roster bonus initially made sense as a way out of the contract for the Bears if Peppers was injured or underperformed after two years. Instead, Peppers earned that money on the field, and the Bears had to restructure to avoid a huge cap hit that year, which meant an approximate $2.6 million was added to each remaining year of Peppers' contract.

That's a large part why Peppers' base salary for 2013 is $12.9 million but his cap hit is over $16 million, over thirteen percent of the Bears' expected cap. What the Bears can do to lower Peppers' cap number is reduce his base salary and convert it into another signing bonus. Brad Biggs proposes converting $9 million of Peppers' base pay into a new signing bonus, which would save the Bears $6 million this year - that $9 million dollar bonus would be spread out at $3 million dollars for each of his three remaining seasons. That six million dollar savings could cover a new Henry Melton contract, or signing a free agent like Andy Levitre.

I can understand Urlacher's position. One guys gets $16 million to play part time, Urlacher plays balls to the wall every play and is offered $2 million.

I should be the GM of this team...or maybe I am.

 

[ZWK]

Thumbs up on the Bears offseason so far. They've addressed their 3 biggest needs (MLB, OT, and TE), and the biggest remaining holes are ones that aren't super-important and don't require a ton of resources to fill (SCB & OG). That gives them a lot of flexibility in the draft; I could see them taking pretty much any position in the first other than HB, QB, or S. Bennett is a good, balanced TE - an excellent blocker and a pretty good receiver. Bushrod can let them upgrade 3 positions on the OL - LT (Bushrod), RT (Webb), and RG (Carimi). Williams is a great value for a startable MLB and a good fit for their defense (better in coverage than in run defense). Anderson is a similar sort of signing, assuming that his contract is similar to Williams's. And no new multimillion dollar contracts to backups or blocking tight ends.

Two negatives so far: I think they overpaid Bushrod a bit. He's just an averageish LT (as evidenced by PFF grades, and by where he was taken in the RSP draft), and better tackles have signed for less (like Vollmer). And I wish they'd added a guard, at least a cheap veteran following the same approach that they took at LB (like Geoff Schwartz, who could be a solid starter and signed with KC for under $1M).

 

[twistd]

Jonathan Scott back on a one yr deal.

Good... is it a given that Carimi will be right guard now? I'm not giving up on him yet.Lots of one and done deals this year though, lol. I honestly have no idea who they will draft, O-line or LB...

It looks like the current staff is giving up on him. He must be really bad.

I liked that pick when we made it too. Really thought he could have been that nasty RT that we had just been missing for a while. I knew there was the knee, but I didn't think it would be that much of an issue.Hopefully with a new staff there can be some salvaging of him, but who knows. Is it the technique, the talent, or the injury?

I'm glad the Bears are not just sitting back and counting on Carimi to develop. I think he may be really solid at guard, but too often, Webb being a prime example, they move ahead counting on development without a solid back up plan. Carimi will now have to fight for a spot on the line, either at right tackle, or at guard. I think this could be the best thing for him. I'm guessing he will come on this year.

 

[RBM]

Wonder what happens with Lance Louis....

 

[flapgreen]

I may be alone, but I actually thought they got a pretty good deal on Bushrod. Not many times does a pro-bowl lt come available in free agency, especially at ~7mil/yr. The guaranteed money wasn't really high.

Vollmer is RT. We have a group of guys who should be adequate there. I think Louis will be back closer to training camp if he's healthy. We really need Izzy back.

 

[Statcruncher]

I may be alone, but I actually thought they got a pretty good deal on Bushrod. Not many times does a pro-bowl lt come available in free agency, especially at ~7mil/yr. The guaranteed money wasn't really high.Vollmer is RT. We have a group of guys who should be adequate there. I think Louis will be back closer to training camp if he's healthy. We really need Izzy back.

I didn't watch many Saints games but from various outlets it seems the majority think Bushrod was a slight overpay. I'm not even going to try to predict how a new LT reunited with his old OL coach working for a new headcoach who's implementing a new offensive scheme is going to fare. I'll just sit back and hope his play on the field turns out to be a steal.As for Louis I hope he's back as well. Sign him cheap (I would gamble on a multi-year incentive laden low-guaranteed/signing money contract) and expect him to miss at least the first 4 - 6 weeks until he's full strength. As long as he can get physically "back" I'd like to see him in a Bears uniform for several years. I would imagine he'll only be willing to sign a one year deal hoping to cash in next year though.

