The Bears Offseason Thread

[Banedon]

I really like how the Bears handled this. I don't like the prospects of him returning after 2007, but who cares. They completely owned Drew, they knew he had no leverage, and they got what they wanted with minimal damage to the team.

 

Before Tillman got his chunk of change, I thought maybe the Bears might revisit a long term deal with Briggs after the season...but now I'm not so sure about that.

[UMFan83]

I really like how the Bears handled this. I don't like the prospects of him returning after 2007, but who cares. They completely owned Drew, they knew he had no leverage, and they got what they wanted with minimal damage to the team.

 

Before Tillman got his chunk of change, I thought maybe the Bears might revisit a long term deal with Briggs after the season...but now I'm not so sure about that.

 

Especially with Harris's extension coming up soon, and if for some reason Grossman does good next year his extension. I highly doubt they can keep Briggs past this year. That's what happens in football though, its really hard to keep a dominating unit in tact.

[Soriano12]

This is the like the Cuban missle crisis with JFK being Angelo and Khrushchev being Briggs.

[Banedon]

I really like how the Bears handled this. I don't like the prospects of him returning after 2007, but who cares. They completely owned Drew, they knew he had no leverage, and they got what they wanted with minimal damage to the team.

 

Before Tillman got his chunk of change, I thought maybe the Bears might revisit a long term deal with Briggs after the season...but now I'm not so sure about that.

 

Especially with Harris's extension coming up soon, and if for some reason Grossman does good next year his extension. I highly doubt they can keep Briggs past this year. That's what happens in football though, its really hard to keep a dominating unit in tact.

 

Well as long as you keep Urlacher, you can change the outside backers...they've certainly done that before successfully.

[jersey cubs fan]

I really like how the Bears handled this. I don't like the prospects of him returning after 2007, but who cares. They completely owned Drew, they knew he had no leverage, and they got what they wanted with minimal damage to the team.

 

Before Tillman got his chunk of change, I thought maybe the Bears might revisit a long term deal with Briggs after the season...but now I'm not so sure about that.

 

Especially with Harris's extension coming up soon, and if for some reason Grossman does good next year his extension. I highly doubt they can keep Briggs past this year. That's what happens in football though, its really hard to keep a dominating unit in tact.

 

Well as long as you keep Urlacher, you can change the outside backers...they've certainly done that before successfully.

 

How soon before that's no longer true though? Urlacher is great, and a rock, but within the next 2-4 years, they may no longer be able to just throw out any old LB combo and make it look good.

[Soul]

I really like how the Bears handled this. I don't like the prospects of him returning after 2007, but who cares. They completely owned Drew, they knew he had no leverage, and they got what they wanted with minimal damage to the team.

 

Before Tillman got his chunk of change, I thought maybe the Bears might revisit a long term deal with Briggs after the season...but now I'm not so sure about that.

 

Nah, he's gone. I think re-signing Harris will be the priority next.

 

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

[BleacherBadger]

per why give so much money in 1 position and not the other:

 

The reason that they are giving so much $$ to Tillman and Vasher is because of the importance of their position for the defense. In a normal cover 2, they would play a zone and fall back. This would allow the Bears to have a different number of players in there who could possibly do the job. Because the Bears run a Tampa 2, their schemes require the corners to play man on the outside.

 

Because of the man coverage by the corners, it's imperative to have solid CBs. There are less good CBs in this league than at any other position. So, to lock up 2 of the better, younger CBs in this league long term is a great plan.

[jersey cubs fan]

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

 

I believe they will resign Grossman if he has a good season. And I believe there will be money to sign him if he has a great season. A great season by Grossman virtually assures them of at least an NFC Championship appearance, and probably the Super Bowl. They have always been good about maintaing a smart cap. There will be space, or they will make the space. Besides, when was the last time a marque QB (and under this scenario RG would be marquee) actually signed as a free agent with a new team?

 

If he fails to improve from last season, I think they will either try and get him back on the cheap or let him walk.

