2011 Bears Offseason thread

[Guest]

The Chicago Sun-Times reports the Bears are "cooling" on free agent DE Jason Babin while the Eagles are "heating up."

Bears beat writer Sean Jensen suggests the team had a discounted price in mind, and Babin went over it. During his appearance on PFT Live Wednesday, Babin confirmed that he holds Eagles DL coach Jim Washburn in high esteem.

[Splendid Splinter]

The Chicago Sun-Times reports the Bears are "cooling" on free agent DE Jason Babin while the Eagles are "heating up."

Bears beat writer Sean Jensen suggests the team had a discounted price in mind, and Babin went over it. During his appearance on PFT Live Wednesday, Babin confirmed that he holds Eagles DL coach Jim Washburn in high esteem.

 

Good... Rather get Ray Edwards or a DT instead of Babin. Has anybody heard anything about Carlos Rogers yet? He's a CB I like the Bears to get if he doesn't cost too much...

[JonJayCutler]

Just noting that JA's last three notable free agent WR signings have been Muhsin, Brandon Lloyd (who is supposedly good now), and Marty Booker. That's a whole lot of mediocre.

 

At this point I'd almost do flips over Sims-Walker. No Brad Smith please.

[Banedon]

Wide receivers off market so far Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice, Santana Moss, Steve Breaston. One intriguing one remains avail: Malcom Floyd.

 

Guess is Floyd aims for $7 million annually. He might not achieve that, but bet he aims high.

 

Braylon Edwards will also be available but as one person asked me, could that be David Terrell all over again?

[hawkeyecub]

Now that the Vikings are in the market for a WR I've noticed that these WR's suck and most will be overpaid.

 

Derrick Mason is older than dirt but that bastard keeps producing. I'd rather have him than Malcom Floyd. He's like Berrian except Berrian didn't have a stud QB, #1 WR and TE playing alongside him when he became a free agent.

[RynoRules]

IIRC, there are only three teams further under the cap than the Bears. Yet here we sit without one bloody thing to show for it and the names we are being associated with aren't likely to have a serious impact. This is either arrogant, foolhardy or both.

[SpongeWorthy]

Huh, I had no idea the NYG version of Steve Smith was a free agent too. If Martz really doesn't care about big receivers I think he'd be interested in him for sure.

[Splendid Splinter]

Huh, I had no idea the NYG version of Steve Smith was a free agent too. If Martz really doesn't care about big receivers I think he'd be interested in him for sure.

 

 

Didn't he have microfracture surgery on his knee??? If so, that's a tough surgery to come back from... esp. for a WR. I doubt he'll ever be the same again.

[rawaction]

IIRC, there are only three teams further under the cap than the Bears. Yet here we sit without one bloody thing to show for it and the names we are being associated with aren't likely to have a serious impact. This is either arrogant, foolhardy or both.

 

To be fair, the guys that have signed so far at positions of need for the Bears have either gone back to their former teams (Free, Yanda, Holmes, S Moss) or got overpaid (Rice). But I don't think the Bears are going to make a big splash this year, which is the norm for the Bears. I think they are really going to build up depth. As long as it's quality guys, I'm ok with that.

[SpongeWorthy]

Huh, I had no idea the NYG version of Steve Smith was a free agent too. If Martz really doesn't care about big receivers I think he'd be interested in him for sure.

 

 

Didn't he have microfracture surgery on his knee??? If so, that's a tough surgery to come back from... esp. for a WR. I doubt he'll ever be the same again.

 

Yeah, I just read that. He says he's open to a one year deal to rebuild his value and prove he's healthy. Microfracture isn't what it used to be and it may be worth it to take a flier on him since it looks like the big fish are off the table.

[Splendid Splinter]

Huh, I had no idea the NYG version of Steve Smith was a free agent too. If Martz really doesn't care about big receivers I think he'd be interested in him for sure.

 

 

Didn't he have microfracture surgery on his knee??? If so, that's a tough surgery to come back from... esp. for a WR. I doubt he'll ever be the same again.

 

Yeah, I just read that. He says he's open to a one year deal to rebuild his value and prove he's healthy. Microfracture isn't what it used to be and it may be worth it to take a flier on him since it looks like the big fish are off the table.

 

 

Ok... say he's dirt cheap and everything. How soon will he be ready? Can he start doing football related activities right now? Pretty sure he had that surgery like Dec. or Jan. and it usually takes awhile to recover (most athletes I know takes like 7 months to a year- Chris Webber was 8 months and Amare Stoudemire came back after like 5-6 months several years then sat out til next season after a few games of having discomfort). These are NBA players so can't really compare the sports, but they are athletes like Steve Smith. Plus it's the NFL and Steve Smith would get hit/tackled by players unlike the NBA athletes.

 

Does anybody know of any NFL players who had microfracture surgery and came back while playing at a skill position (basically not an OL or DL)???

