Re: Bears Offseason Thread

[Guest]

Matt Forte is a fine NFL runningback. Replace Omiyale and Kreutz and he will have decent numbers next year. Now, I will wholeheartedly agree that the Bears need someone to help him with carries, but I won't go as far as some have suggested and say the Bears need to spend an early pick on a RB, need to sign a veteran FA, or lose 60% of his carries to Pierre Thomas.

 

Forte isn't good. He's barely adequate. I overrated him last year probably based on the fact that he was a good fantasy RB, but he wasn't a good RB. No team should have one primary back unless that guy is great, and Forte doesn't run the ball well enough to deserve the role he has. The line plays a part, but Forte should have never been a 300 rushes guy, and he shouldn't be a 250 guy either. There's no reason why he and a guy like Thomas can't split with 150 each.

 

Forte has no burst speed or moves. The Bears have no quality RB depth. I can't imagine why somebody would have a problem taking carries away from him or trying to get better depth at a position they suck at and get very little from. Money is not an issue as Forte is signed for nothing for 2 more years.

I don't want to spend a lot of money adding another RB, though. For one, your consistent point about the fact that this is now a passing league is spot on. It diminishes the importance of a feature back. Second, we'll get improvement in the running game simply by improving the line and investing scarce resources to do that as well as we possibly can. Take what you'd spend on Thomas + an average lineman and spend the combined money on an outstanding one. Third, if the scheme improves significantly, the pass can better set up and improve the effectiveness of the running game, too.

 

Basically, I'm fine with adding additional depth to the position, but not at the expense of allocating resources to what I perceive as greater areas of need on the lines, secondary and possibly receiver.

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't want to spend a lot of money adding another RB, though. For one, your consistent point about the fact that this is now a passing league is spot on. It diminishes the importance of a feature back. Second, we'll get improvement in the running game simply by improving the line and investing scarce resources to do that as well as we possibly can. Take what you'd spend on Thomas + an average lineman and spend the combined money on an outstanding one. Third, if the scheme improves significantly, the pass can better set up and improve the effectiveness of the running game, too.

 

Basically, I'm fine with adding additional depth to the position, but not at the expense of allocating resources to what I perceive as greater areas of need on the lines, secondary and possibly receiver.

 

The passing game matters most, obviously, but I thik the talent at WR is clearly much better than RB. And I initially mentioned I think they might need to spend more than a 7th rounder on a RB. I didn't even know Thomas was a pending free agent. But the fact is the Bears need talent upgrade at RB. They have limited draft picks and are not in a bad financial/cap situating. I doubt Thomas gets star free agent RB money, as he's not that big of a name. People keep talking about the fictional great offensive line options, but I dont' see many, and I don't see why they can't upgrade both OL and RB.

[dew1679666265]

Free agent offensive linemen:

 

Jahri Evans (27)

Logan Mankins (28)

Marcus McNeill (26)

Willie Colon (27)

Jared Gaither RFA (24)

Donald Penn (27)

Jermon Bushrod RFA (26)

Daryn Colledge (28)

Kevin Mawae (39)

Chad Clifton (34)

Eugene Amano (28)

David Baas (28)

Khalif Barnes (28)

Alex Barron (27)

Mike Brisiel (27)

Jeromey Clary RFA (26)

Nick Cole (26)

Ryan Cook (27)

Tyson Clabo (29)

Harvey Dahl (29)

Mike Gandy (31)

Cornell Green (34)

Rex Hadnot (28)

Ben Hamilton (33)

Justin Hartwig (31)

Stephon Heyer RFA (26)

Richie Incognito (27)

Jon Jansen (34)

Charlie Johnson (26)

Nick Kaczur (31)

Chris Kuper (27)

Deuce Lutui (27)

Stephen Neal (33)

Rudy Niswanger (27)

Chester Pitts (31)

Manuel Ramirez RFA (27)

Rob Sims (26)

Chris Spencer (28)

Jason Spitz (27)

Adam Terry (28)

Jeremy Trueblood (27)

Bobbie Williams (33)

Marshal Yanda (25)

 

Obviously not all these guys will hit the market, but there are some real nice linemen on that list. Football's Future, where this list came from, also has write ups on a number of these guys.

