Chicago Bears 2012 Offseason Thread (2 Viewers)

[flapgreen]

Idonije re-signed to one year deal. Levi Brown about to re-sign with Cardinals.

 

[RBM]

Israel re-signs

Always a fan. DE in either the first or second and Im happy.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Idonije re-signed to one year deal. Levi Brown about to re-sign with Cardinals.

I bet you're sad about Levi

 

[flapgreen]

Idonije re-signed to one year deal. Levi Brown about to re-sign with Cardinals.

I bet you're sad about Levi

Yeah, that guy sucks. PFT saying AZ may move him to RT.

 

[flapgreen]

Israel re-signs Always a fan. DE in either the first or second and Im happy.

Good move. One year deal. As long as they bring in Wimbley or early round guy, we should be ok. I'd prefer them to bring in a f/a.

 

[RBM]

Israel re-signs Always a fan. DE in either the first or second and Im happy.

Good move. One year deal. As long as they bring in Wimbley or early round guy, we should be ok. I'd prefer them to bring in a f/a.

Wimbley any good really? Has he even played the traditional DE position in the league?

 

[RBM]

Just texted my buddy, diehard Raider fan. Said he was awful in pass coverage but great off the edge. Very explosive and took over parts of a game at times.

 

[flapgreen]

Good thing Wimbley wouldn't be in pass coverage here. I read the Bears were interested in him before he re-signed with the Raiders a couple years ago. Not sure what type of money he is asking for, but he should be released tomorrow. Big bonus due Saturday.

 

[The Tick]

Israel re-signs Always a fan. DE in either the first or second and Im happy.

Good move. One year deal. As long as they bring in Wimbley or early round guy, we should be ok. I'd prefer them to bring in a f/a.

I think I'd prefer a Rd 1 guy there. We really NEED to get young on defense. I'd prefer to get another FA corner and round 1 DE. Personally I'd love to have Mercilus and I think he will be available at our pick.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Israel re-signs Always a fan. DE in either the first or second and Im happy.

Good move. One year deal. As long as they bring in Wimbley or early round guy, we should be ok. I'd prefer them to bring in a f/a.

I think I'd prefer a Rd 1 guy there. We really NEED to get young on defense. I'd prefer to get another FA corner and round 1 DE. Personally I'd love to have Mercilus and I think he will be available at our pick.

I don't think signing Izzy would prevent the Bears from signing a UFA CB or drafting a DE in the 1st round. It gives them flexibility. Love what Emery is doing so far.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I'm absolutely floored by this press conference with Brandon Marshall.

-Doesn't seem like a "punk" "thug" "me first" at all

-Very sincere

-Seems mature

-Wants to make a difference in the world regarding his mental disorder and abuse towards women

-Doesn't have any fear about the incident from this past weekend

I'm simply amazed and if you don't believe me. Please listen to the press conference.

ETA: He pulled out tons of facts about society that are concerning and how he wants to help. Even touches on marriages.

 

[flapgreen]

Wimbley being released. Get it done!!! We have roughly 8 mil in cap space left.

 

[flapgreen]

Israel re-signs Always a fan. DE in either the first or second and Im happy.

Good move. One year deal. As long as they bring in Wimbley or early round guy, we should be ok. I'd prefer them to bring in a f/a.

I think I'd prefer a Rd 1 guy there. We really NEED to get young on defense. I'd prefer to get another FA corner and round 1 DE. Personally I'd love to have Mercilus and I think he will be available at our pick.

What about offense? We have only added one player on offense and then none in first round. We need to protect Cutler and get him some weapons before he gets permanently injured. If that happens, all of the defense in the world won't help us. I hope Emery overrules Lovie in this area and addresses the offense further. If Martin or DeCastro falls to us, we have to take them. Get Wimbley. Draft offense first 2 rounds.

 

[whitem0nkey]

some quotes from today's

tweets from brad biggs, zack zaidman, dave haugh, bears insider

Marshall: "It's a very special moment for me. Couldn't ask for a better situation. It's a dream. My family is very excited."

"It’s a dream. I’m very excited."

