Chicago Bears 2012 Offseason Thread (1 Viewer)

[3nOut]

The more I think about it, I am all in on Mario Williams. When you break it all down, Williams is the one player that is pretty close to a sure thing with very few question marks. He has youth on his side and fills an obvious need. Even though VJax is a great talent, I don't see him as an elite player. He is simply the best FA available at his position right now. I also believe it will be much harder to find a MW talent in this draft. The WR depth is much deeper in both FA and the Draft. I say:1st - M Williams2nd - Wait on the WR FA's and find a bargain after VJax is gone and Manning signs. (could be a possibility for a trade)3rd - Also wait on FA OL's, set a price that works for the Bears and don't get sucked into a bidding war.4th - Add WR, OL, and CB through the draft.

Agreed.Martellus Bennett or Jacob Tamme would be nice pickups as well.

+1and I hope they don't resign Kellen Davis (addition by subtraction IMO). His catch % is atrocious, while Bennet's is outstanding...

I don't like Kellen Davis either but Bennet is no better, imo. He's barely played and thinks he's better than he actually is.

What about Kevin Boss?

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I can't believe im saying this...but I may agree with flapgreens last 5 posts.

 

[flapgreen]

I can't believe im saying this...but I may agree with flapgreens last 5 posts.

Welcome, bro. There's enough room for all.

 

[flapgreen]

The more I think about it, I am all in on Mario Williams. When you break it all down, Williams is the one player that is pretty close to a sure thing with very few question marks. He has youth on his side and fills an obvious need. Even though VJax is a great talent, I don't see him as an elite player. He is simply the best FA available at his position right now. I also believe it will be much harder to find a MW talent in this draft. The WR depth is much deeper in both FA and the Draft. I say:1st - M Williams2nd - Wait on the WR FA's and find a bargain after VJax is gone and Manning signs. (could be a possibility for a trade)3rd - Also wait on FA OL's, set a price that works for the Bears and don't get sucked into a bidding war.4th - Add WR, OL, and CB through the draft.

Agreed.Martellus Bennett or Jacob Tamme would be nice pickups as well.

+1and I hope they don't resign Kellen Davis (addition by subtraction IMO). His catch % is atrocious, while Bennet's is outstanding...

I don't like Kellen Davis either but Bennet is no better, imo. He's barely played and thinks he's better than he actually is.

What about Kevin Boss?

Never really done much. I guess he wouldn't be bad as a second guy along with Davis.eta: On second thought, I think that would be a good idea. He's done more than the other guys out there and we need more than one guy who can catch the ball at the tight end position, although I don't Davis can either. I hope the coaching staff recognizes this and catches up with the rest of the league, but I doubt it.

 

[flapgreen]

We don't have a single good receiver on this roster. Bennett has done well at what he has been asked to do, but he's no better than a low level 2 or 3. We need at least 2, if not 3 wide receivers. Knox may not be back. Hester sucks. Roy probably won't be back. Sausagebacon is below average at best. Bennet is average. Whether we get Mario or not, they better address this freaking position in a major way, too.

 

[RBM]

Levi Brown is absolutely not horrible. He is an average starting LT in the league....and that is something we have not had since Tait during the Super Bowl year. Jared Gaither is no better, and Demetius Bell is right there with them.

I would rather have John Carlson than Davis and Boss.

 

[RBM]

We don't have a single good receiver on this roster. Bennett has done well at what he has been asked to do, but he's no better than a low level 2 or 3. We need at least 2, if not 3 wide receivers. Knox may not be back. Hester sucks. Roy probably won't be back. Sausagebacon is below average at best. Bennet is average. Whether we get Mario or not, they better address this freaking position in a major way, too.

What do you mean by major? If we get Mario, we cant do anything major....and honestly Im fine with that.

 

[3nOut]

Maybe Mario won't sign. Don't think Peppers would give up his #90. MW was #9 in college I believe (I think he has a 9 tattoo as well), so maybe he'd settle for #99?

 

[flapgreen]

We don't have a single good receiver on this roster. Bennett has done well at what he has been asked to do, but he's no better than a low level 2 or 3. We need at least 2, if not 3 wide receivers. Knox may not be back. Hester sucks. Roy probably won't be back. Sausagebacon is below average at best. Bennet is average. Whether we get Mario or not, they better address this freaking position in a major way, too.

What do you mean by major? If we get Mario, we cant do anything major....and honestly Im fine with that.