[Guest]

I thought Evans was an RFA. If not, that's even better. He should definitely be the #1 offseason target of the Bears.

[dew1679666265]

I thought Evans was an RFA. If not, that's even better. He should definitely be the #1 offseason target of the Bears.

 

I'm not sure how the uncapped year thing changes any of those guys. I don't know if the site took that into account or not.

 

Not sure what type of linemen the Bears normally target, but the guys who I think are the best on that list are probably McNeill, Gaither, Evans and Penn. Yanda and Ramirez are interesting developmental guys.

[Guest]

I thought Evans was an RFA. If not, that's even better. He should definitely be the #1 offseason target of the Bears.

 

I'm not sure how the uncapped year thing changes any of those guys. I don't know if the site took that into account or not.

 

Not sure what type of linemen the Bears normally target, but the guys who I think are the best on that list are probably McNeill, Gaither, Evans and Penn. Yanda and Ramirez are interesting developmental guys.

 

I'd say there's an opening at guard and tackle. Chris Williams has to be penciled in as a starting LT. Roberto Garza and Josh Beekman are decent guards but they can sit on the bench for one of these superior free agents (plus, Beekman is the center of the future and could move in 2010 itself).

 

Evans is, in my opinion, the best on that list. Logan Mankins should be on your list of the best. Also, Penn is an RFA.

[dew1679666265]

I thought Evans was an RFA. If not, that's even better. He should definitely be the #1 offseason target of the Bears.

 

I'm not sure how the uncapped year thing changes any of those guys. I don't know if the site took that into account or not.

 

Not sure what type of linemen the Bears normally target, but the guys who I think are the best on that list are probably McNeill, Gaither, Evans and Penn. Yanda and Ramirez are interesting developmental guys.

 

I'd say there's an opening at guard and tackle. Chris Williams has to be penciled in as a starting LT. Roberto Garza and Josh Beekman are decent guards but they can sit on the bench for one of these superior free agents (plus, Beekman is the center of the future and could move in 2010 itself).

 

Evans is, in my opinion, the best on that list. Logan Mankins should be on your list of the best. Also, Penn is an RFA.

 

I like Mankins as well, even though he seems so much older than all the other guys. I know he's only 28 and, thus, only a year or two older than most of those guys, but he seems so much older. He's a very good lineman, though.

 

And yeah, both Penn and Gaither are RFAs according to that list, but both are very talented young linemen. If either becomes available, the Bears would do well to fill either tackle spot with him.

[Guest]

I thought Evans was an RFA. If not, that's even better. He should definitely be the #1 offseason target of the Bears.

 

I'm not sure how the uncapped year thing changes any of those guys. I don't know if the site took that into account or not.

 

Not sure what type of linemen the Bears normally target, but the guys who I think are the best on that list are probably McNeill, Gaither, Evans and Penn. Yanda and Ramirez are interesting developmental guys.

 

I'd say there's an opening at guard and tackle. Chris Williams has to be penciled in as a starting LT. Roberto Garza and Josh Beekman are decent guards but they can sit on the bench for one of these superior free agents (plus, Beekman is the center of the future and could move in 2010 itself).

 

Evans is, in my opinion, the best on that list. Logan Mankins should be on your list of the best. Also, Penn is an RFA.

 

I like Mankins as well, even though he seems so much older than all the other guys. I know he's only 28 and, thus, only a year or two older than most of those guys, but he seems so much older. He's a very good lineman, though.

 

And yeah, both Penn and Gaither are RFAs according to that list, but both are very talented young linemen. If either becomes available, the Bears would do well to fill either tackle spot with him.

 

There are a few names the Bears can go after and sign without necessarily breaking the bank but still being able to improve the line immensely (not all of the free agents are going to re-sign). It's especially imperative to sign one since the Bears have no day one picks and Jerry Angelo seemingly prefers signing free agent linemen to drafting them.

Edited January 8, 2010 by CaliforniaRaisin
Because I am an idiot!

[jersey cubs fan]

I thought the CBA issue was going to mean unrestricted FA becoming restricted, not more guys becoming unrestricted.

