The Bears Offseason Thread

[goonys evil twin]

I'm pretty ignorant on how trading players in the NFL affects a team's salary cap, but couldn't the Bears/Eagles swap somewhat similar contracts to help reduce the hit? For example, if the Bears sent Ogunleye to Philly would that reduce the hit on the Eagles for dealing McNabb?

 

It would be harder for both teams. Signing bonuses are spread throughout the life of a contract. You take a cap hit whenever you trade or cut a player in the middle of a deal in which he received a large signing bonus (guaranteed money). The Bears and Eagles are typically two of the most healthy teams in terms of cap space. This could mean two things, 1) they could pull it off, 2) they aren't the type of teams that would pull it off.

[CubColtPacer]

I'm pretty ignorant on how trading players in the NFL affects a team's salary cap, but couldn't the Bears/Eagles swap somewhat similar contracts to help reduce the hit? For example, if the Bears sent Ogunleye to Philly would that reduce the hit on the Eagles for dealing McNabb?

 

No-the reason that the cap hit is so severe is that when a player signs the contract, their signing bonus gets to be prorated over a certain number of years. A 6 year 70 million dollar deal with an 18 million dollar signing bonus for example, means that the signing bonus can be charged 3 million per year against the cap. If the player gets traded though, all the remaining signing bonus goes against the next years cap. If that same player with 3 years left gets traded, the 9 million left on the signing bonus applies against that year's cap (in this case for the Eagles on this year's cap), and that player is not even on the team anymore-it is simply "dead money".

[Chocolate Milk]

 

Not it isn't. Ben is much much much much better than Grossman. It's really not even remotely close.

 

Even in this, Ben's worst year, he was signifigantly better than Rex.

 

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb.php

[Handlebar McSkullet]

 

Not it isn't. Ben is much much much much better than Grossman. It's really not even remotely close.

 

Even in this, Ben's worst year, he was signifigantly better than Rex.

 

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb.php

 

Fair enough.

[Butterscup1679666578]

David Carr would look mighty good in a Bears uniform next year.

[rawaction]

 

1. They must resign Lovie, Rivera to a fair market value contract. From reports the bears and lovie were haggling over 3 mil a year(bears offered under, Lovie wanted over). Now that Smith coached the team to Super Bowl, his FMV is probably 5 mil a year(possibly more). Offering anything less than four is embarrassing considering the profits this team realizes.

 

2. Briggs cant hit the open market. They can franchise him (7 mil) or take that 7 mil x it by 6 years add a 10 mil signing bonus(spread that over the life of the contract, and call it a day(hopefully).

 

3. Draft Lineman!!! Tait is 32, Brown is 34(and a fa), and Miller is 33. Drafting a guard and tackle or signing someone like Eric Steinbach would be needed.

On the defensive side, Brown and Wale are overpaid, Tank is overrated and Ian Scott has regressed(and is a FA). Dusty Dvorack will be back next year and can push Tank Johnson. I think another DT would be a needed in the draft.

 

4. Thomas Jones wont be a Bear next year. It sucks but his stock will never be higher, and numerous teams need a running back. If you can get something substantial for him.(ie a 2nd or 3rd round pick), I think they should do it. Jones should and probably will hold out, and the team can go with Benson and Peterson and have a solid run game.

 

5. Grossman should play out his contract, and should be subjected to open competition. Why would he want to stay if he plays well in 07, and why would the Bears lock him up if he cant progress. He is 26, will be 27 next year. Has a full year under his belt, and will be in his third year in this offense. Right now he is average, but can he get better? I think so. He can make the throws and sometimes does, most of his faults are mental, hopefully it can be fixed.

 

Peter King wrote an article about what the bears should do about the qb group. He fails in most respects to realize that this 1. was grossman's first year starting(fully) 2. He is still relatively young 3. Can get better.

 

BUT he does hit on something important. Eventually this team will break up. The bears can't resign briggs, harris, tillman, vasher. And if they can, it will be a reverse Colts situation-> all cap room on defense, offense will suffer. The time table to win is probably at best three years at worst next year(disregarding drafts and reloading fa's(that is too unknown right now). Grossman's performance this year was ok for a budding playoff team with time to grow, not a super bowl contender who was 40 min away from a title.

 

The qb corp must elevate itself, but their isn't a viable sure option other than sticking with grossman. drafting another qb is so ridiculous because qb prospects are as volatile as pitching prospects. Even if the bears could draft Quinn or Russell, they still need time to DEVELOP, time they dont have. Trading for someone like Matt Schaub is of the same ilk, because Schaub hasnt started either, he would need time to develop into the offense(also his completion rating isnt exactly barn burning either). Signing Jeff Garcia could actually hurt more than it helps(a lot of you have touched on this already). He is weak armed, old, and will cost a bundle. He failed in Cleveland and the Lions, the same Lions team that had Kitna throwing for 4000 yards.

 

I agree with most of this.