Right. If we get Mario, we can't do anything major. Really??? You really don't think we need to do anything "major" with the OL and wide receiving core? We have been going on about this for over 2 seasons. It's what has killed this team and our QB. The defense has definitely held their on, but Mario or not, if Cutler gets molested and abused again and gets hurt again, all of the defense in the world won't help us. Protect the best player on the team. Every other great team does. The OL has been a mockery around the league for years now. Let's fix it the right way once and for all. Have you watched and read about Levi? The guy is atrocious and has been a huge bust. Nothing more I can say about that. Gaither has performed well every time he has been given a chance, except when he's been hurt. San Diego completely changed last season when Gaither took over. Levi is a huge turd. No reason to get him unless you get him for extremely cheap and he's a backup swing type guy, imo.As far as Carlson, he had 2 pretty decent seasons over his first 2 years, less so in his 3rd, and was hurt for his entire 4th season. No reason to believe he will bounce back big. Doesn't mean he won't.Going to be a crazy ### day tomorrow. Free agents I would like to get: Mario Williams, Meachem, Robinson, Winston, Gaither or something similar, backup QB. That will be a stretch, but possible if we let the free agents we don't need walk.

 

[flapgreen]

Maybe Mario won't sign. Don't think Peppers would give up his #90. MW was #9 in college I believe (I think he has a 9 tattoo as well), so maybe he'd settle for #99?

They've ve said Peppers would have to restructure eventually, with Mario's salary being so large.

 

[Steed]

$100M in 2 DEs seems crazy to me. I'd rather they go after Wimbley a little cheaper but he'll probably be too pricey as well. If they're going to overspend on one guy it should be VJax. At least he can come in and help immediately, I dont think a rookie can do that. A rookie DE and offensive linemen can be coached up and effective right away.

 

[RBM]

We don't have a single good receiver on this roster. Bennett has done well at what he has been asked to do, but he's no better than a low level 2 or 3. We need at least 2, if not 3 wide receivers. Knox may not be back. Hester sucks. Roy probably won't be back. Sausagebacon is below average at best. Bennet is average. Whether we get Mario or not, they better address this freaking position in a major way, too.

What do you mean by major? If we get Mario, we cant do anything major....and honestly Im fine with that.

Right. If we get Mario, we can't do anything major. Really??? You really don't think we need to do anything "major" with the OL and wide receiving core? We have been going on about this for over 2 seasons. It's what has killed this team and our QB. The defense has definitely held their on, but Mario or not, if Cutler gets molested and abused again and gets hurt again, all of the defense in the world won't help us. Protect the best player on the team. Every other great team does. The OL has been a mockery around the league for years now. Let's fix it the right way once and for all. Have you watched and read about Levi? The guy is atrocious and has been a huge bust. Nothing more I can say about that. Gaither has performed well every time he has been given a chance, except when he's been hurt. San Diego completely changed last season when Gaither took over. Levi is a huge turd. No reason to get him unless you get him for extremely cheap and he's a backup swing type guy, imo.As far as Carlson, he had 2 pretty decent seasons over his first 2 years, less so in his 3rd, and was hurt for his entire 4th season. No reason to believe he will bounce back big. Doesn't mean he won't.Going to be a crazy ### day tomorrow. Free agents I would like to get: Mario Williams, Meachem, Robinson, Winston, Gaither or something similar, backup QB. That will be a stretch, but possible if we let the free agents we don't need walk.

I agree we need to do something about wr and especially the line, but if getting Mario means we cant, then I am ok with that. I mean dont ignore them completely, but patch it. Like I suggested in my dream scenario post....Mario, Meachem, one of the three available LTs all should be do-able.Is Meachem and Floyd or Wright or Hill enough to hold us over at wr? I think so.

 

[flapgreen]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

 

[RBM]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

 

[RBM]

$100M in 2 DEs seems crazy to me. I'd rather they go after Wimbley a little cheaper but he'll probably be too pricey as well. If they're going to overspend on one guy it should be VJax. At least he can come in and help immediately, I dont think a rookie can do that. A rookie DE and offensive linemen can be coached up and effective right away.

Wimbley isnt available.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Winston also playing in a ZBS...we're not a ZBS team.Winston is a RT...Carimi/Webb are more RT than LT.It just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[RBM]

Jeesh....reading about all the suitors for Mario, starting to think the price is going to get too ridiculous for us.

 

[ArcticEdge]

Jeesh....reading about all the suitors for Mario, starting to think the price is going to get too ridiculous for us.

I hope so, for Ponders sake..

 

[flapgreen]

$100M in 2 DEs seems crazy to me. I'd rather they go after Wimbley a little cheaper but he'll probably be too pricey as well. If they're going to overspend on one guy it should be VJax. At least he can come in and help immediately, I dont think a rookie can do that. A rookie DE and offensive linemen can be coached up and effective right away.