[Guest]

I thought the CBA issue was going to mean unrestricted FA becoming restricted, not more guys becoming unrestricted.

 

Crap, you're right. Don't know what I was thinking.

[dew1679666265]

I thought Evans was an RFA. If not, that's even better. He should definitely be the #1 offseason target of the Bears.

 

I'm not sure how the uncapped year thing changes any of those guys. I don't know if the site took that into account or not.

 

Not sure what type of linemen the Bears normally target, but the guys who I think are the best on that list are probably McNeill, Gaither, Evans and Penn. Yanda and Ramirez are interesting developmental guys.

 

I'd say there's an opening at guard and tackle. Chris Williams has to be penciled in as a starting LT. Roberto Garza and Josh Beekman are decent guards but they can sit on the bench for one of these superior free agents (plus, Beekman is the center of the future and could move in 2010 itself).

 

Evans is, in my opinion, the best on that list. Logan Mankins should be on your list of the best. Also, Penn is an RFA.

 

I like Mankins as well, even though he seems so much older than all the other guys. I know he's only 28 and, thus, only a year or two older than most of those guys, but he seems so much older. He's a very good lineman, though.

 

And yeah, both Penn and Gaither are RFAs according to that list, but both are very talented young linemen. If either becomes available, the Bears would do well to fill either tackle spot with him.

 

There are a few names the Bears can go after and sign without necessarily breaking the bank but still being able to improve the line immensely (not all of the free agents are going to re-sign). It's especially imperative to sign one since the Bears have no day one picks and Jerry Angelo seemingly prefers signing free agent linemen to drafting them.

 

The good thing about the current crop of FA olinemen is that many are young enough that you can get 5-6 years out of them before they really start to decline. This isn't a bunch of 30+ linemen who are likely to decline quickly.

[rawaction]

Matt Forte is a fine NFL runningback. Replace Omiyale and Kreutz and he will have decent numbers next year. Now, I will wholeheartedly agree that the Bears need someone to help him with carries, but I won't go as far as some have suggested and say the Bears need to spend an early pick on a RB, need to sign a veteran FA, or lose 60% of his carries to Pierre Thomas.

 

Forte isn't good. He's barely adequate. I overrated him last year probably based on the fact that he was a good fantasy RB, but he wasn't a good RB. No team should have one primary back unless that guy is great, and Forte doesn't run the ball well enough to deserve the role he has. The line plays a part, but Forte should have never been a 300 rushes guy, and he shouldn't be a 250 guy either. There's no reason why he and a guy like Thomas can't split with 150 each.

 

Forte has no burst speed or moves. The Bears have no quality RB depth. I can't imagine why somebody would have a problem taking carries away from him or trying to get better depth at a position they suck at and get very little from. Money is not an issue as Forte is signed for nothing for 2 more years.

I don't want to spend a lot of money adding another RB, though. For one, your consistent point about the fact that this is now a passing league is spot on. It diminishes the importance of a feature back. Second, we'll get improvement in the running game simply by improving the line and investing scarce resources to do that as well as we possibly can. Take what you'd spend on Thomas + an average lineman and spend the combined money on an outstanding one. Third, if the scheme improves significantly, the pass can better set up and improve the effectiveness of the running game, too.

 

Basically, I'm fine with adding additional depth to the position, but not at the expense of allocating resources to what I perceive as greater areas of need on the lines, secondary and possibly receiver.

 

That was the original point of my post, but this thread has turned into Forte bashing. People talk about his lack of speed and moves (though he ran a 4.4 at the combine), but there are plenty of guys in the same boat. Benson had a ton more yards, but is of similar speed and moves of Forte.

 

Goony, again I'm not disputing anything you said in your post. Forte is adequate. But adequate is good enough when you have so many other needs. And you are 100% correct that he shouldn't be getting 250-350 carries if he's not of Peterson, Johnson, Jones-Drew ability. But that doesn't mean he should lose most of his carries to the lesser backs mentioned.