[CubColtPacer]

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

 

I believe they will resign Grossman if he has a good season. And I believe there will be money to sign him if he has a great season. A great season by Grossman virtually assures them of at least an NFC Championship appearance, and probably the Super Bowl. They have always been good about maintaing a smart cap. There will be space, or they will make the space. Besides, when was the last time a marque QB (and under this scenario RG would be marquee) actually signed as a free agent with a new team?

 

If he fails to improve from last season, I think they will either try and get him back on the cheap or let him walk.

 

Drew Brees was probably the last "marquee" QB (under your definition) to be signed by another team just 1 season ago.

[rawaction]

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

 

I believe they will resign Grossman if he has a good season. And I believe there will be money to sign him if he has a great season. A great season by Grossman virtually assures them of at least an NFC Championship appearance, and probably the Super Bowl. They have always been good about maintaing a smart cap. There will be space, or they will make the space. Besides, when was the last time a marque QB (and under this scenario RG would be marquee) actually signed as a free agent with a new team?

 

If he fails to improve from last season, I think they will either try and get him back on the cheap or let him walk.

 

Does Drew Brees count? He didn't perform like a marquee QB in 2005, but established himself as pretty close with a great 2004. Brees is who I hope Rex can turn into. Brees is listed at 6' 208, Grossman 6'1" 217, pretty much the same size. Arm strength is pretty much even. Both were 4 year starters in passing college offenses.

 

Brees 2002 (first full year as starting QB)- 60.8% completions, 3284 yrds, 17 TD, 16 INT, 76.9 QB rating.

 

Grossman 2006 (first full year as starting QB)- 54.6%, 3193 yrds, 23 TD, 20 INT, 73.9 rating.

 

Brees started to take off in 2004 after 27 career starts, and 1 full season. Grossman has 25 career starts (29 if you include playoffs) and 1 full season.

[jersey cubs fan]

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

 

I believe they will resign Grossman if he has a good season. And I believe there will be money to sign him if he has a great season. A great season by Grossman virtually assures them of at least an NFC Championship appearance, and probably the Super Bowl. They have always been good about maintaing a smart cap. There will be space, or they will make the space. Besides, when was the last time a marque QB (and under this scenario RG would be marquee) actually signed as a free agent with a new team?

 

If he fails to improve from last season, I think they will either try and get him back on the cheap or let him walk.

 

Drew Brees was probably the last "marquee" QB (under your definition) to be signed by another team just 1 season ago.

 

His team had a different guy that they wanted to promote, and he was coming off injury. Plus, he took a bit of a step back. I'm talking about a QB coming off a great season whose team wants to keep him. It's not like baseball, where stud pitchers routinely do to free agency and leave. If a team finds a QB, they typically keep him, unless they already have his replacement on board.

[CubColtPacer]

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

 

I believe they will resign Grossman if he has a good season. And I believe there will be money to sign him if he has a great season. A great season by Grossman virtually assures them of at least an NFC Championship appearance, and probably the Super Bowl. They have always been good about maintaing a smart cap. There will be space, or they will make the space. Besides, when was the last time a marque QB (and under this scenario RG would be marquee) actually signed as a free agent with a new team?

 

If he fails to improve from last season, I think they will either try and get him back on the cheap or let him walk.

 

Drew Brees was probably the last "marquee" QB (under your definition) to be signed by another team just 1 season ago.

 

His team had a different guy that they wanted to promote, and he was coming off injury. Plus, he took a bit of a step back. I'm talking about a QB coming off a great season whose team wants to keep him. It's not like baseball, where stud pitchers routinely do to free agency and leave. If a team finds a QB, they typically keep him, unless they already have his replacement on board.

 

Agreed, although Grossman is sort of an unusual case in that respect. Usually QB's get signed for pretty long deals out of college, and by the time they hit free agency the team knows if they are going to sink or swim. Grossman got that type of contract as well, but because of all the injuries a lot of the decision making will have to be based off of this year alone (because if he has a good year this year, last year can simply be chalked up to growing pains). I do agree with you that the Bears won't let him go if he has a good year, although that might mean that his top receivers this year will be cap casualties.