Wimbley isnt available.

Did he get signed yesterday?

 

[flapgreen]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Winston also playing in a ZBS...we're not a ZBS team.Winston is a RT...Carimi/Webb are more RT than LT.It just doesn't make sense to me.

We need 2 more tackles. Where should we get them from?

 

[flapgreen]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Maybe...

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Winston also playing in a ZBS...we're not a ZBS team.Winston is a RT...Carimi/Webb are more RT than LT.It just doesn't make sense to me.

We need 2 more tackles. Where should we get them from?

Carimi is one of our starting tackles...the other is probably Webb because Tice likes him. A backup swing tackle could be signed...but I don't see us making a huge splash at RT...if we did LT makes more sense.

 

[flapgreen]

Carl Nicks ‏ @bigbrickhouse77

Y'all know I keep it real on this. My agent told me the saints made me an offer and it is respectable...

Adam Caplan ‏ @caplannfl

Player sources said DE Mario Williams has been gathering info on the Bears. But how interested is he? Are the Bears interested? Stay turned.

 

[flapgreen]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Winston also playing in a ZBS...we're not a ZBS team.Winston is a RT...Carimi/Webb are more RT than LT.It just doesn't make sense to me.

We need 2 more tackles. Where should we get them from?

Carimi is one of our starting tackles...the other is probably Webb because Tice likes him. A backup swing tackle could be signed...but I don't see us making a huge splash at RT...if we did LT makes more sense.

What position on OL do you think they should address? I just don't see them addressing the guard spot because they already have a few. That leaves the tackle position to address in this mess of a line. Adding a guy like Meachem and a rookie WR to the offense is going to be more of the same, imo. In all honesty, I think they will ignore the OL yet again, and it will kill Cutler.

 

[flapgreen]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

I agree he probably will, but too much is a relative term in free agency. But again, I don't see them making a move.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Winston also playing in a ZBS...we're not a ZBS team.Winston is a RT...Carimi/Webb are more RT than LT.It just doesn't make sense to me.

We need 2 more tackles. Where should we get them from?

Carimi is one of our starting tackles...the other is probably Webb because Tice likes him. A backup swing tackle could be signed...but I don't see us making a huge splash at RT...if we did LT makes more sense.

What position on OL do you think they should address? I just don't see them addressing the guard spot because they already have a few. That leaves the tackle position to address in this mess of a line. Adding a guy like Meachem and a rookie WR to the offense is going to be more of the same, imo. In all honesty, I think they will ignore the OL yet again, and it will kill Cutler.

If I had my way, I would kick Chris Williams back out to LT(he's the only one athletic enough for it), Carimi at RT, Louis at LG, Garza C, and sign a G(if they let Spencer go).

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Adam Caplan ‏ @caplannflPlayer sources said DE Mario Williams has been gathering info on the Bears. But how interested is he? Are the Bears interested? Stay turned.

The attention and hype would be rather massive, which is always good for a persons pocketbook.

 

[swidman]

With just a little more than six hours until the FA market opens up, state who you think the Bears are going to announce as their big splash signing.

I'm going with Mario Williams.

 

[RBM]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Winston also playing in a ZBS...we're not a ZBS team.Winston is a RT...Carimi/Webb are more RT than LT.It just doesn't make sense to me.

We need 2 more tackles. Where should we get them from?

Carimi is one of our starting tackles...the other is probably Webb because Tice likes him. A backup swing tackle could be signed...but I don't see us making a huge splash at RT...if we did LT makes more sense.

What position on OL do you think they should address? I just don't see them addressing the guard spot because they already have a few. That leaves the tackle position to address in this mess of a line. Adding a guy like Meachem and a rookie WR to the offense is going to be more of the same, imo. In all honesty, I think they will ignore the OL yet again, and it will kill Cutler.

I think you are counting Chris Williams as a guard, and that might be a mistake from what Ive seen.

 

[RBM]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Winston also playing in a ZBS...we're not a ZBS team.Winston is a RT...Carimi/Webb are more RT than LT.It just doesn't make sense to me.

We need 2 more tackles. Where should we get them from?

Carimi is one of our starting tackles...the other is probably Webb because Tice likes him. A backup swing tackle could be signed...but I don't see us making a huge splash at RT...if we did LT makes more sense.

What position on OL do you think they should address? I just don't see them addressing the guard spot because they already have a few. That leaves the tackle position to address in this mess of a line. Adding a guy like Meachem and a rookie WR to the offense is going to be more of the same, imo. In all honesty, I think they will ignore the OL yet again, and it will kill Cutler.