 

I'd like to bring in another RB, simply because AP is a free agent and Wolfe sucks. But I'd be fine with a 5-6th rounder and very little money spent on the position. I think Forte for 180-200 carries, Bell for 100, and Wolfe/rookie for 30-50 would be good enough. The Bears won 7 games with no run game whatsoever and the most TOs in the league. They are 2 OL and a good OC away (IMO) from having a decent run game. That's not reason enough to spend a lot of money on another back. And yes, money IS an issue. Just because Forte makes little means nothing. I'd rather money be spent on a stud OL, good FS, good DL than on another RB.

[rawaction]

Free agent offensive linemen:

 

Jahri Evans (27)

Logan Mankins (28)

Marcus McNeill (26)

Willie Colon (27)

Jared Gaither RFA (24)

Donald Penn (27)

Jermon Bushrod RFA (26)

Daryn Colledge (28)

Kevin Mawae (39)

Chad Clifton (34)

Eugene Amano (28)

David Baas (28)

Khalif Barnes (28)

Alex Barron (27)

Mike Brisiel (27)

Jeromey Clary RFA (26)

Nick Cole (26)

Ryan Cook (27)

Tyson Clabo (29)

Harvey Dahl (29)

Mike Gandy (31)

Cornell Green (34)

Rex Hadnot (28)

Ben Hamilton (33)

Justin Hartwig (31)

Stephon Heyer RFA (26)

Richie Incognito (27)

Jon Jansen (34)

Charlie Johnson (26)

Nick Kaczur (31)

Chris Kuper (27)

Deuce Lutui (27)

Stephen Neal (33)

Rudy Niswanger (27)

Chester Pitts (31)

Manuel Ramirez RFA (27)

Rob Sims (26)

Chris Spencer (28)

Jason Spitz (27)

Adam Terry (28)

Jeremy Trueblood (27)

Bobbie Williams (33)

Marshal Yanda (25)

 

Obviously not all these guys will hit the market, but there are some real nice linemen on that list. Football's Future, where this list came from, also has write ups on a number of these guys.

 

I don't think the Saints will let Evans leave. I actually think the Pats will allow Mankins to go. But he will be paid a TON of money. A cheaper option might be Eugene Amano.

 

Starting LG for the Titans the last 2 years. Only 28. Has led the way for the #2 rushing attack for each of the last 2 years, including a 2000 yard back this year. He seems to be a strong run blocker. And if you don't care about run blocking, the Titans gave up just 22 sacks in the last 2 years, including just 8 of the immobile Kerry Collins in 2008. I believe Amano gave up 3-4 of them.

 

I like Gaither a lot at tackle too. He's super young, plays LT, but will probably be moved to RT or benched in favor of "The Blindside" Michael Oher next year. He is restricted though. Do the Bears have to give up compensation if Baltimore doesn't match or make an offer to him? How does that work again?

[dew1679666265]

I don't think the Saints will let Evans leave. I actually think the Pats will allow Mankins to go. But he will be paid a TON of money. A cheaper option might be Eugene Amano.

 

Starting LG for the Titans the last 2 years. Only 28. Has led the way for the #2 rushing attack for each of the last 2 years, including a 2000 yard back this year. He seems to be a strong run blocker. And if you don't care about run blocking, the Titans gave up just 22 sacks in the last 2 years, including just 8 of the immobile Kerry Collins in 2008. I believe Amano gave up 3-4 of them.

 

I've actually seen Amano as a bit of a weak link in the Titans' line the last couple of years. It could just be that the Titan line is so good, but as you said Amano has given up 3-4 of 8 total sacks in 2008. I think Amano would be a really nice backup who can play both center and both guard spots, but am not crazy about him as a starter. He likely would be cheap, though, (if the Titans don't resign him, I think Fisher likes him) and might be an improvement over somebody like Omiyale for the Bears.

 

I've wanted Leroy Harris to start at guard for a while now, though he'll likely be the replacement for Mawae at center going into next year.

 

I like Gaither a lot at tackle too. He's super young, plays LT, but will probably be moved to RT or benched in favor of "The Blindside" Michael Oher next year. He is restricted though. Do the Bears have to give up compensation if Baltimore doesn't match or make an offer to him? How does that work again?

 

I'm pretty sure the way RFAs work is that if Baltimore tenders him an offer, then whoever signs him must give up the appropriate compensation. There are three levels, I believe, of compensation, with the first being a 1st and 3rd, the second being a 3rd and the third being nothing. I'm going completely off memory here, so I may be wrong on that.

[jersey cubs fan]

Goony, again I'm not disputing anything you said in your post. Forte is adequate. But adequate is good enough when you have so many other needs. And you are 100% correct that he shouldn't be getting 250-350 carries if he's not of Peterson, Johnson, Jones-Drew ability. But that doesn't mean he should lose most of his carries to the lesser backs mentioned.

 

I didn't saying anything about lesser backs, I was talking about a superior runner like Thomas. Get a guy who can actually do something with the ball in his hands, but who may not be capable of running 20 times a game, and team him with Forte, whose main strength is that he can carry it 25 times a game, and you might have something back there. If you are waiting until the 7th round, I'd fear you are getting very little. If you sign a couple quality lineman and can't afford such a player, fine, but I think they have plenty of room in their cap structure to fit in a back with superior talent than Forte. I might prefer a Brandon Marshall type receiver, but I think an impact WR is going to be much harder to acquire than a complimentary RB who can take half of Forte's carries.

[rawaction]

I don't think the Saints will let Evans leave. I actually think the Pats will allow Mankins to go. But he will be paid a TON of money. A cheaper option might be Eugene Amano.

 

Starting LG for the Titans the last 2 years. Only 28. Has led the way for the #2 rushing attack for each of the last 2 years, including a 2000 yard back this year. He seems to be a strong run blocker. And if you don't care about run blocking, the Titans gave up just 22 sacks in the last 2 years, including just 8 of the immobile Kerry Collins in 2008. I believe Amano gave up 3-4 of them.

 

I've actually seen Amano as a bit of a weak link in the Titans' line the last couple of years. It could just be that the Titan line is so good, but as you said Amano has given up 3-4 of 8 total sacks in 2008. I think Amano would be a really nice backup who can play both center and both guard spots, but am not crazy about him as a starter. He likely would be cheap, though, (if the Titans don't resign him, I think Fisher likes him) and might be an improvement over somebody like Omiyale for the Bears.

 

I've wanted Leroy Harris to start at guard for a while now, though he'll likely be the replacement for Mawae at center going into next year.

 

Amano gave up 3-4 in the 2 years (2 in 2008, and either 1 or 2 this year depending on the website). Sorry for the confusion. And yes, Amano is the weak link in the Titans line, but that is more of a factor of a great OL. Everything I've read from Titans fans say, "he's solid, never going to be a pro-bowler though". I think the Titans will re-sign Mawae and let Harris play LG.

[rawaction]

Goony, again I'm not disputing anything you said in your post. Forte is adequate. But adequate is good enough when you have so many other needs. And you are 100% correct that he shouldn't be getting 250-350 carries if he's not of Peterson, Johnson, Jones-Drew ability. But that doesn't mean he should lose most of his carries to the lesser backs mentioned.

 

I didn't saying anything about lesser backs, I was talking about a superior runner like Thomas. Get a guy who can actually do something with the ball in his hands, but who may not be capable of running 20 times a game, and team him with Forte, whose main strength is that he can carry it 25 times a game, and you might have something back there. If you are waiting until the 7th round, I'd fear you are getting very little. If you sign a couple quality lineman and can't afford such a player, fine, but I think they have plenty of room in their cap structure to fit in a back with superior talent than Forte. I might prefer a Brandon Marshall type receiver, but I think an impact WR is going to be much harder to acquire than a complimentary RB who can take half of Forte's carries.

 

I would go for an offensive guard, tackle, defensive tackle, end, Free safety, and WR before RB. You didn't mention lesser backs, but others did. And I don't think Pierre Thomas is that much better a runner than Forte to take 60% of his carries (as you did suggest).

[dew1679666265]

I don't think the Saints will let Evans leave. I actually think the Pats will allow Mankins to go. But he will be paid a TON of money. A cheaper option might be Eugene Amano.