 

[RBM]

I'm a big Izzy fan but I'm nervous the Turk McBride signing last week is not a good sign.

 

[RBM]

Hayden is back on a 1 yr deal.

 

[RBM]

Campbell signs with Cleveland. We need a backup.

 

[flapgreen]

Good

 

[KCitons]

Good thing we signed a couple of LB's this week. That should free up Flapgreen to backup Cutler.

 

[flapgreen]

 

[flapgreen]

Nooooooooo!!!!!

 

[KCitons]

That sucks. I could see Flapgreen playing MLB or as the #2 QB. But, no way can he play Guard.

Losing Lance Louis to the Dolphins hurts a little more than the other losses. Hopefully someone can fill his shoes.

 

[flapgreen]

Yeah, I'm a sidelines holding the clipboard kind of guy. I'm too pretty to be fighting in the trenches. Looking like a complete overhaul of the line, which is good. Hate losing Louis, though.

 

[Native]

That sucks. I could see Flapgreen playing MLB or as the #2 QB. But, no way can he play Guard. Losing Lance Louis to the Dolphins hurts a little more than the other losses. Hopefully someone can fill his shoes.

Dolphins fan here - Can anyone give us the scoop on Lance Louis? Breakdown of his game? How did we make out?

 

[The Tick]

Damn, he was like the only promising thing from our line last two years, can't beleive they let him go. I know he probably would have missed a couple games, but I just think it was a bad move to let him leave. Wonder if they were trying to sign him and were just outbid? I really never heard many details on him this off season.

I was looking forward to seeing him get better and possibably turn into a really strong player.

 

[avina1]

That sucks. I could see Flapgreen playing MLB or as the #2 QB. But, no way can he play Guard. Losing Lance Louis to the Dolphins hurts a little more than the other losses. Hopefully someone can fill his shoes.

Dolphins fan here - Can anyone give us the scoop on Lance Louis? Breakdown of his game? How did we make out?

He was the only good thing on our O-line last year, so... yeah.

 

[Statcruncher]

As for Louis I hope he's back as well. Sign him cheap (I would gamble on a multi-year incentive laden low-guaranteed/signing money contract) and expect him to miss at least the first 4 - 6 weeks until he's full strength. As long as he can get physically "back" I'd like to see him in a Bears uniform for several years. I would imagine he'll only be willing to sign a one year deal hoping to cash in next year though.

It will be interesting to see the final numbersSigns a 1 year deal

Lance Louis could have re-signed with the Bears, but he decided to join the Miami Dolphins.

"I just felt like I needed a fresh start," Louis told the Sun-Times on Wednesday. "I went up there and met with those guys, and I clicked with the coaches. I just felt like they really wanted me to be there."

Louis signed a one-year deal. While he wasn't sure of the terms, he said the Dolphins' offer was more substantial than that of the Bears.

"Nothing toward those guys, but I felt I needed to start somewhere else," Louis said. "The decision was cool."

A seventh-round pick in 2009, Louis developed steadily, starting four games in 2010 and 13 games at guard and tackle in 2011. Last season, he was the team's best and most consistent offensive lineman until he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament Nov. 25 when Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen blindsided him on an interception return.

"I kicked myself for a while because I'm usually good keeping my head on a swivel. But that time, I just didn't," Louis said. "I kicked myself for a minute, but I said, 'You know what? It's a part of the game. It happens. I'm sure he ain't had no dirty thoughts going into it. He was just trying to make a football play. It's unfortunate it happened, but it happened."

Louis said he isn't sure where the Dolphins want to play him, only that they made it clear they liked the way he played.

Louis said he's rehabbing and feeling good. He's jogging on what he described as a special treadmill, and he's aiming to be ready for training camp.

Wish you were a Bear, but good luck Lance.

 

[The Tick]

As for Louis I hope he's back as well. Sign him cheap (I would gamble on a multi-year incentive laden low-guaranteed/signing money contract) and expect him to miss at least the first 4 - 6 weeks until he's full strength. As long as he can get physically "back" I'd like to see him in a Bears uniform for several years. I would imagine he'll only be willing to sign a one year deal hoping to cash in next year though.

