***Offical Chicago Bears 2009 Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[flapgreen]

Something negative by Flapgreen in 3...2....1.... :X

Good signing.

 

[flapgreen]

• At some point in the process, the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears also expressed interest in Cutler. The depth of that interest is unknown, but both teams are still thought to be in play if Cutler once again becomes available.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Aloa...o&type=lgns

This is completely bogus. The Bears have no chance at getting Cutler, even if he does come available. When was the last time they picked up a guy of his calibur? Ever?Also just heard JA say on Sirius that they're confident in neckbeard and wouldn't be bringing in a veteran qb. I thought JA said a few weeks ago that the qb position will be a top priority this offseason? Nice flip flop JA. The Bears will go undefeated before they make a legitimate play at a guy like Cutler. I think most are realistic and understand this.

Not a poke at you, Max. Just frustration from the Bears lack of a decent qb for the past 20 years. Anyone in their right mind can see neckbeard is nothing more than an average qb at best.

That good 3n?

 

[Sweetness_34]

Love the Schaffer signing; Well done JA. Very reasonable contract; fills a need; makes it easier to draft BPA with #18.

Also love the interest in Cutler, though I really do not see Cutler going anywhere. Broncos will not trade him; this hoopla will die down at some point.

Also read that the Bears plan to put Kenny Britt through a private workout. After his 4.40 workout last week, do not be surprised if he shoots up draft boards and the Bears take him at #18.

Here is the link for those interested:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/footb...story?track=rss

 

[3nOut]

Something negative by Flapgreen in 3...2....1....

Good signing.

 

[maxwelledison]

This is a franchise that has not won a Super Bowl in 23 years.

And there are 20 other franchises that have not either....so what? Have fun jumping onto the bandwagon of a team that wins it all every year. If you had a clue, you would know there are 32 teams in the league, so your team statistically should only win a championship once every 32 years. Those are the mathematical facts. But feel free to consider yourself elite enough that you are "entitled" to a championship every year. Whatever makes you feel great about yourself I guess

First, you need to tone it down. Second, you are obviously a young fan that wants to be optimistic about its team. That doesn't change the fact that the flagship franchise in this league is basically a second class citizen. Third, I don't know where you do your "math", but just because there are 32 teams doesn't mean that statistically every team should win every once 32 years. Even if some ridiculous calculation did reach that result, it obviously doesn't apply in real life.Finally, being critical of a team doesn't mean you cheer for other teams. I will never care about any team winning other than the Bears but that doesn't mean they are operating their organization in the proper way. That point is obvious to anyone and everyone but people, such as you, who have a rationalization and justification for every move a mediocre team makes.

 

[flapgreen]

What happened, JA? I thought you said the qb position would be one of the positions that will be addressed the most this offseason. I guess you saw something during the offseason that changed your mind, before training camp. Now, you're not even going to bring in someone for competition or even a legitimate backup? Not even someone who's taken a snap? Love the flip flop. I'm so surprised. Why did I choose the Bears so many years ago? :(

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/11549000

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Sorry, Chicago, but it doesn't matter what Denver does with Jay Cutler. Your Bears aren't interested, and this is how I know: When coach Lovie Smith was asked this week which area of his team was his biggest concern he never, ever, ever mentioned his quarterback.

Kyle Orton, welcome back.

Apparently, Lovie Smith is prepared to stand by Kyle Orton in all kinds of weather. (US Presswire)

Apparently, Lovie Smith is prepared to stand by Kyle Orton in all kinds of weather. (US Presswire)

Complain all you want about Orton, but he's going to quarterback the Bears another season. In fact, he won't be challenged. There is no Rex Grossman. There is no Brian Griese.

There is no one, period, but Caleb Hanie, and, no, he won't pose a challenge. Chicago's offense might, but Smith insists it won't be because of Orton.

As Lovie said, the Bears are what they always were -- a running team that must play good defense -- and I didn't hear anything about a quarterback in there. A year ago, the Bears defense was so porous (ranking 21st overall, 30th against the pass and 16th in points allowed) Smith vowed to make changes, and his first move was to promise to get more involved.

"Our defense has to be among the best in the league for us to be successful," he said.

Ooops, there he goes again, not saying anything about his quarterback. That's because the Bears are not built around their quarterback. They're built around Matt Forte, Brian Urlacher and an ability to bury opponents with a defense that collapsed at all the wrong times last year -- blowing three leads of 10 or more points and collapsing in the last 10 seconds in a stunning 22-20 loss to Atlanta.

That game, more than anything, tells you what the 2008 club was all about. Orton rallied the club to a go-ahead touchdown with 11 seconds left, only to see Atlanta pull off a ridiculous victory when the Bears somehow allowed Matt Ryan to complete a 26-yard pass with one second remaining. That set up the game-winning field goal and put Smith in a funk he is having trouble overcoming.

"It's a shame we didn't win that Atlanta game," Smith said. "As a quarterback, you have moments when it's on you. We're a running team that plays defense and special teams, but our quarterback has to make plays (in that game). There's no time. He has to drive the team down the field. And he has to score a touchdown. Not a field goal -- a touchdown. And it's on the road. So it's a shame we didn't win, but you still have to go with what Kyle did."