 

Starting LG for the Titans the last 2 years. Only 28. Has led the way for the #2 rushing attack for each of the last 2 years, including a 2000 yard back this year. He seems to be a strong run blocker. And if you don't care about run blocking, the Titans gave up just 22 sacks in the last 2 years, including just 8 of the immobile Kerry Collins in 2008. I believe Amano gave up 3-4 of them.

 

I've actually seen Amano as a bit of a weak link in the Titans' line the last couple of years. It could just be that the Titan line is so good, but as you said Amano has given up 3-4 of 8 total sacks in 2008. I think Amano would be a really nice backup who can play both center and both guard spots, but am not crazy about him as a starter. He likely would be cheap, though, (if the Titans don't resign him, I think Fisher likes him) and might be an improvement over somebody like Omiyale for the Bears.

 

I've wanted Leroy Harris to start at guard for a while now, though he'll likely be the replacement for Mawae at center going into next year.

 

Amano gave up 3-4 in the 2 years (2 in 2008, and either 1 or 2 this year depending on the website). Sorry for the confusion. And yes, Amano is the weak link in the Titans line, but that is more of a factor of a great OL. Everything I've read from Titans fans say, "he's solid, never going to be a pro-bowler though". I think the Titans will re-sign Mawae and let Harris play LG.

 

Ah, I misunderstood you on that stat then. Amano is a nice player and, as I said, he could well be better than a couple of your interior linemen immediately. I would agree with the assessment that he's solid, but not likely to be a pro bowler.

 

They may well re-sign Mawae, but he's showing significant signs of aging as he's about to turn 40. I'd rather just start Harris, but this isn't the right thread for that discussion.

[jersey cubs fan]

I would go for an offensive guard, tackle, defensive tackle, end, Free safety, and WR before RB. You didn't mention lesser backs, but others did. And I don't think Pierre Thomas is that much better a runner than Forte to take 60% of his carries (as you did suggest).

 

I see no reason why a Forte Thomas backfield couldn't be 40/60, but who cares about such specifics. Thomas clearly brings more to the table because Matt Forte isn't good.

 

He's not a weapon, he's a body. I have serious doubts about their ability to get all those needs and the last thing this team needs is just a body at WR. Unless you get a really good one, there is no use for another one. They have 5-6 draft picks, and can sign 2-4 FA, I don't see how a RB can't be on that list, considering the one they have is way down the list and makes no money. The offensive line is probably the only place that can be improved by just throwing bodies there, and they aren't getting any significant upgrades at tackle or end.

[WrigleyField 22]

Leon Washington offers value as a kick returner, has better speed than Forte, and will be coming off an injury, so won't demand a lot of money.

 

Jerius Norwood is seriously fast and has excelled in a complimentary role. I don't see him commanding a lot of money either.

 

Neither of those guys will break the bank. Neither will relegate Forte to back up duty, but both offer a nice compliment to Forte.

[rawaction]

I would go for an offensive guard, tackle, defensive tackle, end, Free safety, and WR before RB. You didn't mention lesser backs, but others did. And I don't think Pierre Thomas is that much better a runner than Forte to take 60% of his carries (as you did suggest).

 

I see no reason why a Forte Thomas backfield couldn't be 40/60, but who cares about such specifics. Thomas clearly brings more to the table because Matt Forte isn't good.

 

He's not a weapon, he's a body. I have serious doubts about their ability to get all those needs and the last thing this team needs is just a body at WR. Unless you get a really good one, there is no use for another one. They have 5-6 draft picks, and can sign 2-4 FA, I don't see how a RB can't be on that list, considering the one they have is way down the list and makes no money. The offensive line is probably the only place that can be improved by just throwing bodies there, and they aren't getting any significant upgrades at tackle or end.

 

I didn't say RB can't be on the list. I said it shouldn't be high on that list. If its the 4th, 5th or 6th of the draft picks fine, but I see no reason to pay someone more than Forte to come in here.

 

And if you have 6 picks and 4 FAs. I'd like at least 2 of those to be offensive linemen. I'd like OL to be the highest paid FA and the 1st draft pick. If not, 2 FA OL and a 4th/5th pick on OL. From there, I'd sign or draft a FS. Sign a WR (no point in drafting a WR, IMO because he would be just a body in the 3rd round or later). Draft or sign at least 1 DL. Draft a LB. Then I'd worry about RB.