It will be interesting to see the final numbersSigns a 1 year deal

Lance Louis could have re-signed with the Bears, but he decided to join the Miami Dolphins.

"I just felt like I needed a fresh start," Louis told the Sun-Times on Wednesday. "I went up there and met with those guys, and I clicked with the coaches. I just felt like they really wanted me to be there."

Louis signed a one-year deal. While he wasn't sure of the terms, he said the Dolphins' offer was more substantial than that of the Bears.

"Nothing toward those guys, but I felt I needed to start somewhere else," Louis said. "The decision was cool."

A seventh-round pick in 2009, Louis developed steadily, starting four games in 2010 and 13 games at guard and tackle in 2011. Last season, he was the team's best and most consistent offensive lineman until he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament Nov. 25 when Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen blindsided him on an interception return.

"I kicked myself for a while because I'm usually good keeping my head on a swivel. But that time, I just didn't," Louis said. "I kicked myself for a minute, but I said, 'You know what? It's a part of the game. It happens. I'm sure he ain't had no dirty thoughts going into it. He was just trying to make a football play. It's unfortunate it happened, but it happened."

Louis said he isn't sure where the Dolphins want to play him, only that they made it clear they liked the way he played.

Louis said he's rehabbing and feeling good. He's jogging on what he described as a special treadmill, and he's aiming to be ready for training camp.

Wish you were a Bear, but good luck Lance.

Wow, those are some interesting comments coming from a started that was projected to eventually start next year. "Need a fresh start" usually comes from guys like DJ Moore that ended up in the dog house, or having other issues in the city. In his place, being considered the most consistent starter, and a player to watch, would have expected that he'd be excited to come back in and continue his starting role.Just seems strange.

 

[3nOut]

Interesting article on ESPN.com regarding the Bears' LB situation.

Bears could be better with new linebackers

 

[flapgreen]

 

[Statcruncher]

According to multiple twitter sources the Bears have signed G Matt Slauson to a 1 year contract. Emery is making it impossible for people to know who he's targeting in the draft. I really thought Chicago would be quiet in FA and they've methodically added starting caliber players at several positions.

From PFF

He was the 9th ranked G/C in free agency this year

9. Matt Slauson

2012 Grade: +2.5

2012 Snaps: 834

Summary: Drafted in the sixth round in 2009, Slauson is one of the Jets' few recent picks to actually overachieve his draft position. He held his own on one of the league's top pass blocking units, and graded at +5.1 as a pass blocker after surrendering only 14 pressures on his 436 pass block attempts. However, he comes in ninth on this list due to a sub-par year in the running game that saw him grade at -4.2 for the season. Still, he's graded in the green in all three years as a starter and he represents a respectable option the Jets would love to keep in town as he continues his development.

 

[KCitons]

I like the signing of Slauson. And not just because I'm from Nebraska. Slauson may not be a Pro Bowl offensive lineman, but he is a solid/versatile player. I will need to see the numbers on the contract, but if they are less or equal to what Lance Louis got, then I think it is a wash. Plus he's healthy and ready to compete right now.

 

[RBM]

I like it. Think it's actually an upgrade from Louis.

Now we need one more guard and a center. Barrett Jones or Travis Frederick in the 2nd might be nice.

 

[ZWK]

Thumbs up on the Bears offseason so far. They've addressed their 3 biggest needs (MLB, OT, and TE), and the biggest remaining holes are ones that aren't super-important and don't require a ton of resources to fill (SCB & OG). That gives them a lot of flexibility in the draft; I could see them taking pretty much any position in the first other than HB, QB, or S. Bennett is a good, balanced TE - an excellent blocker and a pretty good receiver. Bushrod can let them upgrade 3 positions on the OL - LT (Bushrod), RT (Webb), and RG (Carimi). Williams is a great value for a startable MLB and a good fit for their defense (better in coverage than in run defense). Anderson is a similar sort of signing, assuming that his contract is similar to Williams's. And no new multimillion dollar contracts to backups or blocking tight ends.