If I had my way, I would kick Chris Williams back out to LT(he's the only one athletic enough for it), Carimi at RT, Louis at LG, Garza C, and sign a G(if they let Spencer go).

Post 10. This was my thought in January.

 

[RBM]

$100M in 2 DEs seems crazy to me. I'd rather they go after Wimbley a little cheaper but he'll probably be too pricey as well. If they're going to overspend on one guy it should be VJax. At least he can come in and help immediately, I dont think a rookie can do that. A rookie DE and offensive linemen can be coached up and effective right away.

Wimbley isnt available.

Did he get signed yesterday?

He was never released. Still possible but has not happened yet.

 

[flapgreen]

We're talking Peppers and Mario's cap hits will be in 30mil+ range, while the entire OL salary will be under 10. That's so bad that I don't know what to say about it. I also think Chris Spencer will be cut. 3.75 mill won't be paid. If we're going to get Mario, we have to go out and get a couple of good OL at a decent deal. Maybe Winston's price won't be ridiculous. I know Gaither's won't.

I think Winston is going to get too much. Top 5 RT

Winston also playing in a ZBS...we're not a ZBS team.Winston is a RT...Carimi/Webb are more RT than LT.It just doesn't make sense to me.

We need 2 more tackles. Where should we get them from?

Carimi is one of our starting tackles...the other is probably Webb because Tice likes him. A backup swing tackle could be signed...but I don't see us making a huge splash at RT...if we did LT makes more sense.

What position on OL do you think they should address? I just don't see them addressing the guard spot because they already have a few. That leaves the tackle position to address in this mess of a line. Adding a guy like Meachem and a rookie WR to the offense is going to be more of the same, imo. In all honesty, I think they will ignore the OL yet again, and it will kill Cutler.

I think you are counting Chris Williams as a guard, and that might be a mistake from what Ive seen.

I thought he played much better at LG last season than he has at any other position. He's already shown he can't handle LT long ago. I think they should keep him at the position he has played best at and quit moving him. Address the LT position from a long-term perspective this off-season.

 

[flapgreen]

I came into work early today just so I could leave early.

 

[KCitons]

I came into work early today just so I could leave early.

I'm glad you have your priorities straight.

 

[RBM]

I came into work early today just so I could leave early.

Ha awesome

 

[flapgreen]

I came into work early today just so I could leave early.

I'm glad you have your priorities straight.

 

[flapgreen]

Shefter said he wouldn't rule out the Bears making a run at Mario AND Vincent. Said Bears will be major players come four o'clock. shock:

 

[RBM]

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Zach Zaidman said he would be surprised if the Bears didn't sign a UFA today.

 

[flapgreen]

No idea what to believe at this point. Just have to wait it out.

 

[KCitons]

Listening to Sirius NFL this morning. (think it was Bob Papa) He thought that "if" the Bears had signed Forte to a long term contract (instead of Franchise Tag) that the Bears could have made a run at BOTH VJax and Super Mario.

Granted they may have been able to save a little on the Forte hit this year. But, I doubt the Bears would have been able to sign both players. I think the $ would be too high.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Got attacked by my Titans fan friend last night because the Bears are talking Williams, and the fact that they don't need him. After digging the whole story out of him, he's mad because he wants him to go to the Titans. If it happens, I will giggle.

 

[Statcruncher]

Shefter said he wouldn't rule out the Bears making a run at Mario AND Vincent.

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG

 

[KCitons]

Colsten resigns with Saints. So, rule that guy out.

 

[RBM]

Colston off the board. Re-signs

 

[flapgreen]

Got attacked by my Titans fan friend last night because the Bears are talking Williams, and the fact that they don't need him. After digging the whole story out of him, he's mad because he wants him to go to the Titans. If it happens, I will giggle.

Yeah, I have to deal with that too with all of the Titans fans around. My buddy is convinced Peyton will be a Titan. No way they get Mario now. He will be signed today, and Peyton isn't scheduled to be here until later in the week. Bud Adams is a moron.

 

[flapgreen]

Colston off the board. Re-signs

And up goes Jackson's value further. :(

 

[Steed]

Didn't want Colston and his bad knees on or crappy field anyway.

 

[RBM]

NFL network has started their coverage. Seem to think VJax will be a Buc.

 

[Statcruncher]

Colston off the board. Re-signs

Good, I'm not big on him and that has got to make Nicks' departure from NO a little more likely. Edited to add: 5 year deal for $40 million with $19 million guaranteed for Colston. Seems a little steep for someone who appears to be as one-dimensional as Colston.