"We look forward to being an asset to this organization and most importantly the community."

He thanks former Dolphins coach Tony Sparano and his wife. "They were awesome. They brought us in like children."

Being a Chicago Bear, this journey, is going to be amazing and fun back with Jay Cutler. That bond there, wow.

Brandon Marshall says he communicates with Jay Cutler without even talking. (They can talk and not talk for hours.)

"Hopefully, this is where I end my career."

says his No. 1 goal is to be mentioned for the Walter Payton Award.

His mission is to use family's foundation to educate people and "break the stigma'' about mental illness. Marshall longest answer today is about being a spokesperson for mental illness.

"My wife works closely with women in distress. We are very passionate about it. We need to bring attention there."

"I want to be one of the faces, one of the pioneers, for breaking the stigma on mental illness."

Brandon Marshall says plenty of information can be found on disorder at his Web site http://projectborderline.com

on whether he fears a suspension after weekend incident: "Absolutely not. No fear at all."

Marshall says as of right now NY police do not want to talk to him in regards to incident.

Marshall on what a lot of people are talking about: "That was the old me."

"This team is ready to win. I'm just walking into a great situation. This team is ready to win. I just have to play my role."

" I was a ticking time bomb."

on social life: "We're going to continue to enjoy our lives. ... But we can be smarter about it.

"I definitely have to prove that I'm willing to be an asset to this team."

Brandon Marshall on what Jay Cutler told him while they were out last night: "I'll play this game for nothing. I just want to win."

"Getting the band back together."

on Jay Cutler: "Jay, Wow. The special thing about Jay is his wit, and just his fire and passion."

"Sometimes perception is reality....Those are the seeds I planted early in my career."

"Football is easy. I can catch a football in my sleep. My mission starts in the community here."

Marshall acknowledges he's a risk for Emery, Lovie & Bears

That's what made me good, it was the anger and pain inside of me.

now Cutler speaks

Cutler says he's been asking for Marshall since day one

Jay Cutler: "I think we can all agree he's impressive. I think he probably has his stuff together more than 90 pct of this room."

Cutler on Marshall: "He seems to be in a good place in his life."

"He changes games." "Night and day. He changes games. He changes defenses."

Cutler on Tice: "He gets what we're good at, what we're bad at."

Jay Cutler says Kellen Davis can be an elite tight end if "stars align." Says they need to design a package for the tight end.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

(They can talk and not talk for hours.)

Nice reference.

 

[RBM]

Two things.

First, heard the press conference and Marshall came off great. He settled alot of my fears for now. And Cutler sounded as excited as he can muster.

Second, after talking Wimbley with a Raider fan friend last night, I want this to happen big time.

 

[DoubleG]

Two things.First, heard the press conference and Marshall came off great. He settled alot of my fears for now. And Cutler sounded as excited as he can muster.Second, after talking Wimbley with a Raider fan friend last night, I want this to happen big time.

If it does, I may have to buy Phil a nice fruit basket or some flowers or something.

 

[The Tick]

Israel re-signs Always a fan. DE in either the first or second and Im happy.

Good move. One year deal. As long as they bring in Wimbley or early round guy, we should be ok. I'd prefer them to bring in a f/a.

I think I'd prefer a Rd 1 guy there. We really NEED to get young on defense. I'd prefer to get another FA corner and round 1 DE. Personally I'd love to have Mercilus and I think he will be available at our pick.

What about offense? We have only added one player on offense and then none in first round. We need to protect Cutler and get him some weapons before he gets permanently injured. If that happens, all of the defense in the world won't help us. I hope Emery overrules Lovie in this area and addresses the offense further. If Martin or DeCastro falls to us, we have to take them. Get Wimbley. Draft offense first 2 rounds.

If we don't do anything in FA, I would consider one of the top 3 OT's, DeCastro, or Floyd above a DE. I don't think any of those will actually be there at that point, and i don't think there are any other offensive players that will be worth the pick.

 

[RBM]

Two yr deal for Craig Steltz.

 

[flapgreen]

Jensen saying he's being told Bears aren't interested in Wimbley. Don't like Jensen anyway.