Two negatives so far: I think they overpaid Bushrod a bit. He's just an averageish LT (as evidenced by PFF grades, and by where he was taken in the RSP draft), and better tackles have signed for less (like Vollmer). And I wish they'd added a guard, at least a cheap veteran following the same approach that they took at LB (like Geoff Schwartz, who could be a solid starter and signed with KC for under $1M).

And now they have their guard. With Slauson and Hayden aboard they are now out of holes. Startable players at every position, and reasonable contracts all around (except for a slight overpay on Bushrod). Now they can draft for talent, focusing on the future.

 

[flapgreen]

This is great stuff.

 

[twistd]

I like it. Think it's actually an upgrade from Louis. Now we need one more guard and a center. Barrett Jones or Travis Frederick in the 2nd might be nice.

I would like to see a center, either drafted or signed in free agency. I actually think Webb will end up at RT and Carimi will fill the other guard spot. I'm not ready to give up on Carimi yet. But I am so glad to see them really address the o-line after so many years of half measures, and expecting huge leaps of development from young guys that never materialized. They seem to be making incremental improvements in a lot of positions. That should really pay off this season.

 

[flapgreen]

I like it. Think it's actually an upgrade from Louis. Now we need one more guard and a center. Barrett Jones or Travis Frederick in the 2nd might be nice.

I would like to see a center, either drafted or signed in free agency. I actually think Webb will end up at RT and Carimi will fill the other guard spot. I'm not ready to give up on Carimi yet. But I am so glad to see them really address the o-line after so many years of half measures, and expecting huge leaps of development from young guys that never materialized. They seem to be making incremental improvements in a lot of positions. That should really pay off this season.

Agreed. Very happy about this. Stop the presses!

 

[RBM]

I like it. Think it's actually an upgrade from Louis. Now we need one more guard and a center. Barrett Jones or Travis Frederick in the 2nd might be nice.

But I am so glad to see them really address the o-line after so many years of half measures, and expecting huge leaps of development from young guys that never materialized.

big time

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I don't hate this pick (if it happens) as much as most of you will: http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2013/04/mel_kiper_jr_bears_will_select.html

 

[KCitons]

I don't hate this pick (if it happens) as much as most of you will: http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2013/04/mel_kiper_jr_bears_will_select.html

I can't disagree more. I would rather take another Safety, than draft Teo.

I understand how Teo looks on paper and on film, what concerns me is the way he played in big games. Every Sunday is a big game in the NFL. I am also concerned about his mental toughness, it seems like he allows things to effect his performance. I'm not saying he's not human, but purely from the standpoint of a fan, I don't want Teo on the team.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I don't hate this pick (if it happens) as much as most of you will: http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2013/04/mel_kiper_jr_bears_will_select.html

I can't disagree more. I would rather take another Safety, than draft Teo.

I understand how Teo looks on paper and on film, what concerns me is the way he played in big games. Every Sunday is a big game in the NFL. I am also concerned about his mental toughness, it seems like he allows things to effect his performance. I'm not saying he's not human, but purely from the standpoint of a fan, I don't want Teo on the team.

If it weren't for that stupid 'girlfriend' debacle, he's probably in the top 10-15. I'd just be happy to get a player who droped further than they should have. Heck, NE, PIT and NYG have been doing it for years and they've done ok.

 

[William Munny]

I don't hate this pick (if it happens) as much as most of you will: http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2013/04/mel_kiper_jr_bears_will_select.html

I can't disagree more. I would rather take another Safety, than draft Teo.

I understand how Teo looks on paper and on film, what concerns me is the way he played in big games. Every Sunday is a big game in the NFL. I am also concerned about his mental toughness, it seems like he allows things to effect his performance. I'm not saying he's not human, but purely from the standpoint of a fan, I don't want Teo on the team.

Big games plural as in more than the Alabama debacle?

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I don't hate this pick (if it happens) as much as most of you will: http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2013/04/mel_kiper_jr_bears_will_select.html

I can't disagree more. I would rather take another Safety, than draft Teo.

I understand how Teo looks on paper and on film, what concerns me is the way he played in big games. Every Sunday is a big game in the NFL. I am also concerned about his mental toughness, it seems like he allows things to effect his performance. I'm not saying he's not human, but purely from the standpoint of a fan, I don't want Teo on the team.

Big games plural as in more than the Alabama debacle?