And what Orton did last year was play well enough to rally the Bears to late-season overtime victories against New Orleans and Green Bay before folding in Houston. Nevertheless, Chicago was 9-7 and this close to making the playoffs, despite the defensive lapses -- and that tells Smith he has no problem with Kyle Orton at quarterback.

"I know he started as a rookie," Smith said, "but that was a long time ago. He has the things you look for in quarterback. First, you want him to be a leader, and the team had faith that he could get the job done. There's no question of that. His first year as [a full-time] starter, the team voted him as team captain, and that's saying a lot. Then there are decisions. He's a smart guy who knows the game and is extremely intelligent. He knows he's not going to make mistakes that will get you beat. And when he has to come through and make plays, he can do that."

So when Smith says, "I like Kyle," he means it. He also means he's not looking to replace the guy, and one look at the depth chart proves it. There is no one else there who has taken a single snap. So, get ready, Chicago: Kyle Orton is back, like him or not. And the Bears do.

"We've seen Kyle in tough situations," Smith said. "We've been together awhile, too, so we have a great relationship. But I trust him. You have to have faith in a leader, and we do. He's our quarterback, and we'll go from there."

 

[flapgreen]

Someone explain to me the flawed thinking the Bears have had for many years. They always harp on being a run first team that relies heavily on their defense. What does that have to do with having a good qb? Everyone knows this has been the team's weakness for years. I can't count the times they put up the statistics for how many starters the Bears have had over the last 2 decades at the qb position. It's pathetic. How can they be this DUMB? Get a damn qb that can help lead this offense for a few years, instead of the 50 crappy ones you've had during the last 20 years.

 

[Rounders]

Someone explain to me the flawed thinking the Bears have had for many years. They always harp on being a run first team that relies heavily on their defense. What does that have to do with having a good qb? Everyone knows this has been the team's weakness for years. I can't count the times they put up the statistics for how many starters the Bears have had over the last 2 decades at the qb position. It's pathetic. How can they be this DUMB? Get a damn qb that can help lead this offense for a few years, instead of the 50 crappy ones you've had during the last 20 years.

What strikes me more, is the fact that they say they are running team, yet they do little to improve the offensive line. It their priority is to run the ball, then make it your priority to get the best lineman. Plain and simple.

 

[flapgreen]

Someone explain to me the flawed thinking the Bears have had for many years. They always harp on being a run first team that relies heavily on their defense. What does that have to do with having a good qb? Everyone knows this has been the team's weakness for years. I can't count the times they put up the statistics for how many starters the Bears have had over the last 2 decades at the qb position. It's pathetic. How can they be this DUMB? Get a damn qb that can help lead this offense for a few years, instead of the 50 crappy ones you've had during the last 20 years.

What strikes me more, is the fact that they say they are running team, yet they do little to improve the offensive line. It their priority is to run the ball, then make it your priority to get the best lineman. Plain and simple.

 

[RBM]

Someone explain to me the flawed thinking the Bears have had for many years. They always harp on being a run first team that relies heavily on their defense. What does that have to do with having a good qb? Everyone knows this has been the team's weakness for years. I can't count the times they put up the statistics for how many starters the Bears have had over the last 2 decades at the qb position. It's pathetic. How can they be this DUMB? Get a damn qb that can help lead this offense for a few years, instead of the 50 crappy ones you've had during the last 20 years.

What strikes me more, is the fact that they say they are running team, yet they do little to improve the offensive line. It their priority is to run the ball, then make it your priority to get the best lineman. Plain and simple.

Absolutely pathetic how long Angelo ignored the o-line. Not elite and aging and he just ignored it year after year.

 

[3nOut]

Someone explain to me the flawed thinking the Bears have had for many years. They always harp on being a run first team that relies heavily on their defense. What does that have to do with having a good qb? Everyone knows this has been the team's weakness for years. I can't count the times they put up the statistics for how many starters the Bears have had over the last 2 decades at the qb position. It's pathetic. How can they be this DUMB? Get a damn qb that can help lead this offense for a few years, instead of the 50 crappy ones you've had during the last 20 years.

What strikes me more, is the fact that they say they are running team, yet they do little to improve the offensive line. It their priority is to run the ball, then make it your priority to get the best lineman. Plain and simple.

Absolutely pathetic how long Angelo ignored the o-line. Not elite and aging and he just ignored it year after year.

Didn't Angelo spend a high draft pick on an OL last year? Whether the pick was the right one or not is not the point, you can't say he ignored the need year after year.

 

[mbuehner]

You also realize that Wade has averaged just over 400 receiving yards a year in his illustrious career and 1.17 TDs per season

Which still would have put firmly in the #3 WR for the Bears in 08. His performance over the last two seasons (654 and 3, 645 and 2) is almost exactly what Hester put up, meaning he could have been the Bears #1 WR and Hester could still be a useful special teams player with no loss of firepower.

- Gage barely cracked the top 60 WRs in receptions last year with 44 - but he has averaged 2 TDs per season.

Only Hester had more receptions on the Bears in 08. Gage would have been an upgrade as the #2 WR with those stats.

Bradley put up up a whopping 380 receiving yards last year (but it was his career high).