 

[flapgreen]

All the Bears writers are saying they don't expect any major changes to the O-line. Webb? If that's the case, I hope it gets Lovie and Tice put out on the street and beaten with a pistol. I can't believe any coach un professional sports would ignore something that obvious. For crying out loud, the rest of the league has mocked us about it. Sad sad way to handle things.

 

[RBM]

All the Bears writers are saying they don't expect any major changes to the O-line. Webb? If that's the case, I hope it gets Lovie and Tice put out on the street and beaten with a pistol. I can't believe any coach un professional sports would ignore something that obvious. For crying out loud, the rest of the league has mocked us about it. Sad sad way to handle things.

Absolute horse#### if that guy is starting in that position come week one. I will have a hard time believing we are serious about winning a title if that happens.

 

[MAC_32]

All the Bears writers are saying they don't expect any major changes to the O-line. Webb? If that's the case, I hope it gets Lovie and Tice put out on the street and beaten with a pistol. I can't believe any coach un professional sports would ignore something that obvious. For crying out loud, the rest of the league has mocked us about it. Sad sad way to handle things.

Absolute horse#### if that guy is starting in that position come week one. I will have a hard time believing we are serious about winning a title if that happens.

Maybe the Bears just aren't good at evaluating and developing OL talent.

 

[flapgreen]

There's roughly 6 offensive players that are projected to go in the top 20 at this point

1-Khalil. Gone

2-Blackmon. Gone

The rest are projected to go before 19 but things could always change.

3-Riley Reiff OT. Likely gone early teens and is now being slated to be a RT due to combine numbers, so we probably wouldn't take him anyway.

4-David DeCastro. Also likely to be gone early teens. Doubt he falls, but if a miracle happens, he's the obvious pick. Highest touted guard in years.

5-Michael Floyd. Seems next to impossible that he falls after his great combine, but stranger things have happened. Floyd and Marshall together would be sweet.

6-Johnathan Martin. Also probably gone by 19, but I'd be all over this guy before anyone else. #2 LT in draft. Push Webb to the bench and to the street.

7-Stephen Hill. May go top 20 but likely just outside. Had a great combine and pro day. Lovie seems to like the guy a lot. May be a possibility.

Due to the organization's lie of "building through the draft", I'm not sure they would even take one of these guys if they fell to 19. But if Emery actually gets it and starts building offense through the draft, things could turn around quickly. JA and Lovie have basically ignored the offensive side of the ball during the draft, at least for the last few years. That's why the cupboard is bare now. Even though they are aging, the defense is still good. Time to address the offense quickly and take advantage of our still very good defense and franchise QB. Get it done, Emery!

 

[flapgreen]

All the Bears writers are saying they don't expect any major changes to the O-line. Webb? If that's the case, I hope it gets Lovie and Tice put out on the street and beaten with a pistol. I can't believe any coach un professional sports would ignore something that obvious. For crying out loud, the rest of the league has mocked us about it. Sad sad way to handle things.

Absolute horse#### if that guy is starting in that position come week one. I will have a hard time believing we are serious about winning a title if that happens.

Maybe the Bears just aren't good at evaluating and developing OL talent.

That goes without saying...

 

[flapgreen]

I'm not sure if the coaching staff actually believes Kellen Davis can be good, or they just think that position is not as great of a need as some of the other glaring holes.

 

[flapgreen]

I really hope they figure out a way to get Wimbley. As of now, the cap space left will be around 8 mil if you factor in rookie salaries. They would need to restructure some contracts, likely Peppers or Cutler, to make room. That's not including if we try and re-sign Okoye. I'm skeptical on how serious they ever were about Mario. I don't think they really were.

 

[RBM]

I really hope they figure out a way to get Wimbley. As of now, the cap space left will be around 8 mil if you factor in rookie salaries. They would need to restructure some contracts, likely Peppers or Cutler, to make room. That's not including if we try and re-sign Okoye. I'm skeptical on how serious they ever were about Mario. I don't think they really were.

We were never in on Mario. By all accounts he was practically batting his eyelashes at us. People that know him have said he was very intrigued by playing with Peppers and for Lovie. If we got involved I bet he would have come. The price was too nuts though.