My in-laws are HUGE Irish fans (several members of their family attended school there) so I'm stuck watching most of the ND games when we go over there. Keeping in mind I hate ND, I can't remember another bad game he had other than that NC game vs Bama. He's had some OK games, but never bad ones.

 

[William Munny]

I don't hate this pick (if it happens) as much as most of you will: http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2013/04/mel_kiper_jr_bears_will_select.html

I can't disagree more. I would rather take another Safety, than draft Teo.

I understand how Teo looks on paper and on film, what concerns me is the way he played in big games. Every Sunday is a big game in the NFL. I am also concerned about his mental toughness, it seems like he allows things to effect his performance. I'm not saying he's not human, but purely from the standpoint of a fan, I don't want Teo on the team.

Big games plural as in more than the Alabama debacle?

My in-laws are HUGE Irish fans (several members of their family attended school there) so I'm stuck watching most of the ND games when we go over there. Keeping in mind I hate ND, I can't remember another bad game he had other than that NC game vs Bama. He's had some OK games, but never bad ones.

That's what I was thinking as well

 

[KCitons]

I will agree with the Alabama game as being the big game, but I was referring to the Combine as being another big stage for Teo. Again, just my opinion, but it seemed as though he excused away his lackluster performance on the stress of the combine. (ie, the first public press conference). Those were his words not mine.

When you couple that with the rookie hazing that the is bound to receive, I don't know if his mental makeup will allow him to be the Defensive leader of the Chicago Bears. I'm looking for a player that excels in spite of adversity, not one that uses diversity as an excuse.

I think the Bears have too many question marks at other positions to take another one with their first round pick.

 

[William Munny]

I will agree with the Alabama game as being the big game, but I was referring to the Combine as being another big stage for Teo. Again, just my opinion, but it seemed as though he excused away his lackluster performance on the stress of the combine. (ie, the first public press conference). Those were his words not mine. When you couple that with the rookie hazing that the is bound to receive, I don't know if his mental makeup will allow him to be the Defensive leader of the Chicago Bears. I'm looking for a player that excels in spite of adversity, not one that uses diversity as an excuse. I think the Bears have too many question marks at other positions to take another one with their first round pick.

I hear ya on all that, but he does have a crap load of ability.Tough call.

 

[The Flying Elvis]

If any Bears fan wants to see Jay Cutler do 40+ minute relaxed/funny interview:

.

 

[The Tick]

I will agree with the Alabama game as being the big game, but I was referring to the Combine as being another big stage for Teo. Again, just my opinion, but it seemed as though he excused away his lackluster performance on the stress of the combine. (ie, the first public press conference). Those were his words not mine. When you couple that with the rookie hazing that the is bound to receive, I don't know if his mental makeup will allow him to be the Defensive leader of the Chicago Bears. I'm looking for a player that excels in spite of adversity, not one that uses diversity as an excuse. I think the Bears have too many question marks at other positions to take another one with their first round pick.

I hear ya on all that, but he does have a crap load of ability.Tough call.

In that mock Ogletree was still available, and i just think his athleticism would be too hard to pass up in that case. I'm not sure if i'd pissed if we took Teo, but I would have a really hard time if they passed on Ogletree. Seems like he would be better in coverage in that deep middle that we require from our MLB if we keep a similar system.

 

[3nOut]

I will agree with the Alabama game as being the big game, but I was referring to the Combine as being another big stage for Teo. Again, just my opinion, but it seemed as though he excused away his lackluster performance on the stress of the combine. (ie, the first public press conference). Those were his words not mine. When you couple that with the rookie hazing that the is bound to receive, I don't know if his mental makeup will allow him to be the Defensive leader of the Chicago Bears. I'm looking for a player that excels in spite of adversity, not one that uses diversity as an excuse. I think the Bears have too many question marks at other positions to take another one with their first round pick.

I hear ya on all that, but he does have a crap load of ability.Tough call.

In that mock Ogletree was still available, and i just think his athleticism would be too hard to pass up in that case. I'm not sure if i'd pissed if we took Teo, but I would have a really hard time if they passed on Ogletree. Seems like he would be better in coverage in that deep middle that we require from our MLB if we keep a similar system.

I think Ogletree will be gone before Chicago picks. If he's gone and depending on who's still available, I might be ok with Teo.