 

Lovie is a given. He will get what he wants. At the beginning of the year, I thought Briggs was expendable, but now I think he's a must. The LB corps is the strength of this team, and you seriously weaken the strongest part of the strongest unit possibly in the NFL if you take out Briggs. There is really no viable backup on the roster for him.

 

I think DL is fine. Harris and Dusty will be back. I would like to bring back Tank, but I assume they will let him go and bring back Scott. Dusty is gonna be a real good DT.

 

I think safety is fine. Manning is gonna be much improved with a 19 game season under his belt. He was solid on Sunday and I think with an offseason of workouts and camp will be a league average safety at worst next year. I don't think Mike Brown will have a problem coming back at a reduced cost in order to keep Briggs and extend Tommie. I love Vasher, but I probably wouldn't re-sign him (at least not if the alternative is losing Briggs or Harris) because CBs are easier to find in the draft.

 

I'd let Rex play out his final year. I'd like to see an open competition for the QB job, that is not SuperBowl or fan persuaded and then go a different direction for 2008. There are no FA QBs worthwhile that are guaranteed to be better than Rex. There are no can't miss QBs available with the 31st pick of the draft either, and none of the top guys are worth trading up for.

 

I'd probably look to trade Wale. I think Brown is the stronger DE against the run, and would be helped more by Anderson on the opposite side getting the attention.

 

I'd probably hang on to Jones. Benson has to get increased carries, because he was the #4 pick, but his running style doesn't exactly have the look of longevity. He's a hard runner who gives and takes licks. It's gonna be tough for him to get thru a full season healthy. He has suffered knee injuries in each of his first 2 years, and he hasn't even had a training camp yet. However, if the Bears can get a 2nd or high 3rd round pick for Jones, you gotta take it and get a change of pace back to spell Benson in the draft.

 

I will post later my ideas for the draft, which almost never ever are even close to what the Bears actually do....which hasn't been a bad thing with the success they've had drafting.

[rawaction]

David Carr would look mighty good in a Bears uniform next year.

 

I love David Carr. I think he's a great talent. I'd love him on the Bears, but I would never in a million years pay him that salary and trade the talent it would take to get him.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

David Carr would look mighty good in a Bears uniform next year.

 

I love David Carr. I think he's a great talent. I'd love him on the Bears, but I would never in a million years pay him that salary and trade the talent it would take to get him.

 

Seems like a 3rd or 4th rounder might be all it takes, which isn't that steep (though JA's 3rd rounders are gold).

[Butterscup1679666578]

David Carr would look mighty good in a Bears uniform next year.

 

I love David Carr. I think he's a great talent. I'd love him on the Bears, but I would never in a million years pay him that salary and trade the talent it would take to get him.

 

Seems like a 3rd or 4th rounder might be all it takes, which isn't that steep (though JA's 3rd rounders are gold).

 

Trade a 3rd rounder for Carr, then ship off Rex or Griese for a late draft pick to make up for it. Rex would probably be easier to ship off, with Griese's contract lasting 4 more years and Grossman's just one. Plus, we'd have to open up #8 for Carr ;)

[Soul]

Remember TJ and the Cardinals?

 

Carr has all the earmarks of a QB who can still be very good. Houston takes good players and makes them look like trash. An NFL black hole, just like the Cardinals and Lions.

 

Not sure if there's anything we can do to get him, but just saw his name and decided to chime in.

[YearofDaCubs]

David Carr would look mighty good in a Bears uniform next year.

 

I love David Carr. I think he's a great talent. I'd love him on the Bears, but I would never in a million years pay him that salary and trade the talent it would take to get him.

 

Seems like a 3rd or 4th rounder might be all it takes, which isn't that steep (though JA's 3rd rounders are gold).

 

Trade a 3rd rounder for Carr, then ship off Rex or Griese for a late draft pick to make up for it. Rex would probably be easier to ship off, with Griese's contract lasting 4 more years and Grossman's just one. Plus, we'd have to open up #8 for Carr ;)

I'd take Boller over Carr for a 3rd rounder IMO.

[BigSlick]

David Carr would look mighty good in a Bears uniform next year.

 

I love David Carr. I think he's a great talent. I'd love him on the Bears, but I would never in a million years pay him that salary and trade the talent it would take to get him.

 

Seems like a 3rd or 4th rounder might be all it takes, which isn't that steep (though JA's 3rd rounders are gold).

 

Trade a 3rd rounder for Carr, then ship off Rex or Griese for a late draft pick to make up for it. Rex would probably be easier to ship off, with Griese's contract lasting 4 more years and Grossman's just one. Plus, we'd have to open up #8 for Carr ;)

I'd take Boller over Carr for a 3rd rounder IMO.

 

I wouldn't.

[Chocolate Milk]

David Carr would look mighty good in a Bears uniform next year.

 

I love David Carr. I think he's a great talent. I'd love him on the Bears, but I would never in a million years pay him that salary and trade the talent it would take to get him.