 

[flapgreen]

I really hope they figure out a way to get Wimbley. As of now, the cap space left will be around 8 mil if you factor in rookie salaries. They would need to restructure some contracts, likely Peppers or Cutler, to make room. That's not including if we try and re-sign Okoye. I'm skeptical on how serious they ever were about Mario. I don't think they really were.

We were never in on Mario. By all accounts he was practically batting his eyelashes at us. People that know him have said he was very intrigued by playing with Peppers and for Lovie. If we got involved I bet he would have come. The price was too nuts though.

If Wimbley isn't an option, I'd be happy if they just brought in some depth at OT. Guard is much less of a need than tackle at this point, but there isn't much to chose from at OT in free agency, except McNeil or maybe Bell. They would be great to add depth if nothing else. With only two true tackles on the roster, one of which sucks and the other coming off a serious injury, any fool could see we need to add a couple. They could be just letting the market die down a little, too. If that's the case, I'm all good with it.

 

[flapgreen]

Btw, Detroit is bringing in Winston for a visit.

 

[geoff8695]

Btw, Detroit is bringing in Winston for a visit.

Damn!That's the guy WE should be pursuing at this point!

 

[flapgreen]

We like our players . :lovie:

 

[mlball77]

We like our players . :lovie:

That's such a frustrating stance he takes. I don't care if he likes his players, I care if they are good enough to win a Superbowl. If he can't say the o-line or the WRs are groups good enough to win the SB, then they aren't good enough to be content with.

 

[flapgreen]

Winston signed by KC.

 

[RBM]

I really hope they figure out a way to get Wimbley. As of now, the cap space left will be around 8 mil if you factor in rookie salaries. They would need to restructure some contracts, likely Peppers or Cutler, to make room. That's not including if we try and re-sign Okoye. I'm skeptical on how serious they ever were about Mario. I don't think they really were.

We were never in on Mario. By all accounts he was practically batting his eyelashes at us. People that know him have said he was very intrigued by playing with Peppers and for Lovie. If we got involved I bet he would have come. The price was too nuts though.

If Wimbley isn't an option, I'd be happy if they just brought in some depth at OT. Guard is much less of a need than tackle at this point, but there isn't much to chose from at OT in free agency, except McNeil or maybe Bell. They would be great to add depth if nothing else. With only two true tackles on the roster, one of which sucks and the other coming off a serious injury, any fool could see we need to add a couple. They could be just letting the market die down a little, too. If that's the case, I'm all good with it.

I am thinking that with the lack of attention on the many tackles available, Chris Williams is going to be working at LT initially.

 

[flapgreen]

I hope they don't something again that didn't work the first time. Why move CW back out to LT? He played respectable at LG. Horrible move if they decide to move him back. I hope this foolish coaching staff will face the facts for once. Bring on Johnathan Martin!

 

[RBM]

I hope they don't something again that didn't work the first time. Why move CW back out to LT? He played respectable at LG. Horrible move if they decide to move him back. I hope this foolish coaching staff will face the facts for once. Bring on Johnathan Martin!

Who knows what they see and think. Maybe they are hoping with some experience and maturity and Tice coaching there will be new results. Im all for trying it.....12th pick in the draft for cryin out loud.

 

[flapgreen]

Anyone heard how CW and Carimi's rehab is going? Last I heard, it was questionable if Carimi would be ready for minicamp. His injury was eerily similar to Colombo's knee injury, which didn't turn out so well. That makes 3 tackles we have taken in the first round that have been plagued by injuries.

 

[flapgreen]

Btw, Winston signed for about 5mil/yr. Pretty damn good for a great OT. Of course we wouldn't know much about that.

 

[RBM]

Btw, Winston signed for about 5mil/yr. Pretty damn good for a great OT. Of course we wouldn't know much about that.

Hey....no great offensive linemen are welcome in Chicago.....and you better not forget it!

 

[flapgreen]

Btw, Winston signed for about 5mil/yr. Pretty damn good for a great OT. Of course we wouldn't know much about that.

Hey....no great offensive linemen are welcome in Chicago.....and you better not forget it!

They like their players!

 

[flapgreen]

Cut Barber. Sign Bush. The price won't be hugely different and a Bush/Forte combo would be sweet.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Cut Barber. Sign Bush. The price won't be hugely different and a Bush/Forte combo would be sweet.

Sign Bush (by cracky) and sell Forte to the highest bidder.

 

[flapgreen]

Wimbley close to signing a 5 year deal with the Titans. Another one bites the dust!

It's a foregone conclusion that we're drafting a DE in the first :(

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Wimbley close to signing a 5 year deal with the Titans. Another one bites the dust! It's a foregone conclusion that we're drafting a DE in the first :(

Yep, I really wanted another DE. Although I like Wootton.

 

[DoubleG]

Wimbley close to signing a 5 year deal with the Titans. Another one bites the dust! It's a foregone conclusion that we're drafting a DE in the first :(

...and therin lies the problem with not picking up a decent DE in FA - that is, you really have to draft to cover need rather than best available talent. I was pleased when FA started - but after a few nice skill signings, the Bears really didn't do anything where all football teams need to be good - up front.Hopefully Phil & Co. actually have a plan here and are not just hoping that Bears fans are dumb enough to think that skill positions are the only ones on the field - at the expense of your O&D lines. If they draft anything other than a lineman at 19 (presuming they don't add anyone else.) I'm going to hit myself in the head with something heavy.

 

[MAC_32]

Wimbley close to signing a 5 year deal with the Titans. Another one bites the dust! It's a foregone conclusion that we're drafting a DE in the first :(

...and therin lies the problem with not picking up a decent DE in FA - that is, you really have to draft to cover need rather than best available talent. I was pleased when FA started - but after a few nice skill signings, the Bears really didn't do anything where all football teams need to be good - up front.Hopefully Phil & Co. actually have a plan here and are not just hoping that Bears fans are dumb enough to think that skill positions are the only ones on the field - at the expense of your O&D lines. If they draft anything other than a lineman at 19 (presuming they don't add anyone else.) I'm going to hit myself in the head with something heavy.

Mercilus?

 

[flapgreen]

Someone explaining this reasoning to me. They offered Mincey 4yrs/26 mil but not 5yrs/35 mil to Wimbley? Mincey doesn't come close to Wimbley in skills.

 

[DoubleG]

Wimbley close to signing a 5 year deal with the Titans. Another one bites the dust! It's a foregone conclusion that we're drafting a DE in the first :(

...and therin lies the problem with not picking up a decent DE in FA - that is, you really have to draft to cover need rather than best available talent. I was pleased when FA started - but after a few nice skill signings, the Bears really didn't do anything where all football teams need to be good - up front.Hopefully Phil & Co. actually have a plan here and are not just hoping that Bears fans are dumb enough to think that skill positions are the only ones on the field - at the expense of your O&D lines. If they draft anything other than a lineman at 19 (presuming they don't add anyone else.) I'm going to hit myself in the head with something heavy.

Mercilus?

While he might be a good player, I don't know that he is big enough to play DE in the NFL. I realize his measurables are similiar to Wimbley, but am not sure he wouldn't be just another Mark Anderson (that is, a decent 3rd down pass rusher, but not really a true DE).Honestly, my first thought when they landed Weems was that they were going to try to move Hester for a DE (Freeney or possibly one of the Giants) - but all seems quiet there. It just doesn't make sense to have two pro-bowl return guys and still have a strong need at DE and some question marks (at best) on the o-line. While some people are saying they need DB help, if you have a very good - great D-line, and the LB group they have, you can get away with average talent in the secondary (see the afore mentioned Giants - who were without most of their starting defensive backfield for long stretches in 2011.

 

[Statcruncher]

Honestly, my first thought when they landed Weems was that they were going to try to move Hester for a DE (Freeney or possibly one of the Giants) - but all seems quiet there. It just doesn't make sense to have two pro-bowl return guys and still have a strong need at DE and some question marks (at best) on the o-line.

My guess is that Lovie plans on turning Weems into a WR.