 

FA: OG, WR, FS, OT

Draft: 3rd- DL, 4th- OL, then you look at RB, along with DB or LB.

[jersey cubs fan]

I didn't say RB can't be on the list. I said it shouldn't be high on that list. If its the 4th, 5th or 6th of the draft picks fine, but I see no reason to pay someone more than Forte to come in here.

 

And if you have 6 picks and 4 FAs. I'd like at least 2 of those to be offensive linemen. I'd like OL to be the highest paid FA and the 1st draft pick. If not, 2 FA OL and a 4th/5th pick on OL. From there, I'd sign or draft a FS. Sign a WR (no point in drafting a WR, IMO because he would be just a body in the 3rd round or later). Draft or sign at least 1 DL. Draft a LB. Then I'd worry about RB.

 

Forte is only going to make about $500k, so signing almost anybody will require paying more than him. And I see no point in signing a WR unless you are getting an elite one. The Bears have a bunch of 2nd/3rd type WR, they don't need another. If you can get a stud, go ahead, but otherwise why waste?

[rawaction]

Leon Washington offers value as a kick returner, has better speed than Forte, and will be coming off an injury, so won't demand a lot of money.

 

Jerius Norwood is seriously fast and has excelled in a complimentary role. I don't see him commanding a lot of money either.

 

Neither of those guys will break the bank. Neither will relegate Forte to back up duty, but both offer a nice compliment to Forte.

 

The Bears don't need help in the return game. Washington would probably be the best returner on the team (Hester included), but not so much better that it would provide incentive to sign him. I also think you underestimate how much he could get paid. Washington was getting 12 carries per game when he got hurt. He averages 4.8 ypc for his career. He's a great returner and great receiver out of the backfield. Add to that he plays in NY so that increases his value.

 

As for Jerious Norwood, when you say he has excelled....you mean 18 months ago. He was pretty horrible this year (3.3 ypc). He missed 6 games and all but 1 play of another, and has missed time in every year but 08. And take out his 3 carry, 56 yd performance out vs. the woeful Rams in the last game of 08, and he has averaged a whopping 3.1 ypc in his last 20 games behind one of the league's best lines.

[jersey cubs fan]

Addto that he plays in NY so that increases his value.

 

Really? This isn't the Yankees. It's the Jets, who are like a worse version of the Mets, and nobody ever overvalued a Met.

 

I don't think there is any "overvaluing" a NY player in the NFL. Maybe the Patriots, with all their organization success, and possibly Indy, since they've always played with a superstar QB in a dome. But not the Jets.

[WrigleyField 22]

Leon Washington offers value as a kick returner, has better speed than Forte, and will be coming off an injury, so won't demand a lot of money.

 

Jerius Norwood is seriously fast and has excelled in a complimentary role. I don't see him commanding a lot of money either.

 

Neither of those guys will break the bank. Neither will relegate Forte to back up duty, but both offer a nice compliment to Forte.

 

The Bears don't need help in the return game. Washington would probably be the best returner on the team (Hester included), but not so much better that it would provide incentive to sign him. I also think you underestimate how much he could get paid. Washington was getting 12 carries per game when he got hurt. He averages 4.8 ypc for his career. He's a great returner and great receiver out of the backfield. Add to that he plays in NY so that increases his value.

 

As for Jerious Norwood, when you say he has excelled....you mean 18 months ago. He was pretty horrible this year (3.3 ypc). He missed 6 games and all but 1 play of another, and has missed time in every year but 08. And take out his 3 carry, 56 yd performance out vs. the woeful Rams in the last game of 08, and he has averaged a whopping 3.1 ypc in his last 20 games behind one of the league's best lines.

Well my off season plan includes trading Hester for a second rounder, so the return help would be nice with Washington. Can't really argue with Norwoods year this year, but the previous 3 years tell a whole different story.

 

All I can say is we better get Brandon Marshal and two great OL if the only upgrade we make to the run game is a 5th or 6th rounder.