Which is still good enough to earn the #3WR for the Bears in 08.Hester + Davis + Lloyd= 1476 yards (less than Andrew Johnson personally) and 7TDs.Wade + Gage + Bradley= 1676yards and 12 TDs. I'm not saying these guys are great and were disasters to let go, but they are clearly better than anybody the Bears kept. Not to mention taking the Bears special teams from legendary to mediocre. That is unacceptable. Anytime there are some WRs in the league that put up better stats than your 3 starters combined, something is dreadfully wrong.

 

[RBM]

Someone explain to me the flawed thinking the Bears have had for many years. They always harp on being a run first team that relies heavily on their defense. What does that have to do with having a good qb? Everyone knows this has been the team's weakness for years. I can't count the times they put up the statistics for how many starters the Bears have had over the last 2 decades at the qb position. It's pathetic. How can they be this DUMB? Get a damn qb that can help lead this offense for a few years, instead of the 50 crappy ones you've had during the last 20 years.

What strikes me more, is the fact that they say they are running team, yet they do little to improve the offensive line. It their priority is to run the ball, then make it your priority to get the best lineman. Plain and simple.

Absolutely pathetic how long Angelo ignored the o-line. Not elite and aging and he just ignored it year after year.

Didn't Angelo spend a high draft pick on an OL last year? Whether the pick was the right one or not is not the point, you can't say he ignored the need year after year.

Last year? What about 2-3 yrs ago when the signs were there? He waited too long, the pick gets hurt and misses the year, and our line is a complete mess now because he had not been preparing when he should have been. He was wasting early friggin picks on Dan Bazuin, Garrett Wolf, Michael Okwo, Jamar Williams, Mark Bradley, Leon Joe......want me to keep going? All those were 4th rd picks or higher. From the '03 draft to the '07 draft, the only time we used a 4th or higher on an o-lineman was a 4th rounder on the undersized, backup C posing as a guard Josh BeekmanPathetic

 

[Rounders]

Someone explain to me the flawed thinking the Bears have had for many years. They always harp on being a run first team that relies heavily on their defense. What does that have to do with having a good qb? Everyone knows this has been the team's weakness for years. I can't count the times they put up the statistics for how many starters the Bears have had over the last 2 decades at the qb position. It's pathetic. How can they be this DUMB? Get a damn qb that can help lead this offense for a few years, instead of the 50 crappy ones you've had during the last 20 years.

What strikes me more, is the fact that they say they are running team, yet they do little to improve the offensive line. It their priority is to run the ball, then make it your priority to get the best lineman. Plain and simple.

Absolutely pathetic how long Angelo ignored the o-line. Not elite and aging and he just ignored it year after year.

Didn't Angelo spend a high draft pick on an OL last year? Whether the pick was the right one or not is not the point, you can't say he ignored the need year after year.

Last year? What about 2-3 yrs ago when the signs were there? He waited too long, the pick gets hurt and misses the year, and our line is a complete mess now because he had not been preparing when he should have been. He was wasting early friggin picks on Dan Bazuin, Garrett Wolf, Michael Okwo, Jamar Williams, Mark Bradley, Leon Joe......want me to keep going? All those were 4th rd picks or higher. From the '03 draft to the '07 draft, the only time we used a 4th or higher on an o-lineman was a 4th rounder on the undersized, backup C posing as a guard Josh BeekmanPathetic

 

[Rounders]

Holy Snikes! Not a big fan of Pace, but nice to see him coming in for a visit.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune....cago-bears.html

Veteran tackle Orlando Pace visits with Chicago Bears

By Vaughn McClure

Bears officials have confirmed that veteran offensive tackle Orlando Pace was at Halas Hall today visiting with the team. Pace's visit was first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was cut by the Rams earlier this month.

Pace, 33, visited Baltimore but did not sign with the Ravens after receiving an offer. The seven-time Pro Bowler was a member of the Rams when Bears coach Lovie Smith was the defensive coordinator there.

The Bears already signed one veteran tackle in Kevin Shaffer. If Pace signs, the Bears might not need to address the tackle spot in next month's draft, at least not in the early rounds.

The Bears lost their starting tackles from last season when John Tait opted to retire and John St. Clair signed with the Cleveland Browns as an unrestricted free agent. Chris Williams, last year's first-round pick, is expected to start at left tackle. Adding Pace could make the battle at right tackle interesting. Shaffer was cut by the Browns but was durable during his stay in Cleveland.

The Bears also signed free agent Frank Omiyale from Carolina. Omiyale is more comfortable at tackle but could end up at guard.

 

[Max Power]

Holy Snikes! Not a big fan of Pace, but nice to see him coming in for a visit.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune....cago-bears.html

Veteran tackle Orlando Pace visits with Chicago Bears

By Vaughn McClure

Bears officials have confirmed that veteran offensive tackle Orlando Pace was at Halas Hall today visiting with the team. Pace's visit was first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was cut by the Rams earlier this month.

Pace, 33, visited Baltimore but did not sign with the Ravens after receiving an offer. The seven-time Pro Bowler was a member of the Rams when Bears coach Lovie Smith was the defensive coordinator there.

The Bears already signed one veteran tackle in Kevin Shaffer. If Pace signs, the Bears might not need to address the tackle spot in next month's draft, at least not in the early rounds.

The Bears lost their starting tackles from last season when John Tait opted to retire and John St. Clair signed with the Cleveland Browns as an unrestricted free agent. Chris Williams, last year's first-round pick, is expected to start at left tackle. Adding Pace could make the battle at right tackle interesting. Shaffer was cut by the Browns but was durable during his stay in Cleveland.

The Bears also signed free agent Frank Omiyale from Carolina. Omiyale is more comfortable at tackle but could end up at guard.

I wouldn't get too excited about this. I think this is more a move by Pace and his agent to show there is a market for him. Bears likely won't offer the type of contract Pace is looking for. I just really hope this isn't a sign that Chris Williams can't cut it at LT.

 

[RBM]

I saw that Ken Lucas was also in for a visit. He would definitely help that secondary.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

 

[flapgreen]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

The Bears are looking for a solid starter alongside Charles Tillman and are not completely sold on Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham. Not completely sold on Vasher? WTF! They just signed him to a long-term contract. I hope that's hearsay

 

[RBM]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

The Bears are looking for a solid starter alongside Charles Tillman and are not completely sold on Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham. Not completely sold on Vasher? WTF! They just signed him to a long-term contract. I hope that's hearsay

AWFUL signing. The guy plays like what, 4 games a year?

 

[Your Mom]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

The Bears are looking for a solid starter alongside Charles Tillman and are not completely sold on Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham. Not completely sold on Vasher? WTF! They just signed him to a long-term contract. I hope that's hearsay

AWFUL signing. The guy plays like what, 4 games a year?

Exactly right. I don't like Vasher either and I think Corey Graham is A LOT better than him and is fine as a starter. That should be the LAST of the bears worries. What goes on in JA's brain is beyond me. I love my bears, but it is getting hard to root for them with these guys in charge.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

The Bears are looking for a solid starter alongside Charles Tillman and are not completely sold on Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham. Not completely sold on Vasher? WTF! They just signed him to a long-term contract. I hope that's hearsay

Vasher was extended 2 years back. In the 2 years after he signed the contract he has been injured both years. Not to mention his tackling has looked awful and we seem to always have WRs running free on our secondary all the time. It is good that we are looking at other options. Nothing wrong there IMO. Vasher could be cut or at the very least we get a lot more depth at the CB position if we sign Lucas. Also, just because he is in for a visit does not mean he will be signed. Weren't you the same arm-chair GM who was crying earlier this thread that the Bears were not doing anything in FA? Now when they are looking at players that you can get for a reasonable price (and value), you are still complaining?

 

[Sweetness_34]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

The Bears are looking for a solid starter alongside Charles Tillman and are not completely sold on Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham. Not completely sold on Vasher? WTF! They just signed him to a long-term contract. I hope that's hearsay

AWFUL signing. The guy plays like what, 4 games a year?

When he was signed 2 years back, Vasher was coming off a probowl season and had never been injured. Hindsight is 20/20. I am sure you had the crystal ball then to predict the future, since you seem to have this know-it-all attitude that most fans seem to have these days. If we had not signed him, you would be one of the 1st people complaining that we let him get to FA. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Holy Snikes! Not a big fan of Pace, but nice to see him coming in for a visit.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune....cago-bears.html

Veteran tackle Orlando Pace visits with Chicago Bears

By Vaughn McClure

Bears officials have confirmed that veteran offensive tackle Orlando Pace was at Halas Hall today visiting with the team. Pace's visit was first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was cut by the Rams earlier this month.

Pace, 33, visited Baltimore but did not sign with the Ravens after receiving an offer. The seven-time Pro Bowler was a member of the Rams when Bears coach Lovie Smith was the defensive coordinator there.

The Bears already signed one veteran tackle in Kevin Shaffer. If Pace signs, the Bears might not need to address the tackle spot in next month's draft, at least not in the early rounds.

The Bears lost their starting tackles from last season when John Tait opted to retire and John St. Clair signed with the Cleveland Browns as an unrestricted free agent. Chris Williams, last year's first-round pick, is expected to start at left tackle. Adding Pace could make the battle at right tackle interesting. Shaffer was cut by the Browns but was durable during his stay in Cleveland.

The Bears also signed free agent Frank Omiyale from Carolina. Omiyale is more comfortable at tackle but could end up at guard.

I wouldn't get too excited about this. I think this is more a move by Pace and his agent to show there is a market for him. Bears likely won't offer the type of contract Pace is looking for.

I just really hope this isn't a sign that Chris Williams can't cut it at LT.

Good lord....the hilarity continues in this thread. I am sure no other team signs players for depth and/or competition. I must have missed the memo that NFL teams are supposed to only have 22 players on their roster.

 

[mbuehner]

Good lord....the hilarity continues in this thread. I am sure no other team signs players for depth and/or competition. I must have missed the memo that NFL teams are supposed to only have 22 players on their roster.

Do a lot of teams sign one of the most expensive tackles in the game to compete with their previous years first round draft pick? I'm sure they are worried about Williams health and development. They should be. They drafted damaged goods, they better have a plan to deal with it. After trading garbage with the Browns for the other tackle, they had better find an answer and if that means overpaying pace for whatever games he can give them, so be it. The alternative is expecting a rookie to compete to start with the only depth as guys who couldn't make another roster. That's, of course, what they will ultimately do, because that's how the Bears roll.

