Chicago Bears Offseason 2012

[rawaction]

Kamerion Wimbley looks like he's going to be cut. That's a nice Plan B, if Mario Williams is Plan A.

[rawaction]

Texans released Eric Winston a bit ago. Does he fit with us at RT, moving Carimi to LT?

For the right price, I'd be all over this. I prefer Mario Willams to be the first priority in Bree agency, though.

 

Still can't figure out why Winston was cut. He's a really good player. I'd be all for a move like this, but Tice seems dead set that Carimi is a RT.

[UMFan83]

A "number of NFL sources" tell CSN Chicago that the Bears are considered around the league to be the favorites for free agent Mario Williams as Tuesday's 4PM ET signing period approaches.

The Bears are all systems go in free agency, and Williams would form the NFL's most dominant bookend duo in the league across from Julius Peppers. Ultimately, Chicago may choose between Williams and free agent wideout Vincent Jackson. It sounds like Williams is coach Lovie Smith's priority, and new GM Phil Emery's old team in Kansas City rarely spent big on wide receivers. While the Chargers, Patriots, and Titans have been linked to Williams as well, the Bears may be positioned best to land him. We should find out by midweek.

 

Wheeeeee

yeah booooyee

 

I want Vincent Jackson so badly but I'm sorry if Mario Williams is out there, you have to do everything you can to get him.

 

It's definitely not a surprise that Lovie prefers Williams over a WR. Hopefully they can sign a quality WR too because we obviously really need that as well.

[ctcf]

A "number of NFL sources" tell CSN Chicago that the Bears are considered around the league to be the favorites for free agent Mario Williams as Tuesday's 4PM ET signing period approaches.

The Bears are all systems go in free agency, and Williams would form the NFL's most dominant bookend duo in the league across from Julius Peppers. Ultimately, Chicago may choose between Williams and free agent wideout Vincent Jackson. It sounds like Williams is coach Lovie Smith's priority, and new GM Phil Emery's old team in Kansas City rarely spent big on wide receivers. While the Chargers, Patriots, and Titans have been linked to Williams as well, the Bears may be positioned best to land him. We should find out by midweek.

 

Wheeeeee

yeah booooyee

 

I want Vincent Jackson so badly but I'm sorry if Mario Williams is out there, you have to do everything you can to get him.

 

It's definitely not a surprise that Lovie prefers Williams over a WR. Hopefully they can sign a quality WR too because we obviously really need that as well.

 

They absolutely have to. Williams, a second-tier WR, a 1st Round WR and some O-line help would make me a happy panda.

[Magnetic Curses]

there's just not another guy out there like jackson, and jay needs a big guy that can get open.

[rawaction]

All things being equal, I hate the thought of throwing a lot of money at anyone. I'd rather make signings like Okoye. A young guy with talent cut from a team that didn't utilize him to the best of his ability. Worked with Okoye and Tim Jennings, but of course did not with Gholston and Gaines Adams. That being said, if you can get Mario Williams, you have to try. If that happens, I'd spend the rest of the FA money on guys that should be cheaper than their talent dictates. Guys like McNeill if he gets cut from SD, Josh Morgan, Robert Meachem, Mike Brisiel from Houston, etc. I hate the thought of being stuck with a huge cap hit on a player who isn't likely to be worth it in a few years. That's what scares me about VJax and Colston.

[davell]

I want a WR as much or more than anyone, but getting Mario would be awesome. Hell, it probably is possible to add him and V-Jax but it certainly would require some resructuring of others. That said, maybe you could add Manningham? Colston or Meachem? One of those WR's, draft one relatively early as well and we could have a hell of an offseason.

[Soul]

I'm gonna go ahead and say it: I'd rather target the WR first.

 

Cutler is in his prime. We need to maximize that opportunity now, or risk forever losing it. Yes, I would be happy with Mario. Anyone would.

 

But we need to secure our franchise QB with a target. Once and for all, we need to establish a damn passing game of note in this town. There may not be another opportunity to do that as good as this year ever again. This is the year to grab a top-flight WR. Either through FA or draft. We need to do this now.

[davell]

I am actually coming around on Colston because I think he may get overlooked and undervalued, in the end. It won't surprise me to see Meachem get close to the same money as him.

[Derwood]

Sign Williams and Cutler won't need receivers, as the defense will give up approximately 1.7 ppg

[rawaction]

there's just not another guy out there like jackson, and jay needs a big guy that can get open.

 

There aren't many guys like Jackson who is 6-5 and runs a 4.4. But there are plenty of WRs better than Vincent Jackson. There are plenty of WRs that are big enough and can get open. I really don't want to see the Bears get in a bidding war with a 29 year old WR.

[davell]

I'm gonna go ahead and say it: I'd rather target the WR first.