[rawaction]

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

 

I believe they will resign Grossman if he has a good season. And I believe there will be money to sign him if he has a great season. A great season by Grossman virtually assures them of at least an NFC Championship appearance, and probably the Super Bowl. They have always been good about maintaing a smart cap. There will be space, or they will make the space. Besides, when was the last time a marque QB (and under this scenario RG would be marquee) actually signed as a free agent with a new team?

 

If he fails to improve from last season, I think they will either try and get him back on the cheap or let him walk.

 

Drew Brees was probably the last "marquee" QB (under your definition) to be signed by another team just 1 season ago.

 

His team had a different guy that they wanted to promote, and he was coming off injury. Plus, he took a bit of a step back. I'm talking about a QB coming off a great season whose team wants to keep him. It's not like baseball, where stud pitchers routinely do to free agency and leave. If a team finds a QB, they typically keep him, unless they already have his replacement on board.

 

The ANALysts on ESPN would like us to believe that Jeff Garcia did that. I think Drew Bledsoe could count. He was injured, but was still clearly thought of as a marquee QB.....though, they did have Brady.

[Soul]

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

 

I believe they will resign Grossman if he has a good season. And I believe there will be money to sign him if he has a great season. A great season by Grossman virtually assures them of at least an NFC Championship appearance, and probably the Super Bowl. They have always been good about maintaing a smart cap. There will be space, or they will make the space. Besides, when was the last time a marque QB (and under this scenario RG would be marquee) actually signed as a free agent with a new team?

 

If he fails to improve from last season, I think they will either try and get him back on the cheap or let him walk.

 

Drew Brees was probably the last "marquee" QB (under your definition) to be signed by another team just 1 season ago.

 

His team had a different guy that they wanted to promote, and he was coming off injury. Plus, he took a bit of a step back. I'm talking about a QB coming off a great season whose team wants to keep him. It's not like baseball, where stud pitchers routinely do to free agency and leave. If a team finds a QB, they typically keep him, unless they already have his replacement on board.

 

Agreed, although Grossman is sort of an unusual case in that respect. Usually QB's get signed for pretty long deals out of college, and by the time they hit free agency the team knows if they are going to sink or swim. Grossman got that type of contract as well, but because of all the injuries a lot of the decision making will have to be based off of this year alone (because if he has a good year this year, last year can simply be chalked up to growing pains). I do agree with you that the Bears won't let him go if he has a good year, although that might mean that his top receivers this year will be cap casualties.

 

If Grossman really did perform well, like let's say a pro bowl appearance, then wouldn't that put resigning Harris at risk? I was under the impression we're pushing it cap-wise now. Cap numbers (up-to-date, accurate ones) seem difficult to find though, so I'm really not sure.

 

I'd do whatever it took to keep a pro bowl type QB too. We've searched so long for a good one.

[jersey cubs fan]

Agreed, although Grossman is sort of an unusual case in that respect.

 

Oh yeah, he's definitely an unusual case. All those injury seasons lost, and then the up and down 2006, means he's a big question mark for 2007. Part of the reason why a lot of marquee QB's don't go the route of Barry Zito is they don't play through a walk year. But QBs in general are more valuable to the team they are on than their own team. There's a learning curve involved with going to a new team that's not a part of baseball, so that a guy in his first year at a new place isn't likely to see the success he could have staying at his present destination. I think any big contract for Rex will partially be taken out of the d line, where 2 guys are getting paid more than they are worth. Plus there is Moose, whose 6 year contract always looked like a 3-4 year deal anyway. He's still a valuable receiver, but his cost probably outweighs his contribution by 2008. If they do sign Grossman longterm, I'm guessing Griese gets cut and they go with a Orton/Somebody backup tandem that saves a couple bucks. Briggs' $7+m cap hit in 2007 will be gone. Plus, the cap will be higher.

 

There's going to be room.