 

[RBM]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

The Bears are looking for a solid starter alongside Charles Tillman and are not completely sold on Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham. Not completely sold on Vasher? WTF! They just signed him to a long-term contract. I hope that's hearsay

AWFUL signing. The guy plays like what, 4 games a year?

When he was signed 2 years back, Vasher was coming off a probowl season and had never been injured. Hindsight is 20/20. I am sure you had the crystal ball then to predict the future, since you seem to have this know-it-all attitude that most fans seem to have these days. If we had not signed him, you would be one of the 1st people complaining that we let him get to FA. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Unclench guy....I agree with you here. I meant that it turned out to be an awful signing.

 

[Max Power]

Holy Snikes! Not a big fan of Pace, but nice to see him coming in for a visit.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune....cago-bears.html

Veteran tackle Orlando Pace visits with Chicago Bears

By Vaughn McClure

Bears officials have confirmed that veteran offensive tackle Orlando Pace was at Halas Hall today visiting with the team. Pace's visit was first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was cut by the Rams earlier this month.

Pace, 33, visited Baltimore but did not sign with the Ravens after receiving an offer. The seven-time Pro Bowler was a member of the Rams when Bears coach Lovie Smith was the defensive coordinator there.

The Bears already signed one veteran tackle in Kevin Shaffer. If Pace signs, the Bears might not need to address the tackle spot in next month's draft, at least not in the early rounds.

The Bears lost their starting tackles from last season when John Tait opted to retire and John St. Clair signed with the Cleveland Browns as an unrestricted free agent. Chris Williams, last year's first-round pick, is expected to start at left tackle. Adding Pace could make the battle at right tackle interesting. Shaffer was cut by the Browns but was durable during his stay in Cleveland.

The Bears also signed free agent Frank Omiyale from Carolina. Omiyale is more comfortable at tackle but could end up at guard.

I wouldn't get too excited about this. I think this is more a move by Pace and his agent to show there is a market for him. Bears likely won't offer the type of contract Pace is looking for.

I just really hope this isn't a sign that Chris Williams can't cut it at LT.

Good lord....the hilarity continues in this thread. I am sure no other team signs players for depth and/or competition. I must have missed the memo that NFL teams are supposed to only have 22 players on their roster.

Pace has stated he is looking for a roughly 5mil per year deal and chance to start. Even if he signs at steep discount of 3 mil per season he will still be the second highest paid OL on the Bears. Now lets just say the Bears do sign him. where does he play? He is making starter money, so he should be starting somewhere. LT? Makes sense, but the fact that the Bears are already looking to sign another LT doesn't sounds very good for Williams.

Start Pace at RT? its possible, some experts think he would be more effective as a RT at this point in his career. So then we would have Shaffer making pretty decent cash for backup who can only play RT and Omilye backing up LT if not starting at G.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Pace sign with the Bears, but lets be real. He is not signing for the vet min to backup Williams. Pace isn't going to jump at an offer that is less than what he wants so early into his FA. If the Bears do offer him something in the 5mil range, then that is a clear sign that something is not right with Williams.

 

[Max Power]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

The Bears are looking for a solid starter alongside Charles Tillman and are not completely sold on Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham. Not completely sold on Vasher? WTF! They just signed him to a long-term contract. I hope that's hearsay

AWFUL signing. The guy plays like what, 4 games a year?

When he was signed 2 years back, Vasher was coming off a probowl season and had never been injured. Hindsight is 20/20. I am sure you had the crystal ball then to predict the future, since you seem to have this know-it-all attitude that most fans seem to have these days. If we had not signed him, you would be one of the 1st people complaining that we let him get to FA. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Unclench guy....I agree with you here. I meant that it turned out to be an awful signing.

This can't come as a complete suprise though. Vasher just seemed like one of those guys who was in the right spot at the right time. The DL that season should have gotten credit for at least half his picks.

 

[Max Power]

The Seattle Times confirms that the Seahawks hosted CB Ken Lucas for a free agent visit earlier this month.

The 'Hawks and Bears appear to be in a two-horse race for Lucas, who the Panthers cut March 11. Lucas figures to go wherever he gets more money.

Source: Seattle Times

Related: Seahawks

FYI...Seattle has more money

 

[Max Power]

Jeff George on the Chicago Bears...

“I’ve been trying to figure out how to get back in, and it just amazes me that I’m not on somebody’s roster,” George said. “I’ve been throwing two or three times a week, and every time I go out there to throw, I can’t believe I’m not a backup somewhere. I know it’s a young man’s game, but you can’t tell me I’m not better than some of the quarterbacks that are out there. I look at teams like Minnesota or Chicago, and I want to scream at the people in charge, ‘What are you thinking?’ ”

 

[Max Power]

Rumor is the Bears are looking at Lucas to fill the FS spot and not compete for CB

 

[flapgreen]

Pace and Lucas visited Halas Hall today

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-3...0,2790520.story

The Bears are looking for a solid starter alongside Charles Tillman and are not completely sold on Nathan Vasher or Corey Graham. Not completely sold on Vasher? WTF! They just signed him to a long-term contract. I hope that's hearsay

Vasher was extended 2 years back. In the 2 years after he signed the contract he has been injured both years. Not to mention his tackling has looked awful and we seem to always have WRs running free on our secondary all the time. It is good that we are looking at other options. Nothing wrong there IMO. Vasher could be cut or at the very least we get a lot more depth at the CB position if we sign Lucas. Also, just because he is in for a visit does not mean he will be signed. Weren't you the same arm-chair GM who was crying earlier this thread that the Bears were not doing anything in FA? Now when they are looking at players that you can get for a reasonable price (and value), you are still complaining?

Weren't you the alias that quit responding to opposing views because you had no defense of your position, except to make fun of others? thought so. whoever this really is, i'm not falling for it.

 

[flapgreen]

The Bears should trade their entire team, along with Virginia, for Cutler. He could throw the ball to himself and improve our offense.

 

[Your Mom]

The Bears should trade their entire team, along with Virginia, for Cutler. He could throw the ball to himself and improve our offense.

Give up two 1st rounders, or whatever draft picks it takes to get this guy.

 

[flapgreen]

The Bears should trade their entire team, along with Virginia, for Cutler. He could throw the ball to himself and improve our offense.

Give up two 1st rounders, or whatever draft picks it takes to get this guy.

With the way we waste 1st round picks, we wouldn't even be giving up much

 

[SmoovySmoov]

The Bears should trade their entire team, along with Virginia, for Cutler. He could throw the ball to himself and improve our offense.

Give up two 1st rounders, or whatever draft picks it takes to get this guy.

With the way we waste 1st round picks, we wouldn't even be giving up much

 

[speedball]

The Bears should trade their entire team, along with Virginia, for Cutler. He could throw the ball to himself and improve our offense.

Give up two 1st rounders, or whatever draft picks it takes to get this guy.

With the way we waste 1st round picks, we wouldn't even be giving up much

All joking aside, what would the Bears have to offer to swing a trade for Cutler? Their 2009 and 2010 1st round picks? Their 2009 1st, 3rd, and a player (maybe Orton)? Maybe substitute a 2010 3rd for the player? How much has the price dropped, if at all, with the Broncos public acknowledgment that they are looking to trade Cutler? I'm curious what people think...

 

[flapgreen]

The Bears should trade their entire team, along with Virginia, for Cutler. He could throw the ball to himself and improve our offense.

Give up two 1st rounders, or whatever draft picks it takes to get this guy.

With the way we waste 1st round picks, we wouldn't even be giving up much

All joking aside, what would the Bears have to offer to swing a trade for Cutler? Their 2009 and 2010 1st round picks? Their 2009 1st, 3rd, and a player (maybe Orton)? Maybe substitute a 2010 3rd for the player? How much has the price dropped, if at all, with the Broncos public acknowledgment that they are looking to trade Cutler? I'm curious what people think...

With the extremely over-inflated value of 1st round drafts picks, I don't really know. I'd say at least 2 1st rounders and probably more, which still seems like a great deal to me. A proven, however immature, NFL qb who you can build your team around for years isn't worth what you think it might be however. So many big names get traded in the league for high round draft pics and that's it. Are you kidding me? If I have a guy who's one of the best in the league at what he does, you better have a lot to offer me and it ain't 2 1st rounders. Many don't even get that. There are so many 1st rounders that don't make it. Let's say you gamble and both players drafted end up playing well, which rarely if ever happens to the Bears, are those 2 players worth Cutler's importance to the team after the fact? I don't think there's a question. If you can make a play at a franchise qb, you make one and get it. There's almost nothing he isn't worth. A leader and top athlete at the position controls the entire offense and possibly team. Basically, look at this for the PATS approach to trading

 

[Chadstroma]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler.

If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen.

The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year).

We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB.

Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

 

[flapgreen]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler. If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen. The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year). We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB. Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

I see about a 1% chance

 

[Your Mom]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler. If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen. The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year). We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB. Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

I agree with you, but we can wish. If Cutler gets traded to another team for a package the bears could have made happen, then I am officially cheering against them until they get new people in charge.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler. If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen. The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year). We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB. Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

Conservative moves this offseason? What move did you want them to make? Overpay for Housh who is past his prime or near it?They brought in a young promising olineman, a veteran olineman, signed two safteys to compete and brought it both O. Pace(said to be #1 priority right now)/K. Lucas recently.So bringing in four new players and possibly two others is very conservative....your right. Its this mind set that the bears are cheap, its ridiculous. Like they haven't went out and signed guys throughout the years (Moose, John Tait, Ogenlye, brockermeyer, bryan cox). They have great cap management....name a year in which they have been strapped by the cap(aka Washington), its b/c they don't go out and blow money every year.

 

[identikit]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler. If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen. The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year). We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB. Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

Conservative moves this offseason? What move did you want them to make? Overpay for Housh who is past his prime or near it?They brought in a young promising olineman, a veteran olineman, signed two safteys to compete and brought it both O. Pace(said to be #1 priority right now)/K. Lucas recently.So bringing in four new players and possibly two others is very conservative....your right. Its this mind set that the bears are cheap, its ridiculous. Like they haven't went out and signed guys throughout the years (Moose, John Tait, Ogenlye, brockermeyer, bryan cox). They have great cap management....name a year in which they have been strapped by the cap(aka Washington), its b/c they don't go out and blow money every year.

You may be right about all this.But being cheap can also = great cap management.Just simple economics there.

 

[RBM]

LT? Typical Bears. The guy clearly has struggled at LT the last couple of years, he has lost a couple of steps and everybody is saying it would be smart to have him finish his career at RT. On top of that we drafted a natural LT last year in the 1st rd, who supposedly is more finesse than physical. Oh well, like I said, typical Bears.

Chicago Bears trying to sign tackle Orlando Pace

By Vaughn McClure

Tribune reporter

April 1, 2009

The Bears have made signing Orlando Pace a priority and intend to leave him at left tackle if he joins the team, according to an NFL source.

Pace, who played 12 seasons with the St. Louis Rams before becoming a salary-cap casualty last month, visited Halas Hall on Monday. Agent Kennard McGuire said Pace "had a very good and productive" visit.

McGuire declined to discuss specifics in relation to a contract offer. Pace reportedly has an offer from Baltimore.

If Pace signs, the Bears probably would start him at left tackle and shift Chris Williams to the right side. Pace was selected to seven Pro Bowls at left tackle and is destined to be a Hall of Famer. He likely would have been the Rams' starting left tackle for the 2009 season had they not opted to save $6 million in cap space.

Williams, the Bears' first-round pick last season, did not start a game his rookie year after back surgery. He was slated to take over at left tackle even before John St. Clair left via free agency to sign with Cleveland.

Williams is versatile enough to play either tackle spot, which is why the Bears would be willing to move him to the right side.

The Bears have already signed veteran Kevin Shaffer, and he could compete to start at right tackle regardless. Adding the 33-year-old Pace would push newly acquired Frank Omiyale back into the mix at guard.

Pace had some injury issues the last several years, but the Bears don't appear concerned. Drafting a tackle is in the plans regardless.

The Bears also entertained veteran cornerback Ken Lucas on Monday, but there is only lukewarm interest in him.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

 

[Sweetness_34]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler. If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen. The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year). We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB. Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

I agree with you, but we can wish. If Cutler gets traded to another team for a package the bears could have made happen, then I am officially cheering against them until they get new people in charge.

At least it is nice to see that some folks here indeed are the bandwagon jumpers that they appear to be. Good luck being a Patriots fan! Enjoy!

 

[Chadstroma]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler. If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen. The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year). We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB. Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

Conservative moves this offseason? What move did you want them to make? Overpay for Housh who is past his prime or near it?They brought in a young promising olineman, a veteran olineman, signed two safteys to compete and brought it both O. Pace(said to be #1 priority right now)/K. Lucas recently.So bringing in four new players and possibly two others is very conservative....your right. Its this mind set that the bears are cheap, its ridiculous. Like they haven't went out and signed guys throughout the years (Moose, John Tait, Ogenlye, brockermeyer, bryan cox). They have great cap management....name a year in which they have been strapped by the cap(aka Washington), its b/c they don't go out and blow money every year.

Yea, you are right- they have been very aggresive so far this off-season. :X

 

[swidman]

LT? Typical Bears. The guy clearly has struggled at LT the last couple of years, he has lost a couple of steps and everybody is saying it would be smart to have him finish his career at RT. On top of that we drafted a natural LT last year in the 1st rd, who supposedly is more finesse than physical. Oh well, like I said, typical Bears.

Chicago Bears trying to sign tackle Orlando Pace

By Vaughn McClure

Tribune reporter

April 1, 2009

The Bears have made signing Orlando Pace a priority and intend to leave him at left tackle if he joins the team, according to an NFL source.

Pace, who played 12 seasons with the St. Louis Rams before becoming a salary-cap casualty last month, visited Halas Hall on Monday. Agent Kennard McGuire said Pace "had a very good and productive" visit.

McGuire declined to discuss specifics in relation to a contract offer. Pace reportedly has an offer from Baltimore.

If Pace signs, the Bears probably would start him at left tackle and shift Chris Williams to the right side. Pace was selected to seven Pro Bowls at left tackle and is destined to be a Hall of Famer. He likely would have been the Rams' starting left tackle for the 2009 season had they not opted to save $6 million in cap space.

Williams, the Bears' first-round pick last season, did not start a game his rookie year after back surgery. He was slated to take over at left tackle even before John St. Clair left via free agency to sign with Cleveland.

Williams is versatile enough to play either tackle spot, which is why the Bears would be willing to move him to the right side.

The Bears have already signed veteran Kevin Shaffer, and he could compete to start at right tackle regardless. Adding the 33-year-old Pace would push newly acquired Frank Omiyale back into the mix at guard.

Pace had some injury issues the last several years, but the Bears don't appear concerned. Drafting a tackle is in the plans regardless.

The Bears also entertained veteran cornerback Ken Lucas on Monday, but there is only lukewarm interest in him.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

What would be wrong with signing Pace to play LT and letting Williams get his feet wet at RT? Williams is basically a rookie going into this season so by having Pace start out on the left side, Williams wouldn't have the pressure to produce right away. Let him get the feel and speed of the game on the right side of the line and then you can move him over if Pace isn't getting the job done.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler. If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen. The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year). We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB. Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

Conservative moves this offseason? What move did you want them to make? Overpay for Housh who is past his prime or near it?They brought in a young promising olineman, a veteran olineman, signed two safteys to compete and brought it both O. Pace(said to be #1 priority right now)/K. Lucas recently.So bringing in four new players and possibly two others is very conservative....your right. Its this mind set that the bears are cheap, its ridiculous. Like they haven't went out and signed guys throughout the years (Moose, John Tait, Ogenlye, brockermeyer, bryan cox). They have great cap management....name a year in which they have been strapped by the cap(aka Washington), its b/c they don't go out and blow money every year.