Edited July 28, 2011 by Splendid Splinter

[Tyrant]

#Bears traded 37th overall pick in 2007 to #Chargers who drafted Eric Weddle. Bears got back 2nd, 2 3rds and a 5th rd pick from SD.

 

#Bears turned those picks into Dan Bazuin, Garrett Wolfe, Kevin Payne, Marcus Harrison. Weddle just agreed to richest safety contract in NFL

 

Biggs gets really hung up on stupid crap like this. He spent like three weeks last year lamenting the James Starks draft day thing.

[Splendid Splinter]

#Bears traded 37th overall pick in 2007 to #Chargers who drafted Eric Weddle. Bears got back 2nd, 2 3rds and a 5th rd pick from SD.

 

#Bears turned those picks into Dan Bazuin, Garrett Wolfe, Kevin Payne, Marcus Harrison. Weddle just agreed to richest safety contract in NFL

 

Biggs gets really hung up on stupid crap like this. He spent like three weeks last year lamenting the James Starks draft day thing.

 

 

Yeah... That's a great package for the 37th pick. I would've done it as well. It just happened to be where none of the picks for the Bears made an impact really so it looks bad NOW 4 years later...

[ELCABALLO45]

I still think Mike Sims-Walker could bust out one of these years.

[RynoRules]

IIRC, there are only three teams further under the cap than the Bears. Yet here we sit without one bloody thing to show for it and the names we are being associated with aren't likely to have a serious impact. This is either arrogant, foolhardy or both.

 

To be fair, the guys that have signed so far at positions of need for the Bears have either gone back to their former teams (Free, Yanda, Holmes, S Moss) or got overpaid (Rice). But I don't think the Bears are going to make a big splash this year, which is the norm for the Bears. I think they are really going to build up depth. As long as it's quality guys, I'm ok with that.

 

I understand the interest in depth, but didn't we get at that via the draft and the two dozen UFA's we inked? The offense is desperately in need of impact players. Cutler is one and I guess it could be argued that Forte is another. You can't expect to beat the best teams in this league without consistently legitimate threats at WR. The Bears don't have any.

[Splendid Splinter]

IIRC, there are only three teams further under the cap than the Bears. Yet here we sit without one bloody thing to show for it and the names we are being associated with aren't likely to have a serious impact. This is either arrogant, foolhardy or both.

 

To be fair, the guys that have signed so far at positions of need for the Bears have either gone back to their former teams (Free, Yanda, Holmes, S Moss) or got overpaid (Rice). But I don't think the Bears are going to make a big splash this year, which is the norm for the Bears. I think they are really going to build up depth. As long as it's quality guys, I'm ok with that.

 

 

I agree with raw here. I don't think Bears NEED to make a big splash this offseason as Bears just need a couple of key pieces and then building up depth. They don't really NEED to get that impact player either. Just getting above average players (but not great players) is a HUGE improvement at key positions for the Bears. The only question here is that the quality of the depth guys like raw said.

 

The only big splash (or a position that can make a HUGE impact) that Bears would get is at WR or OL and possibly DT. I didn't think any of the WR this offseason qualify really (you could make a case for Holmes, but I don't IMO- I'm thinking like Fitz/Andre Johnson/V Jax/Megatron level and Holmes is below that). At least I don't think Holmes or Rice are worth of the contract/argeement they agreed to. I just rather take a flyer on a 1 yr deal on Roy Williams or Braylon Edwards and hope that Fitz will become a FA next offseason or give MSW a contract at half the price it took to get Holmes or Rice (I'm not sure how much $$$ MSW is looking for).

 

There are a bunch of OLs out there... Again there's no LEGIT LT that is a FA (unless Gathier is somehow completely healthy and back to his old self). And the guys who can make a HUGE impact were franchised (Nicks/Mankins). But there are several guys out there worth getting. Most of these guys might not be GREAT, but they would make a HUGE improvement over what the Bears had last year. Joseph/Dahl/Colon/Lutui/etc... all would make big improvement. Heck just even getting average OLs would be an improvement. I'm pretty certain Bears will get a OL or 2 here. They just might be trying to find someone that is the right price. Carimi will be a big boost to the OL this year IMO.

 

It's the same with DL. Guys like Ray Edwards/Jenkins/Mebane are still there. That's about the only DLs that I would like the Bears to sign. Paea will be a boost to the DL this year as well plus they can resign AA and whoever else to back up and I would be fine with that.

 

All of the other positions that are needs (CB/LB and depth everywhere)... they don't NEED to make a big splash there. A solid, quality player at those position will be a big improvement.

 

At LB, they just need to sign a solid durable guy to play at the SAM position. I like Justin Durant as the 3rd LB, but he isn't that durable. If you get Durant and resign Roach and get another depth guy, then I'm ok with that. I would call Barrett Ruud and see what his asking price is, but I'm sure he's asking for a lot and Tampa has more money to spend than anyone else.

 

It's the same thing for CB. I'm hoping Bears will go after Carlos Rogers. Asomugha would be nice, but he's just gonna cost too much. If Bears were 1 or 2 pieces away from being a LEGIT super bowl contender for the next couple years, then yeah I would go after Asomugha, but they need more pieces than that.

 

Overall, I would want the Bears to spread the wealth and get quality key and depth players. Yeah getting like Holmes or Asomugha would be great, but then you're getting a couple other guys and then filler. I rather get 4-5 2nd tier guys (if it works out $$$ wise) and then depth guys. Getting back to what Ryno said about "the names we are being associated with aren't likely to have a serious impact". The player doesn't have to be great or even very very good to make a serious impact. For example, going from Tim Jennings to Carlos Rogers would make a serious and big impact even though Rogers isn't considered "great". Another example... basically from Omiyale/Williams/Garza/Webb/Olin to most of the FA OLs would make a serious impact as well. Bears got impact players on their team (Cutler/Forte/Hester/Peppers/Urlacher/Briggs). They need to make sure they get complimenary, quality players around them.

[Guest]

Agent Drew Rosenhaus reportedly sent a mass email to all 32 teams Wednesday night announcing the Bears were making TE Greg Olsen available for trade.

"The Bears have granted me permission to seek a trade for Greg Olsen," the email stated. "Please let me know if interested. Sounds like the Bears will be very reasonable on the compensation in return for Greg." Ten minutes later, Rosenhaus sent a follow-up email asking teams to disregard the original text. Olsen is known to be seeking an extension. Perhaps talks went south with the Bears, and Rosenhaus wants to force a showdown. GM Jerry Angelo shopped Olsen as recently as the 2010 draft.

[Butterscup1679666578]

Mistake waiting to happen.

[Guest]

Mistake waiting to happen.

 

Sean Jensen seems to confirm the Bears are shopping Olsen.

 

https://twitter.com/#!/skjensen/statuses/96457603374264320

[Banedon]

Detroit gets LB Justin Durant. He's someone that Bears were supposedly looking at.

[Banedon]

Bears sign punter Adam Podlesh, formerly from Jacksonville, to a 5 year deal.

[RynoRules]

Detroit gets LB Justin Durant. He's someone that Bears were supposedly looking at.

 

Awesome. Let's trade our best receiver for a 3rd rnd pick. I don't understand why this franchise can't get more creative and get Jay more weapons.

 

As good as Aaron Rodgers is, he wouldn't be without a good OL, a good running game, and guys like Finley, Jennings and Driver. The Bears don't have anyone who is even as good as Driver is in his mid-30's.

 

IMO they need another RB as well. Taylor hasn't shown that he can do it anymore and Wolfe is a ST player. When Grant went down the Pack had Starks and Jackson to fall back on. We need something similar.

[Banedon]

Bears are targeting Jason Babin in FA.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-spt-bears-babin,0,5687009.story

 

I hate this idea. Players coming off career years right before FA really scare me.

 

17.5 Sacks in his career prior to last year (7 seasons and 66 games). 12.5 sacks last year at age 30. 2 forced fumbles prior to last year, 2 FF last year

 

I dunno, he just screams 'huge bust' to me.

 

He'll probably go to the Eagles anyway.

 

*flex*

 

Babin goes the Eagles...5 year deal.

[Banedon]

Detroit gets LB Justin Durant. He's someone that Bears were supposedly looking at.

 

Awesome. Let's trade our best receiver for a 3rd rnd pick. I don't understand why this franchise can't get more creative and get Jay more weapons.

 

As good as Aaron Rodgers is, he wouldn't be without a good OL, a good running game, and guys like Finley, Jennings and Driver. The Bears don't have anyone who is even as good as Driver is in his mid-30's.

 

IMO they need another RB as well. Taylor hasn't shown that he can do it anymore and Wolfe is a ST player. When Grant went down the Pack had Starks and Jackson to fall back on. We need something similar.

 

Did you quote the wrong post here?

[RynoRules]

Bears sign punter Adam Podlesh, formerly from Jacksonville, to a 5 year deal.

 

Angelo: We have to play a field position type game. We play in a cold weather city and need to win with defense and special teams. I'm going to concentrate on getting a new punter and trading Olson so we can have some extra cash around for a couple of more three-technique DT's.

 

Smith: Yup, yup...

 

Martz: Uh, who is Jay going to throw the ball to? Doesn't GB play in a cold weather city too, but they are pretty aggressive on offense with dynamic receivers? And remember what Brady did to us in the snow last year? It really doesn't get cold here until December, plus we play at least two road games per year in domes....

 

Angelo: STOP MAKING LOGICAL STATEMENTS AND DO WHAT I SAY!!!!!