[jersey cubs fan]

The ANALysts on ESPN would like us to believe that Jeff Garcia did that. I think Drew Bledsoe could count. He was injured, but was still clearly thought of as a marquee QB.....though, they did have Brady.

 

I can't include Drew. He was done in NE when they let him go. I'm talking about a marquee QB coming off a great year on a team that wants to keep him. It just doesn't happen.

[cubweiser03]

Say Grossman puts up a decent, but not great, year. What do you think the Bears do? Send him packing? Sign him for a moderate amount? There won't be budget for a huge deal @ QB (I don't think), so if Grossman were to explode on the scene that could be trouble cap-wise.

 

I believe they will resign Grossman if he has a good season. And I believe there will be money to sign him if he has a great season. A great season by Grossman virtually assures them of at least an NFC Championship appearance, and probably the Super Bowl. They have always been good about maintaing a smart cap. There will be space, or they will make the space. Besides, when was the last time a marque QB (and under this scenario RG would be marquee) actually signed as a free agent with a new team?

 

If he fails to improve from last season, I think they will either try and get him back on the cheap or let him walk.

 

Drew Brees was probably the last "marquee" QB (under your definition) to be signed by another team just 1 season ago.

 

His team had a different guy that they wanted to promote, and he was coming off injury. Plus, he took a bit of a step back. I'm talking about a QB coming off a great season whose team wants to keep him. It's not like baseball, where stud pitchers routinely do to free agency and leave. If a team finds a QB, they typically keep him, unless they already have his replacement on board.

 

Agreed, although Grossman is sort of an unusual case in that respect. Usually QB's get signed for pretty long deals out of college, and by the time they hit free agency the team knows if they are going to sink or swim. Grossman got that type of contract as well, but because of all the injuries a lot of the decision making will have to be based off of this year alone (because if he has a good year this year, last year can simply be chalked up to growing pains). I do agree with you that the Bears won't let him go if he has a good year, although that might mean that his top receivers this year will be cap casualties.

 

If Grossman really did perform well, like let's say a pro bowl appearance, then wouldn't that put resigning Harris at risk? I was under the impression we're pushing it cap-wise now. Cap numbers (up-to-date, accurate ones) seem difficult to find though, so I'm really not sure.

 

I'd do whatever it took to keep a pro bowl type QB too. We've searched so long for a good one.

 

1. Cap goes up another $7M in 08

2. Briggs is gone in 2008. $7.2M savings

3. Wale released after this year. Push the cap hit of about $6M to 09. Save about $7M+ from his salary.

4. Alex Brown released or traded.

5. Harris is signed through 2008. 2009 Franchise or offer extension.

 

Yeah, you pretty much do what you can/have to do to keep a productive QB. The Bears could make some moves if they had to without too much sting.

[Soul]

All draft picks now signed, nice work JA:

 

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3612

[Jon]

I didn't expect him to be the last one to sign, but I'm quite pleased with how things are right now heading into Bourbanais.

[Soriano12]

BRIGGS SIGNS THE 1 YEAR OFFER PER THE SCORE 670!

[Alfonso Soriano]

BEARS FTW

[MPC]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3614

 

its official. i'm stunned it happened so quickly.

[Jon]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3614

 

its official. i'm stunned it happened so quickly.

It sounded like they had a basic agreement once the deadline passed, so I'm not that surprised. It's certainly nice to have it done two days before camp begins, though.

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3614

 

its official. i'm stunned it happened so quickly.

It sounded like they had a basic agreement once the deadline passed, so I'm not that surprised. It's certainly nice to have it done two days before camp begins, though.

 

I was fully expecting him to symbolically sit out at least part of training camp, if not all the preseason. But I was certain he'd be around for all 16 games.

 

I wonder how the "Bears are having a disastrous offseason" crowd will respond.

[Soriano12]

"I am now prepared to sit out the year if the Bears don't trade me or release me," Briggs told FOXSports.com via cell phone Monday. "I've played my last snap for them. I'll never play another down for Chicago again."