Chicago Bears 2012 Offseason Thread (3 Viewers)

[DoubleG]

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.

NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[The Tick]

Bears sign Michael Bush to a 4 year 14 mil contract.

That's a hell of a second running back. Wonder what effect this has on the Forte deal. I was honestly hoping we would get him a year or two ago when he was available.

 

[RBM]

Interesting signing. Not a huge need position but adding good players is never a bad thing.

 

[flapgreen]

Oh helllllll yeah! Cutler, Marshall, Forte, Bush. That's one hell of a group. Now a LT un the first and we're onto something. Cutting Barber will save 2 mil. Essentially, we're paying 1 mil more a year for Bush.

 

[Statcruncher]

Cutting Barber will save 2 mil. Essentially, we're paying 1 mil more a year for Bush.

 

[whitem0nkey]

Interesting signing. Not a huge need position but adding good players is never a bad thing.

it protects you from a Forte lock out, and drops his bargaining position. and if forte signs now they probably have the 3rd or 4th best RB tandem.

 

[RBM]

Forte is pissed

 

[duaneok66]

Forte is pissed

he will live.

 

[flapgreen]

Yes, he will, just like Alex Smith did. Forte will get his contract, but they better pay the man.

 

[whitem0nkey]

Forte has lots of miles on him, I have no problem tagging him again next year and go separate ways. its foolish to spend so much money at the RB position its one of the most interchangeable positions. when was the last time a team won a superbowl with a top 5 back? its not 1970 any more, you win the superbowl with a 5,000 passer and plug in a RB.

teams that pay the RB that much do it because its all they have and they don't win superbowls.

I'm glad the bears get that.

 

[Statcruncher]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

 

[Limp Ditka]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

The ones they draft pretty much won't have a choice, and the FAs will come because they get their money up front.How they handle Forte is 100% a non-issue and nothing more than ridiculous fan/media fodder.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Forte has lots of miles on him, I have no problem tagging him again next year and go separate ways. its foolish to spend so much money at the RB position its one of the most interchangeable positions. when was the last time a team won a superbowl with a top 5 back? its not 1970 any more, you win the superbowl with a 5,000 passer and plug in a RB.teams that pay the RB that much do it because its all they have and they don't win superbowls.I'm glad the bears get that.

An exchange I had in another thread after day one of the draft last year. Slot Addai in there as the one RB who was a 1st round pick and the teams leading rusher the year that team won the Super Bowl. Also add this year's SB winners, the NY Giants and Ahmad Bradshaw, a 7th round pick, to the list

Saints need to go in the losing column all the way.

Lol how so?

Because you don't give up commodities, such as draft picks, to draft RBs.Last 10 SB winners and their leading rusherGB - Brandon Jackson - 2nd rd (63)NO - Pierre Thomas - Undrafted (One could argue for Reggie Bush here, but he wasn't the leading rusher and he certainly isn't your prototypical RB since he only averaged 5 rushes per game that year)PITT - Willie Parker - UndraftedNYG - Brandon Jacobs - 4th rd (110)PITT - Willie Parker - UndraftedNE - Corey Dillon - Drafted in 2nd by Cin (43)NE - Antowain Smith - Drafted in 1st by Buff (23)TB - Michael Pitman - Drafted in the 4th by Ariz (135)NE - Antowain Smith - same infoBALT - Jamal Lewis - 1st rd (3) You have to go back a decade for someone to have their own 1st rd pick at RB get them a Super Bowl victoryRB is arguably the easiest skill position in football to get value out of from lower round draft picks. To pay what NO did? It is foolish. For them to pay what they did for a talent that regressed during his Junior year? To me that's asinine. Big L for NOLA, IMO

You don't have to go back a decade, just go back to 2006/2007 when Indy won with Addai being a first rounder. I'm sure it was convenient that you left them out. Make the stats work in your favor though champ....

It was an honest mistake. I was posting that at 1:30 in the morning and tired. Being a Bears fan, maybe I just have a mental block about that game:(

 

[whitem0nkey]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

well those are the rule that Forte's player Union negotiated. if he wants to be mad that he gets the tag he should be mad at his union for that, not the bears. and the bears did offer him frank gore money, he felt he was worth more.

 

[RBM]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

ExactlyI dont like signing this guy before Matt was taken care of. Classless

 

[Statcruncher]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

The ones they draft pretty much won't have a choice, and the FAs will come because they get their money up front.How they handle Forte is 100% a non-issue and nothing more than ridiculous fan/media fodder.

Drafting/developing talent that flees as soon as it is free agent eligible and overpaying for other people's free agents is not a way to build a team. If you truly think an employer being frugal/cheap/tight/fiscally smart with an overachieving player has no effect on prospective employees I can't help you.

 

[RBM]

Coby Fleener just ran a 4.45 40 at his pro day. If there was anyway this guy lasted til our 2nd rounder we should jump all over him.

 

[whitem0nkey]

Forte has lots of miles on him, I have no problem tagging him again next year and go separate ways. its foolish to spend so much money at the RB position its one of the most interchangeable positions. when was the last time a team won a superbowl with a top 5 back? its not 1970 any more, you win the superbowl with a 5,000 passer and plug in a RB.teams that pay the RB that much do it because its all they have and they don't win superbowls.I'm glad the bears get that.

An exchange I had in another thread after day one of the draft last year. Slot Addai in there as the one RB who was a 1st round pick and the teams leading rusher the year that team won the Super Bowl. Also add this year's SB winners, the NY Giants and Ahmad Bradshaw, a 7th round pick, to the list

Saints need to go in the losing column all the way.

Lol how so?

Because you don't give up commodities, such as draft picks, to draft RBs.Last 10 SB winners and their leading rusherGB - Brandon Jackson - 2nd rd (63)NO - Pierre Thomas - Undrafted (One could argue for Reggie Bush here, but he wasn't the leading rusher and he certainly isn't your prototypical RB since he only averaged 5 rushes per game that year)PITT - Willie Parker - UndraftedNYG - Brandon Jacobs - 4th rd (110)PITT - Willie Parker - UndraftedNE - Corey Dillon - Drafted in 2nd by Cin (43)NE - Antowain Smith - Drafted in 1st by Buff (23)TB - Michael Pitman - Drafted in the 4th by Ariz (135)NE - Antowain Smith - same infoBALT - Jamal Lewis - 1st rd (3) You have to go back a decade for someone to have their own 1st rd pick at RB get them a Super Bowl victoryRB is arguably the easiest skill position in football to get value out of from lower round draft picks. To pay what NO did? It is foolish. For them to pay what they did for a talent that regressed during his Junior year? To me that's asinine. Big L for NOLA, IMO

You don't have to go back a decade, just go back to 2006/2007 when Indy won with Addai being a first rounder. I'm sure it was convenient that you left them out. Make the stats work in your favor though champ....

It was an honest mistake. I was posting that at 1:30 in the morning and tired. Being a Bears fan, maybe I just have a mental block about that game:(

about that guy making the Colts commentthey had a stud RB Edgerrin James, and decided to say good bye will take a rookie in the draft instead of investing lots of money to you.

 

[ArcticEdge]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

ExactlyI dont like signing this guy before Matt was taken care of. Classless

I agree with that. Still good signing, great change of pace to Forte. Bears getting stronger and stronger! I dont like it!

 

[Limp Ditka]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

The ones they draft pretty much won't have a choice, and the FAs will come because they get their money up front.How they handle Forte is 100% a non-issue and nothing more than ridiculous fan/media fodder.

Drafting/developing talent that flees as soon as it is free agent eligible and overpaying for other people's free agents is not a way to build a team. If you truly think an employer being frugal/cheap/tight/fiscally smart with an overachieving player has no effect on prospective employees I can't help you.

You live in a dream world if you think these guys aren't going to go to the highest bidder at least 90% of the time. There is no 'brotherhood' here and no player is going to care how the Bears treated Matt Forte when they are put in the position to have the Bears pay them a NFL salary that meets or exceeds their market value. They are mercenaries. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[Statcruncher]

So now you've gone from saying 100% non issue to admitting a small effect. Baby steps are better than nothing.

 

[RBM]

Interesting to see teammates and former teammates like Anthony Adams, Greg Olsen, and Matt Toeina take to twitter expressing their frustration over the disrespect to Forte.

 

[The Tick]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

ExactlyI dont like signing this guy before Matt was taken care of. Classless

Completely disagree here. Just because they aren't able to work out a contract with one player means they have to put a stop on signing any players at that position until it's resolved?? That's complete BS.We have no idea whose fault this thing is, I know the numbers released that the Bears offered Forte were not a fair contract, the 13-14 mil is not a good offer. However, you have NO IDEA what Forte is asking for. If he is sitting there saying 20mil or nothing, you really think the Bears shouldn't be doing exactly what they are and shoring up the position with a good backup that will serve the team well if Forte signs and plays, or if he decides to hold out.I still hope a contract gets worked out soon with Forte, I believe our team is better with him on it, and I would like to keep him for a while. I will be very excited if they can work out something in the 16-17 mil guaranteed range. That's not much more than 2 years of franchise tag money, and locks up a good back for 4-5 years.

 

[Limp Ditka]

So now you've gone from saying 100% non issue to admitting a small effect. Baby steps are better than nothing.

Read it again. I said nothing of the sort.The 90% comment is because we know that every single player does not go to the highest bidder. Say the Dolphins offered Manning more money than the Broncos did. Do you think Peyton Manning told the Dolphins no based on how they treated a player by using the franchise tag on him?He might have opted to pass on the Dolphins because he thought Denver was a better place for his family, the team had a better front office / coaching staff, better pieces for him to work with.Those are the 10% times where players don't go to the highest bidder, not because of how the team handled using the franchise player in the past.

 

[medium aristotle]

What have the Bears offered Forte? If the reported 16-17 guaranteed is true then that sounds like a fair deal. If Forte were an UFA what would the open market value him at?

 

[The Tick]

What have the Bears offered Forte? If the reported 16-17 guaranteed is true then that sounds like a fair deal. If Forte were an UFA what would the open market value him at?

I have never seen a number that high reported. The highest I have seen was 13-14 mil guaranteed.

 

[Limp Ditka]

@MattForte22

There's only so many times a man that has done everything he's been asked to do can be disrespected! Guess the GOOD GUYS do finish last....

Time to pick up the phone and start calling places like Arizona, Cincy and Cleveland.

 

[Power Monster]

This is what happens in today's NFL when an organization attempts to build a championship team. I see both sides here but with the NFL seemingly turning into a passing league the RB is a position that appears to carry a dispensible tag. I disagree as a dual RB attack is a solid strategy especially with a lame OL that seems to have some decent success run blocking and a game changing WR. I appluade the Bears for building depth at one of their skill positions but they probably should have greased Forte more money. On the other hand, this Twitter whining from Forte is just silly. Suck it up and let your agent negotiate more money. You are making 7.5 million and have a decent shot of going deep into the playoffs. You proved that you are a top 5 NFL RB but at the end of the day the Bears are still a conservative bunch.

 

[flapgreen]

Hypothetically, let's say Martin, kirkpatrick, coples, keuchly, Floyd, Reiff and Reiff, who would you take. From all of the recent mock drafts, as meaningless as they are, they at least indicate a couple of these guys will be available. And due to my disdane of our OL over the course of my life-time, and hatred "Jmarcus is a good player" nonesene, I think it's but a defite that you take Reiff or Martin at this spot. 2nd and 3rd tackle in draft. Coples, kirkpatrick, Floyd, keuchly close behind. This is a hypothetical, but I think a couple of those players will fall. Gonna be an interesting time, but taking the 2nd and 3rd best players at their position for a need seems like and automatic. What do you guys think?

 

[RBM]

First choice would be Coples. Second Martin.

 

[Statcruncher]

Graham to be a Raven.

 

[The Tick]

First choice would be Coples. Second Martin.

Completely agree. I know our OL needs help, but i think changes in the system can help the line, where our D line won't have any of those, and just needs better personnel to get more pass rush. We absolutely need it.

 

[whitem0nkey]

Marion Barber retires from the NFL at the age of 28

 

[DoubleG]

Marion Barber retires from the NFL at the age of 28

He should have retired last year...about 2 seconds before stepping out of bounds in the Denver game.

 

[whitem0nkey]

Marion Barber retires from the NFL at the age of 28

He should have retired last year...about 2 seconds before stepping out of bounds in the Denver game.

Surprised he didn't fumble the papers during the filing process.

 

[mlball77]

So after the Marshall acquisition, is there still a real shot CHI goes WR in rd 1 (K Wright or S Hill maybe)? Would such a pick make sense, in your view?

If the Bears don't go WR in rd 1, who are the other realistic options they could look at?

I'd be interested to hear what you guys think.

 

[3nOut]

So after the Marshall acquisition, is there still a real shot CHI goes WR in rd 1 (K Wright or S Hill maybe)? Would such a pick make sense, in your view?

If the Bears don't go WR in rd 1, who are the other realistic options they could look at?

I'd be interested to hear what you guys think.

I highly doubt they go WR unless all the top defensvie and offensive linemen are gone, which I doubt. At least a couple should be there to choose from. We need help on both OL and DL, but I think we should go DL personally if a good one is ther at #19. A good D helps an offense and although I think we need to improve and get younger at OL, we should see some improvement solely based on improved playcalling (Martz gone). We'll see.

 

[The Tick]

So after the Marshall acquisition, is there still a real shot CHI goes WR in rd 1 (K Wright or S Hill maybe)? Would such a pick make sense, in your view?

If the Bears don't go WR in rd 1, who are the other realistic options they could look at?

I'd be interested to hear what you guys think.

I highly doubt they go WR unless all the top defensvie and offensive linemen are gone, which I doubt. At least a couple should be there to choose from. We need help on both OL and DL, but I think we should go DL personally if a good one is ther at #19. A good D helps an offense and although I think we need to improve and get younger at OL, we should see some improvement solely based on improved playcalling (Martz gone). We'll see.

Youth isn't really much of an issue on the o-line, it's pretty much all skill problems there. I think Garza is the only guy on that line with more than 4 years in the league.Still, I agree that DL is the priority. We were able to score points and do things on offense last year, and I think scheme changes can only help that. Won't completely make up for talent lacking in certain positions, but help it. DL will have no scheme changes to help out, all they can do is add personnel, and I think they do in rd 1.

 

[DoubleG]

So after the Marshall acquisition, is there still a real shot CHI goes WR in rd 1 (K Wright or S Hill maybe)? Would such a pick make sense, in your view?

If the Bears don't go WR in rd 1, who are the other realistic options they could look at?

I'd be interested to hear what you guys think.

I highly doubt they go WR unless all the top defensvie and offensive linemen are gone, which I doubt. At least a couple should be there to choose from. We need help on both OL and DL, but I think we should go DL personally if a good one is ther at #19. A good D helps an offense and although I think we need to improve and get younger at OL, we should see some improvement solely based on improved playcalling (Martz gone). We'll see.

Yep - I am right here too. I would like to see them improve up front - but D-line moreseo than O-line, as a change in scheme alone will help the O-line (as will getting Carimi, their first round RT, back). IMHO, D-line (especially an edge rusher) can cover up a lot of other deficiencies - especially an average DB. Honestly, I'd love to see them go almost all defense in this years draft. They really could use a CB, their LBs are getting a little long in the tooth and they could use another safety. But honestly, linemen (on either side of the ball) would be good by me.

 

[Statcruncher]

IMO any improvement to the offense is an improvement for the defense. I'm a defense first guy but I think this year the offense needs it more than the defense. Marshall may well be suspended for 4 games to start the season and there's rumors that Knox may not be ready at the start of the season (if ever). The first 3 games of the season are the Falcons, Saints, and Packers, for those 3 games you're going to have to put points on the board no matter how great your defense is. How's that gonna work out if Hester, Bennett, and Sanzenbacher are your top 3 WR's? An 0-3 start to the season would be ugly.

My safe side tells me defense in the first round, the gambler in me says go for another offensive weapon. Cutler to Marshall sounds great, but we all know teams are going to double or triple Marshall and Chicago doesn't have another receiver that can reliably get open. Adding a dynamic WR across from Marshall would be a luxury that IMO would pay huge dividends. Imagine a Chicago offense that forces the defense to pick it's poison, and offense that can score on any single snap of the ball, that can comeback from a double digit deficit, that can get the defense better field position, some rest, and a lead to protect so they're playing downhill.

Yeah, I'm a dreamer.

 

[The Tick]

IMO any improvement to the offense is an improvement for the defense. I'm a defense first guy but I think this year the offense needs it more than the defense. Marshall may well be suspended for 4 games to start the season and there's rumors that Knox may not be ready at the start of the season (if ever). The first 3 games of the season are the Falcons, Saints, and Packers, for those 3 games you're going to have to put points on the board no matter how great your defense is. How's that gonna work out if Hester, Bennett, and Sanzenbacher are your top 3 WR's? An 0-3 start to the season would be ugly.My safe side tells me defense in the first round, the gambler in me says go for another offensive weapon. Cutler to Marshall sounds great, but we all know teams are going to double or triple Marshall and Chicago doesn't have another receiver that can reliably get open. Adding a dynamic WR across from Marshall would be a luxury that IMO would pay huge dividends. Imagine a Chicago offense that forces the defense to pick it's poison, and offense that can score on any single snap of the ball, that can comeback from a double digit deficit, that can get the defense better field position, some rest, and a lead to protect so they're playing downhill.Yeah, I'm a dreamer.

What wide receivers do you think are worth the 19 pick if they are there? I'm not really a huge fan of Kendall Wright, though admittedly it's largely due to the fact our team has had so many underperforming small WR's lately. Is it too early for Stephen Hill? That just seems like a gamble to me and he may not be the starting WR you need right away anyways. After Floyd, i just don't know if I see an offensive skill position worth the pick.

 

[djmich]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

ExactlyI dont like signing this guy before Matt was taken care of. Classless

Completely disagree here. Just because they aren't able to work out a contract with one player means they have to put a stop on signing any players at that position until it's resolved?? That's complete BS.We have no idea whose fault this thing is, I know the numbers released that the Bears offered Forte were not a fair contract, the 13-14 mil is not a good offer. However, you have NO IDEA what Forte is asking for. If he is sitting there saying 20mil or nothing, you really think the Bears shouldn't be doing exactly what they are and shoring up the position with a good backup that will serve the team well if Forte signs and plays, or if he decides to hold out.

I still hope a contract gets worked out soon with Forte, I believe our team is better with him on it, and I would like to keep him for a while. I will be very excited if they can work out something in the 16-17 mil guaranteed range. That's not much more than 2 years of franchise tag money, and locks up a good back for 4-5 years.

I've seen this thought processes referenced by media as well and I think it is flawed. Looked at differently...why would I pay more AND Guarantee money to a player if I can get them for less. So I can have them in year 3? Deal with year 3 in year three, RB's flame out, wear out, and as the market has shown are not expensive to acquire.

 

[KCitons]

IMO any improvement to the offense is an improvement for the defense. I'm a defense first guy but I think this year the offense needs it more than the defense. Marshall may well be suspended for 4 games to start the season and there's rumors that Knox may not be ready at the start of the season (if ever). The first 3 games of the season are the Falcons, Saints, and Packers, for those 3 games you're going to have to put points on the board no matter how great your defense is. How's that gonna work out if Hester, Bennett, and Sanzenbacher are your top 3 WR's? An 0-3 start to the season would be ugly.

My safe side tells me defense in the first round, the gambler in me says go for another offensive weapon. Cutler to Marshall sounds great, but we all know teams are going to double or triple Marshall and Chicago doesn't have another receiver that can reliably get open. Adding a dynamic WR across from Marshall would be a luxury that IMO would pay huge dividends. Imagine a Chicago offense that forces the defense to pick it's poison, and offense that can score on any single snap of the ball, that can comeback from a double digit deficit, that can get the defense better field position, some rest, and a lead to protect so they're playing downhill.

Yeah, I'm a dreamer.

I thought I was having a flashback. You're looking at the 2011 schedule. They won't release the 2012 schedule for another month

 

[RBM]

I think the pick at 19 will be a d lineman or a wr. I just dont see the urgency with this group to upgrade the o line. Have a feeling the coaches have a starting line in place in their minds already. And I think Chris Williams is going to get first crack at LT. Louis to LG.

 

[Statcruncher]

IMO any improvement to the offense is an improvement for the defense. I'm a defense first guy but I think this year the offense needs it more than the defense. Marshall may well be suspended for 4 games to start the season and there's rumors that Knox may not be ready at the start of the season (if ever). The first 3 games of the season are the Falcons, Saints, and Packers, for those 3 games you're going to have to put points on the board no matter how great your defense is. How's that gonna work out if Hester, Bennett, and Sanzenbacher are your top 3 WR's? An 0-3 start to the season would be ugly.

My safe side tells me defense in the first round, the gambler in me says go for another offensive weapon. Cutler to Marshall sounds great, but we all know teams are going to double or triple Marshall and Chicago doesn't have another receiver that can reliably get open. Adding a dynamic WR across from Marshall would be a luxury that IMO would pay huge dividends. Imagine a Chicago offense that forces the defense to pick it's poison, and offense that can score on any single snap of the ball, that can comeback from a double digit deficit, that can get the defense better field position, some rest, and a lead to protect so they're playing downhill.

Yeah, I'm a dreamer.

I thought I was having a flashback. You're looking at the 2011 schedule. They won't release the 2012 schedule for another month

Lol, I didn't even pay attention. I googled Chicago Bears 2012 schedule and rolled with the results without even thinking. Guess I need to learn to stop making hurried posts 10 minutes before the weekend.

 

[Statcruncher]

IMO any improvement to the offense is an improvement for the defense. I'm a defense first guy but I think this year the offense needs it more than the defense. Marshall may well be suspended for 4 games to start the season and there's rumors that Knox may not be ready at the start of the season (if ever). The first 3 games of the season are the Falcons, Saints, and Packers, for those 3 games you're going to have to put points on the board no matter how great your defense is. How's that gonna work out if Hester, Bennett, and Sanzenbacher are your top 3 WR's? An 0-3 start to the season would be ugly.My safe side tells me defense in the first round, the gambler in me says go for another offensive weapon. Cutler to Marshall sounds great, but we all know teams are going to double or triple Marshall and Chicago doesn't have another receiver that can reliably get open. Adding a dynamic WR across from Marshall would be a luxury that IMO would pay huge dividends. Imagine a Chicago offense that forces the defense to pick it's poison, and offense that can score on any single snap of the ball, that can comeback from a double digit deficit, that can get the defense better field position, some rest, and a lead to protect so they're playing downhill.Yeah, I'm a dreamer.

What wide receivers do you think are worth the 19 pick if they are there? I'm not really a huge fan of Kendall Wright, though admittedly it's largely due to the fact our team has had so many underperforming small WR's lately. Is it too early for Stephen Hill? That just seems like a gamble to me and he may not be the starting WR you need right away anyways. After Floyd, i just don't know if I see an offensive skill position worth the pick.

Actually I'm somewhat down on Floyd and big on Wright. Floyd's past troubles with the law concern me, the Bears already have their "hope they don't get suspended" project with Marshall. In my perfect scenario I see Blackmon and Floyd going early with Kendall Wright dropping to Chicago. He's doesn't have the size most people treasure in a WR, but he's got good hands, is a good blocker, runs decent routes, and is dangerous after the catch. I wouldn't feel comfortable with him as the #1 WR as I don't know how he's respond to primary coverage, but as a #2 across from Brandon Marshall I think he'd be a perfect fit. Then again, I'm just some dude sitting in an easy chair banging on a computer for fun, I could be dead wrong.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

IMO any improvement to the offense is an improvement for the defense. I'm a defense first guy but I think this year the offense needs it more than the defense. Marshall may well be suspended for 4 games to start the season and there's rumors that Knox may not be ready at the start of the season (if ever). The first 3 games of the season are the Falcons, Saints, and Packers, for those 3 games you're going to have to put points on the board no matter how great your defense is. How's that gonna work out if Hester, Bennett, and Sanzenbacher are your top 3 WR's? An 0-3 start to the season would be ugly.My safe side tells me defense in the first round, the gambler in me says go for another offensive weapon. Cutler to Marshall sounds great, but we all know teams are going to double or triple Marshall and Chicago doesn't have another receiver that can reliably get open. Adding a dynamic WR across from Marshall would be a luxury that IMO would pay huge dividends. Imagine a Chicago offense that forces the defense to pick it's poison, and offense that can score on any single snap of the ball, that can comeback from a double digit deficit, that can get the defense better field position, some rest, and a lead to protect so they're playing downhill.Yeah, I'm a dreamer.

What wide receivers do you think are worth the 19 pick if they are there? I'm not really a huge fan of Kendall Wright, though admittedly it's largely due to the fact our team has had so many underperforming small WR's lately. Is it too early for Stephen Hill? That just seems like a gamble to me and he may not be the starting WR you need right away anyways. After Floyd, i just don't know if I see an offensive skill position worth the pick.

Actually I'm somewhat down on Floyd and big on Wright. Floyd's past troubles with the law concern me, the Bears already have their "hope they don't get suspended" project with Marshall. In my perfect scenario I see Blackmon and Floyd going early with Kendall Wright dropping to Chicago. He's doesn't have the size most people treasure in a WR, but he's got good hands, is a good blocker, runs decent routes, and is dangerous after the catch. I wouldn't feel comfortable with him as the #1 WR as I don't know how he's respond to primary coverage, but as a #2 across from Brandon Marshall I think he'd be a perfect fit. Then again, I'm just some dude sitting in an easy chair banging on a computer for fun, I could be dead wrong.

Floyd is easily the #2 WR in this class. Think about the CB's in the division. Take all the #1's and match them up against Marshall-Tramon Williams/Antoine Winfield/Chris Houston. Marshall has an edge. Now look at the #2's- Sam Shields/Chris Cook/Alphonso Smith. Cook is tall but the others are short....I'd rather have Floyd creating a size mismatch than Wright trying to out run those CBs.

 

[Statcruncher]

Jonny Knox on PUP.

Bears' Knox will open season on PUP list

Strong chance receiver, recovering from spinal fusion surgery, won't play in 2012

[*]

March 26, 2012|By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporterBears wide receiver/kick returner Johnny Knox, who continues to slowly recover from December spinal fusion surgery, is scheduled to start the regular season on the physically-unable-to-perform list, according to multiple sources familiar with Knox's progress.

It has long been speculated Knox wouldn't be ready for the start of the season considering the severity of his injury. He was forced to wear a back brace after the surgery and continues to walk with a limp now. But there was more structural damage than initially anticipated, according to one source.

Knox could not be reached for comment.

There is a strong chance Knox won't play in 2012, but placing him on the PUP list would leave open a return to the field if Knox's recovery is accelerated. He would have to sit out the first six weeks of the regular season once designated to the PUP list.

For now, training camp looks like more time for Knox to continue to put in the hard work to recover from an injury he initially feared would paralyze him.

Knox took to Twitter in February to update his status to fans. He said he needed to wear the back brace until mid-March.

When one fan asked specifically about returning for the season, Knox tweeted, "I'm focusing on getting 100% first."

Srdjan Mirkovic, the Bears' spine consultant and certified orthopedic surgeon on staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, performed the one-level vertebral fusion on Knox. The initial outlook for Knox was three to four months of recovery just to walk normally again, but the discovery of the structural damage affected the timetable. Knox will not need a follow-up procedure at this time.

Alex Ghanayem, a spine surgeon at Loyola University Medical Center, told the Tribune immediately after Knox's injury that a six-month window would be the optimistic minimum before a player could return to football-related contact after sustaining such an injury.

Knox finished last season with an average of 19.6 yards per catch, second-best in the NFL. He caught 37 passes for 727 yards with two touchdowns despite not being a favorite in then-offensive coordinator Mike Martz's offense. Knox also returned 15 kickoffs for 397 yards with an average of 26.5 yards per return.

The Bears are well-prepared to move on without Knox in the passing game after the addition of three-time Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall as a vertical threat. New offensive coordinator Mike Tice plans to utilize Devin Hester more on offense as well, and quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates also has raved about Hester's potential in the revamped offense.

Eric Weems was signed to help handle the kick-return duties in place of Knox. Hester isn't expected to play a significant role on kickoff returns but will remain as the primary punt returner.

Knox, a former fifth-round pick, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has a base salary of $1.26 million in 2012. The one-time Pro Bowl pick was offered a four-year contract worth $4 million per season prior to the injury but did not accept the offer.

According to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, any player placed on a PUP list will be paid his full salary while on the list.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter@vxmcclure23

 

[The Tick]

Man, with Knox out and us not getting enough FA wr's this year, can't believe we didn't get a second guy there, I think Williams is going to be on the Bears next year. I think they are holding off signing him, but I think they eventually do. Even with the draft we just don't have enough players at the position right now.

Hate it, but hell, we just need some people at the position.

 

[The Tick]

Forte deserves a fair contract and the Bears would be sending the wrong message if they don't negotiate a contract in good faith. While it may make financial sense to tag someone, use them up, and discard them it's not a smart move. How many players would be willing to come to and play for a franchise that treats it's players that way?

ExactlyI dont like signing this guy before Matt was taken care of. Classless

Completely disagree here. Just because they aren't able to work out a contract with one player means they have to put a stop on signing any players at that position until it's resolved?? That's complete BS.We have no idea whose fault this thing is, I know the numbers released that the Bears offered Forte were not a fair contract, the 13-14 mil is not a good offer. However, you have NO IDEA what Forte is asking for. If he is sitting there saying 20mil or nothing, you really think the Bears shouldn't be doing exactly what they are and shoring up the position with a good backup that will serve the team well if Forte signs and plays, or if he decides to hold out.

I still hope a contract gets worked out soon with Forte, I believe our team is better with him on it, and I would like to keep him for a while. I will be very excited if they can work out something in the 16-17 mil guaranteed range. That's not much more than 2 years of franchise tag money, and locks up a good back for 4-5 years.

I've seen this thought processes referenced by media as well and I think it is flawed. Looked at differently...why would I pay more AND Guarantee money to a player if I can get them for less. So I can have them in year 3? Deal with year 3 in year three, RB's flame out, wear out, and as the market has shown are not expensive to acquire.

I think Forte still has 3-4 years left to go easily, and I think you lock him up for those years and then let him go after that you are in the best shape. I think you get the 4 year contract signed, and move on. It may not be as efficient in the money sense, but if we want to make a run, we can't have the circus that is going on now. Really the only way we come out way down is if he were to get a career ending injury in year 1, which honestly, the changes of that happening aren't that high regardless of the "one hit and his career could be over" people.Now this is all depending on if he is willing to sign a contract in the 16mil guaranteed range, if he really needs 18-20 to be willing to sign, well, then the hell with him, run him dead and move on, but if will negotiate to a decent price, sign him and lets win some more games.