 

Seems like a 3rd or 4th rounder might be all it takes, which isn't that steep (though JA's 3rd rounders are gold).

 

Trade a 3rd rounder for Carr, then ship off Rex or Griese for a late draft pick to make up for it. Rex would probably be easier to ship off, with Griese's contract lasting 4 more years and Grossman's just one. Plus, we'd have to open up #8 for Carr ;)

I'd take Boller over Carr for a 3rd rounder IMO.

 

ugh.

[Chocolate Milk]

Good to see that I may have started a David Carr Bandwagon here.

[TruffleShuffle]

 

Are you kidding?

 

Career QB rating: Ben 87.9, Rex 72.4

Completion %: Ben 62.4, Rex 54.4

Yards per Attempt: Ben 8.25, Rex 6.66

TD/INT: Ben 52/43, Rex 27/26

 

 

You were right about one thing - statistically speaking, the comparison between them is a joke.

[Chocolate Milk]

Extra points

 

The Bears and guard Ruben Brown would like to see the nine-time Pro Bowler back in a Bears uniform in '07. But with the aging of the offensive line, the Bears are expected to make a run at Cincinnati guard Eric Steinbach once free agency opens. Steinbach, from New Lenox, has also played tackle. . . .

 

Great news.

[goonys evil twin]

 

Are you kidding?

 

Career QB rating: Ben 87.9, Rex 72.4

Completion %: Ben 62.4, Rex 54.4

Yards per Attempt: Ben 8.25, Rex 6.66

TD/INT: Ben 52/43, Rex 27/26

 

 

You were right about one thing - statistically speaking, the comparison between them is a joke.

 

I think 2006 Ben might be more of the norm than some would expect. It's not like he broke an ankle or something, he nearly died. That could have had a much bigger effect than most people thought.

[goonys evil twin]

Extra points

 

The Bears and guard Ruben Brown would like to see the nine-time Pro Bowler back in a Bears uniform in '07. But with the aging of the offensive line, the Bears are expected to make a run at Cincinnati guard Eric Steinbach once free agency opens. Steinbach, from New Lenox, has also played tackle. . . .

 

Great news.

 

I'd like to see at least one free agent and one draftee added to the offensive line mix.

[CubsLadyinSTL]

How big of a loss will it be if Ron goes to Dallas???

[Soriano12]

How big of a loss will it be if Ron goes to Dallas???

 

Not a big loss at all.

[goonys evil twin]

How big of a loss will it be if Ron goes to Dallas???

 

I would say not much. This is Lovie's defense. Rivera has added stuff, but I don't think they'd miss a step if Babich moved into the role or somebody else was brought on board. I actually think it would be harder to replace Turner, who, while not the greatest or most innovative offensive mind out there, has built some good Bears offenses over the years. I think it would be a mistake to go with an entirely new offensive scheme this offseason, unless you magically discover the greatest offensive mind in football.

[Soriano12]

Like his offensive counterpart, Riveria's game plan was brutal. I can understand the strategy at the beginning of the game, (deep cover 2) not giving up the big play, but when it became apparent that Manning would have no problem shredding that coverage with the underneath stuff, he refused to adjust.

 

After halftime, I would have gone with all out blitz packages and trusted Peanut and Vash to answer the call. It may have worked, it may have not, but you just cant sit back and get your ass kicked without doing anything! If you are gonna go down, go down swinging.

[CuseCubFan69]

Like his offensive counterpart, Riveria's game plan was brutal. I can understand the strategy at the beginning of the game, (deep cover 2) not giving up the big play, but when it became apparent that Manning would have no problem shredding that coverage with the underneath stuff, he refused to adjust.

 

After halftime, I would have gone with all out blitz packages and trusted Peanut and Vash to answer the call. It may have worked, it may have not, but you just cant sit back and get your ass kicked without doing anything! If you are gonna go down, go down swinging.

 

Doesn't Lovie have to agree with the defensive and offensive game plans going into the Super Bowl?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

David Carr would look mighty good in a Bears uniform next year.

 

I love David Carr. I think he's a great talent. I'd love him on the Bears, but I would never in a million years pay him that salary and trade the talent it would take to get him.

 

Seems like a 3rd or 4th rounder might be all it takes, which isn't that steep (though JA's 3rd rounders are gold).

 

Trade a 3rd rounder for Carr, then ship off Rex or Griese for a late draft pick to make up for it. Rex would probably be easier to ship off, with Griese's contract lasting 4 more years and Grossman's just one. Plus, we'd have to open up #8 for Carr ;)

I'd take Boller over Carr for a 3rd rounder IMO.

 

Why?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Extra points

 

The Bears and guard Ruben Brown would like to see the nine-time Pro Bowler back in a Bears uniform in '07. But with the aging of the offensive line, the Bears are expected to make a run at Cincinnati guard Eric Steinbach once free agency opens. Steinbach, from New Lenox, has also played tackle. . . .

 

Great news.

 

YES!