 

Cutler is in his prime. We need to maximize that opportunity now, or risk forever losing it. Yes, I would be happy with Mario. Anyone would.

 

But we need to secure our franchise QB with a target. Once and for all, we need to establish a damn passing game of note in this town. There may not be another opportunity to do that as good as this year ever again. This is the year to grab a top-flight WR. Either through FA or draft. We need to do this now.

We can add a second tier WR though, like a Manningham and still get Williams. And draft a WR in the 1st, if we like someone enough.

[Soul]

Sign Williams and Cutler won't need receivers, as the defense will give up approximately 1.7 ppg

 

It doesn't maximize a new strength on the team, which is the passing arm of Cutler.

[Soul]

I'm gonna go ahead and say it: I'd rather target the WR first.

 

Cutler is in his prime. We need to maximize that opportunity now, or risk forever losing it. Yes, I would be happy with Mario. Anyone would.

 

But we need to secure our franchise QB with a target. Once and for all, we need to establish a damn passing game of note in this town. There may not be another opportunity to do that as good as this year ever again. This is the year to grab a top-flight WR. Either through FA or draft. We need to do this now.

We can add a second tier WR though, like a Manningham and still get Williams. And draft a WR in the 1st, if we like someone enough.

 

And if we don't like someone enough, or our guy is gone, then poof.

[ctcf]

I'm gonna go ahead and say it: I'd rather target the WR first.

 

Cutler is in his prime. We need to maximize that opportunity now, or risk forever losing it. Yes, I would be happy with Mario. Anyone would.

 

But we need to secure our franchise QB with a target. Once and for all, we need to establish a damn passing game of note in this town. There may not be another opportunity to do that as good as this year ever again. This is the year to grab a top-flight WR. Either through FA or draft. We need to do this now.

We can add a second tier WR though, like a Manningham and still get Williams. And draft a WR in the 1st, if we like someone enough.

 

And if we don't like someone enough, or our guy is gone, then poof.

 

So don't go for Williams on the chances we don't get a shot at a WR we like in the first round?

[rawaction]

I'm gonna go ahead and say it: I'd rather target the WR first.

 

Cutler is in his prime. We need to maximize that opportunity now, or risk forever losing it. Yes, I would be happy with Mario. Anyone would.

 

But we need to secure our franchise QB with a target. Once and for all, we need to establish a damn passing game of note in this town. There may not be another opportunity to do that as good as this year ever again. This is the year to grab a top-flight WR. Either through FA or draft. We need to do this now.

We can add a second tier WR though, like a Manningham and still get Williams. And draft a WR in the 1st, if we like someone enough.

 

Manningham will get paid like a 1st tier WR. Huge Superbowl = big money. The Deion Branch Effect.

[Soul]

I'm gonna go ahead and say it: I'd rather target the WR first.

 

Cutler is in his prime. We need to maximize that opportunity now, or risk forever losing it. Yes, I would be happy with Mario. Anyone would.

 

But we need to secure our franchise QB with a target. Once and for all, we need to establish a damn passing game of note in this town. There may not be another opportunity to do that as good as this year ever again. This is the year to grab a top-flight WR. Either through FA or draft. We need to do this now.

We can add a second tier WR though, like a Manningham and still get Williams. And draft a WR in the 1st, if we like someone enough.

 

And if we don't like someone enough, or our guy is gone, then poof.

 

So don't go for Williams on the chances we don't get a shot at a WR we like in the first round?

 

Obviously it depends on a number of factors, but I would target VJax first and foremost.

[UMFan83]

Sign Williams and Cutler won't need receivers, as the defense will give up approximately 1.7 ppg

 

It doesn't maximize a new strength on the team, which is the passing arm of Cutler.

 

I think a premiere pass rusher to go along with an even better pass rusher will bring more benefit to this team than Jackson. Not saying Jackson wouldnt help that much because he would help immensely, but if we got Williams we'd have the best pass rush in the league. As you know, Lovie's Cover 2 is absolutely dependent on getting to the QB (ok most defenses are). Having that pass rush changes or defense from slightly above average to among the best in the league IMO.

 

Plus, while there are other options at WR that will help the Bears a ton, IMO the drop between Williams and the next best option is much bigger than Jackson and Colston.

[Soul]

Sign Williams and Cutler won't need receivers, as the defense will give up approximately 1.7 ppg

 

It doesn't maximize a new strength on the team, which is the passing arm of Cutler.

 

I think a premiere pass rusher to go along with an even better pass rusher will bring more benefit to this team than Jackson. Not saying Jackson wouldnt help that much because he would help immensely, but if we got Williams we'd have the best pass rush in the league. As you know, Lovie's Cover 2 is absolutely dependent on getting to the QB (ok most defenses are). Having that pass rush changes or defense from slightly above average to among the best in the league IMO.