Yea, you are right- they have been very aggresive so far this off-season.

I never said the word aggressive.....you hopefully have the ability to scan my text and look for a word....if not let me know...I will coach you through it.They were middle of the road to be honest....but they didn't overpay for any player...which allows them to consistantly resigns players....last year Lance Briggs.

 

[Sweetness_34]

LT? Typical Bears. The guy clearly has struggled at LT the last couple of years, he has lost a couple of steps and everybody is saying it would be smart to have him finish his career at RT. On top of that we drafted a natural LT last year in the 1st rd, who supposedly is more finesse than physical. Oh well, like I said, typical Bears.

Chicago Bears trying to sign tackle Orlando Pace

By Vaughn McClure

Tribune reporter

April 1, 2009

The Bears have made signing Orlando Pace a priority and intend to leave him at left tackle if he joins the team, according to an NFL source.

Pace, who played 12 seasons with the St. Louis Rams before becoming a salary-cap casualty last month, visited Halas Hall on Monday. Agent Kennard McGuire said Pace "had a very good and productive" visit.

McGuire declined to discuss specifics in relation to a contract offer. Pace reportedly has an offer from Baltimore.

If Pace signs, the Bears probably would start him at left tackle and shift Chris Williams to the right side. Pace was selected to seven Pro Bowls at left tackle and is destined to be a Hall of Famer. He likely would have been the Rams' starting left tackle for the 2009 season had they not opted to save $6 million in cap space.

Williams, the Bears' first-round pick last season, did not start a game his rookie year after back surgery. He was slated to take over at left tackle even before John St. Clair left via free agency to sign with Cleveland.

Williams is versatile enough to play either tackle spot, which is why the Bears would be willing to move him to the right side.

The Bears have already signed veteran Kevin Shaffer, and he could compete to start at right tackle regardless. Adding the 33-year-old Pace would push newly acquired Frank Omiyale back into the mix at guard.

Pace had some injury issues the last several years, but the Bears don't appear concerned. Drafting a tackle is in the plans regardless.

The Bears also entertained veteran cornerback Ken Lucas on Monday, but there is only lukewarm interest in him.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

What would be wrong with signing Pace to play LT and letting Williams get his feet wet at RT? Williams is basically a rookie going into this season so by having Pace start out on the left side, Williams wouldn't have the pressure to produce right away. Let him get the feel and speed of the game on the right side of the line and then you can move him over if Pace isn't getting the job done.

There is nothing wrong with it. But reasoning with some of these "so called Bear fans" is futile. They will whine about everything. - Waaah: the Bears have made ZERO moves in FA

- Waaaah: the Bears are signing cast offs

- Waaaah: the Bears are signing a FA means the rookie sucks

- Waaaah: the Bears are not involved in the Cutler trade talks

- Waaaah: Ok, the Bears are talking regarding Cutler but they have zero chance to get him

- Waaaah: the Bears have never drafted an OL high in the draft (yes Colombo and Chris Williams do not count)

Know-it-all, arm chair GMs are so entertaining with their flip flops

 

[Sweetness_34]

I am sorry guys.... keep the hope up but I just do not see the Bears being serious enough to land Cutler. If the Vikings land Cutler then the Bears should just go into rebuilding mode right away because the Vikings will own the division for the next few years for sure and perhaps years to come after that. I think being the missing piece there that should mean the Vikings go after him big time and they have a recent history of making big trade deals, such as getting Jared Allen. The Jets will likely go after him hard too being they need a QB and have a history of making that happen (obviously Farve from last year). We all know the Bucs are always willing to deal for a new QB. Basically, the Bears have shown an extreme amount of conservative moves this off-season and there have been stories that this is based on ownership pulling back the purse. Of course, there is always the possibility and heck, the thought of the Vikings getting him should be more of an incentive to block them even than how much of a boost it would be for the Bears. But, the Bears are on the lower side of my list of possibilities for where he lands.

Conservative moves this offseason? What move did you want them to make? Overpay for Housh who is past his prime or near it?They brought in a young promising olineman, a veteran olineman, signed two safteys to compete and brought it both O. Pace(said to be #1 priority right now)/K. Lucas recently.So bringing in four new players and possibly two others is very conservative....your right. Its this mind set that the bears are cheap, its ridiculous. Like they haven't went out and signed guys throughout the years (Moose, John Tait, Ogenlye, brockermeyer, bryan cox). They have great cap management....name a year in which they have been strapped by the cap(aka Washington), its b/c they don't go out and blow money every year.

Yea, you are right- they have been very aggresive so far this off-season.

I never said the word aggressive.....you hopefully have the ability to scan my text and look for a word....if not let me know...I will coach you through it.They were middle of the road to be honest....but they didn't overpay for any player...which allows them to consistantly resigns players....last year Lance Briggs.

And allows them to extend their own players at reasonable prices before they hit FA (see Charles Tillman, Devin Hester, Nathan Vasher, Tommie Harris etc). You may argue if they have produced or not after they were extended, but the reality is every Bear fan wanted those guys extended and not be lost in FA.