 

Plus, while there are other options at WR that will help the Bears a ton, IMO the drop between Williams and the next best option is much bigger than Jackson and Colston.

 

Yeah that's true, but the way I'm looking at it, we already have a premiere pass rusher in Peppers. Pass rush shouldn't be a weakness. I'm also thinking Izzy should have a little better season because he was inordinately down last year, IMO. I don't think the Bears will be a poor pass rushing team next year. Melton should also contribute...

 

On the other hand, my thinking has us blowing years off a franchise QB arm, when we obviously don't see talent at that position very often. It's absolutely critical we capitalize in that area while we can because we struggle in that area and have a real opportunity right now.

 

I have a certain confidence in our ability to court and/or develop defensive pieces. I'm much more nervous about our ability to assemble offense, and want to see us take advantage when we can.

[rawaction]

Sign Williams and Cutler won't need receivers, as the defense will give up approximately 1.7 ppg

 

It doesn't maximize a new strength on the team, which is the passing arm of Cutler.

 

I think a premiere pass rusher to go along with an even better pass rusher will bring more benefit to this team than Jackson. Not saying Jackson wouldnt help that much because he would help immensely, but if we got Williams we'd have the best pass rush in the league. As you know, Lovie's Cover 2 is absolutely dependent on getting to the QB (ok most defenses are). Having that pass rush changes or defense from slightly above average to among the best in the league IMO.

 

Plus, while there are other options at WR that will help the Bears a ton, IMO the drop between Williams and the next best option is much bigger than Jackson and Colston.

 

Exactly. Plus, it's not like Cutler is completely incapable without a star WR. The passing game was on it's way to respectability (I know, not the goal) with a healthy Cutler, some misfit WRs, and clowns on the OL. If the Bears get anyone better than Roy Williams (not hard to do) and draft a WR anywhere in the first 2 rounds, they should automatically be better there this year. If the defense is that much better, status quo on offense would still make this a SB contender.

[Guest]

Soul, I get what you're saying about taking advantage of Cutler while we can. However, when you're handing out elite contracts you want to be sure to get an elite player back. I don't think Jackson is in the top 10 WR. Mario is either the #1 DE or almost certainly top 3. IMO, go for the better player with the elite contract and fill in the WR through other means.

[Soul]

You know if we sign Mario I'll be ecstatic.

 

 

 

I want to see Cutler unchained. I hear what you're saying.....how good could this guy be with some real targets? When will we see a guy of his quality at QB in a Bear uni again?

[davell]

If I knew I could get V-Jax and Wimbley for the same price it takes to get Mario, I'd take the pair for sure. In the end, I guess it all comes down to money. It is not an easy call and I really want a WR bigtime. But I think we can add a WR like a Meachem and draft a Floyd, Wright, Hill in the 1st and be good at WR.

[rawaction]

Sign Williams and Cutler won't need receivers, as the defense will give up approximately 1.7 ppg

 

It doesn't maximize a new strength on the team, which is the passing arm of Cutler.

 

I think a premiere pass rusher to go along with an even better pass rusher will bring more benefit to this team than Jackson. Not saying Jackson wouldnt help that much because he would help immensely, but if we got Williams we'd have the best pass rush in the league. As you know, Lovie's Cover 2 is absolutely dependent on getting to the QB (ok most defenses are). Having that pass rush changes or defense from slightly above average to among the best in the league IMO.

 

Plus, while there are other options at WR that will help the Bears a ton, IMO the drop between Williams and the next best option is much bigger than Jackson and Colston.

 

Yeah that's true, but the way I'm looking at it, we already have a premiere pass rusher in Peppers. Pass rush shouldn't be a weakness. I'm also thinking Izzy should have a little better season because he was inordinately down last year, IMO. I don't think the Bears will be a poor pass rushing team next year. Melton should also contribute...

 

On the other hand, my thinking has us blowing years off a franchise QB arm, when we obviously don't see talent at that position very often. It's absolutely critical we capitalize in that area while we can because we struggle in that area and have a real opportunity right now.

 

I have a certain confidence in our ability to court and/or develop defensive pieces. I'm much more nervous about our ability to assemble offense, and want to see us take advantage when we can.

 

I wouldn't count on 31 year old Idonije getting any better. He's a run stopping DE who should come off the field on passing downs. They won't be poor rushing the passer even with the same group. But they could be the best with Williams.

 

There's not a single player available better than Williams. Unless you're talking about a QB, where you can only play 1 elite player. Or a RB, where eliteness is largely dictated on other players. You get as many elite players on your team as you can.

[Soul]

Let's say we sign Mario and then Floyd falls to us in the draft.

 

Party time :yahoo: