2014 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread

[UMFan83]

Yeah, I don't know how you rebuild the defense, while also getting a new QB, which basically is rebuilding the offense at the same time.

 

I actually would NOT sign Cutler to a long-term deal. I'd franchise him and draft a QB. Best case, Cutler is amazing and you sign him long-term after 2014 while you develop a good QB you can potentially trade. Worst case, Cutler gets hurt again and you let him walk after 2014, and you have an experienced, cheap guy with experience coming in.

 

Hub the other day was saying it was possible to sign Jay long term and structure the contract so its only like a $13-14m cap hit the first few years. If that's the case, that's only like $4 mil more than last year, it might make sense to lock up the position for the next few years and then re-evaluate when the cap hit goes up.

 

I don't see any reason why the Bears wouldn't be sold on Cutler being an above average QB for the next several years....he's done more than enough to prove that IMO. The only area where there is doubt for the Bears FO is whether they can get the same or similar production at a much lower cost. It's a huge gamble to put the QB position into doubt when there are so many questions on defense.

[UMFan83]

Not a bad offseason plan:

 

http://www.chicitysports.com/2013/12/30/the-healing-mock-offseason/

 

Releases [18.8 million Saved]

 

DE Julius Peppers [15 million] Post June 1st cuts the cap cost in half.

P Adam Podlesh [1 million]

WR Eric Weems [1 million]

RB Michael Bush [1.8 million]

 

Cap Space: 64.8 million

 

Re-Signings [40.5 Million Spent]

 

QB Jay Cutler 4 years 64 million/32 guaranteed

 

I think the Bears intend to sign Cutler long term before they try and enter back into a QB market with an offense that is growing

 

Year 1: 4 million base/8 million guaranteed [12]

Year 2: 8 million base/8 million guaranteed [16]

Year 3: 10 million base/8 million guaranteed [18]

Year 4: 10 million base/8 million guaranteed [18]

.

OG Matt Slauson 4 years 12 million/6 guaranteed

 

He has been a pleasant surprise at LG and brings increased size and physicality to the line. This line should be kept together and allowed to grow together.

 

Year 1: 1 million base/1 million guaranteed [2]

Year 2: 2 million base/1 million guaranteed [3]

Year 3: 2 million base/1 million guaranteed [3]

Year 4: 3 million base/1 million guaranteed [4]

 

DT Henry Melton 2 years 12 million/4 guaranteed

 

A similar deal to the one that Cliff Avril signed coming off of an ACL injury and the franchise tag. The dollar value is there for Melton with reasonable guarantees if he gets cut after 1 season he makes 7 million similar to the tag and the Bears can save 5 million in 2015 if they feel they need to move on.

 

Year 1: 3 million base/2 million guaranteed [5]

Year 2: 5 million base/2 million guaranteed [7]

 

CB Tim Jennings 4 years 26 million/12 guaranteed

 

He is a perfect fit in the defense and has been durable for the Bears while forcing a ton of turnovers. But Jennings is not a #1 CB and he does not fit in a system that runs man coverage so I think his price tag stays reasonable and the Bears can afford to keep him.

 

Year 1: 1 million base/3 million guaranteed [4]

Year 2: 4 million base/3 million guaranteed [7]

Year 3: 4 million base/3 million guaranteed [7]

Year 4: 5 million base/3 million guaranteed [8] *restructured or cut

 

DE Corey Wootton 3 years 12 million/6 guaranteed

 

He is young, versatile and has stayed healthy and while he is not dominant he can start and provide a nice rotational player while grabbing 7-8 sacks a season.

 

Year 1: 1 million base/2 million guaranteed [3]

Year 2: 2 million base/2 million guaranteed [4]

Year 3: 3 million base/2 million guaranteed [5] *restructured or cut

 

DT Jeremiah Ratliff 2 years 8 million/4 guaranteed

 

Year 1: 1 million base/2 million guaranteed [3]

Year 2: 3 million base/2 million guaranteed [5]

 

CB Zackary Bowman 2 years 4 million/2 guaranteed

 

He played well enough to be the #3 CB and keep the seat warm for a drafted player.

Year 1: 1 million base/1 million guaranteed [2]

Year 2: 1 million base/1 million guaranteed [2]

 

QB Josh McCown 2 years 3 million/1.5 guaranteed

 

He is the perfect back up in this system and with Jay’s health question marks he is worth every penny and he wants to stay here as he is in the perfect situation.

 

Year 1: 500k base/.5 million guaranteed [1]

Year 2: 1 million base/1 million guaranteed [2]

 

LB D.J Williams 1 year 1.5 million

 

With Bostic not stepping up and siezing the job we need a veteran that can give us an option in case Bostic struggles against the run.

 

CB Sherrick McManis 2 years 2 million/500k guaranteed

 

Year 1: 500k base/500k guaranteed [1]

Year 2: 1 million base [1]

 

1 Year Deals [5.9 Million Spent]

 

S Anthony Walters [750K]

C Taylor Boggs [ERFA] 480K

LB Jerry Franklin [ERFA] 480K

LB Blake Costanzo [750K million]

OT Eben Britton [1 million]

S Craig Steltz [1 million]

LS Pat Mannely [1 million]

P Tress Way [500K]

 

Extensions [1 million spent]

 

WR Brandon Marshall [1 year 9 million remaining] 2 years 26 million/16 guaranteed [3 years 35 million/16 guaranteed]

 

Marshall has 4 good years left with his size and a game not reliant on speed and the Bears can still afford to extend Jeffery in 2 years, by extending Marshall again like they do with Briggs. This duo needs to be together till the wheels fall off of Marshall and I am willing to sacrifice in other areas down the road.

 

Year 1: 4 million base/6 million guaranteed [10]

Year 2: 7 million base/5 million guaranteed [12]

Year 3: 8 million base/5 million guaranteed [13]

 

Cap Space: 24.3 million

 

Free Agents [20.25 million spent]

 

The Bears are missing foundational players on defense as they move on from Tillman and Peppers and they need to be replaced with more than just depth players.

 

DE Michael Johnson [Cincinnati] 5 years 45 million/20 guaranteed

 

The Bears need a dynamic pass rusher that can consistently impact a game and while Johnson’s sack numbers are not as good as last season he is PFF 2nd ranked 3-4 DE and has made plays all over the field this season. He provides the type of athlete that the Bears need at RE.

 

Year 1: 2 million base/4 million guaranteed [6]

Year 2: 4 million base/4 million guaranteed [8]

Year 3: 5 million base/4 million guaranteed [9]

Year 4: 6 million base/4 million guaranteed [10]

Year 5: 8 million base/4 million guaranteed [12]

 

S Jairus Byrd [buffalo] 4 years 34 million/16 guaranteed

 

The Bears safety play killed their defense this season as the safeties did not provide support in the back end and they could not cover 1 on 1. Byrd is an elite coverage FS that can come in and immediately provide stability for the Bears.

 

Year 1: 3 million base/4 million guaranteed [7]

Year 2: 4 million base/4 million guaranteed [8]

Year 3: 5 million base/4 million guaranteed [9]

Year 4: 6 million base/4 million guaranteed [10]

 

DT Arthur Jones 4 years 18 million/8 guaranteed

 

Jones provides an increase in size and depth for the Bears as he has played all over the Ravens front. Jones also has 4.5 sacks and can provide pass rush from the NT position. He can also provide depth at the 3 technique if Melton struggles to come back from his ACL injury.

 

Year 1: 1 million base/2 million guaranteed [3]

Year 2: 2 million base/2 million guaranteed [4]

Year 3: 3 million base/2 million guaranteed [5]

Year 4: 4 million base/2 million guaranteed [6]

 

S Kendrick Lewis [Chiefs] 2 years 5 million/2 guaranteed

 

Lewis can come in and step in at SS and provide a physical tackler that the Bears have missed.

 

Year 1: 1 million base/1 million guaranteed [2]

Year 2: 2 million base/1 million guaranteed [3]

 

RB Anthony Dixon [san Francisco] 2 years 3 million/2 guaranteed

 

A big bruising short yardage back, who has also played fullback and is a special teams standout. He comes in at a million less a year and will do more than Bush was capable of.

 

Year 1: .5 million base/1 million guaranteed [1.5]

Year 2: .5 million base/1 million guaranteed [1.5]

 

TE Mathew Mulligan 1 year 750K

 

A blocking TE that can catch the ball a little and provides a big physical short yardage player.

 

Draft

 

1[14] DE Trent Murphy [stanford] 6’6′ 272lbs.

 

The Bears need a starting LE that can rush the passer and can stop the run. Murphy has the size, power, and relentless motor to provide a consistent rush from the LE position. Murphy is the type of physical player that can change the culture of the defense like Long did for the OL.

 

2[46] CB Kyle Fuller [Virginia Tech] 6′ 195lbs.

 

Bowman will start for a few weeks while Fuller gets up to speed and in the meantime we have depth and developing players. Fuller provides a physical presence at the CB position and is a physical player that can continue the tradition of physicality at the position.

 

3[78] LB Yawin Smallwood [uConn] 6’3 236lbs.

 

Bostic does not appear to be the answer at MLB as he look lost when blockers come at him and he does not seem like he can play the run inside. Smallwood has shown that he can play the run from the inside on a defense where he does not have elite players on the inside. Smallwood can develop behind Williams who is back on a 1 year prove it deal.

 

4. C Weston Richberg [Colorado St] 6’3″ 300lbs.

 

Garza has really struggled in the run game and his age is starting to show as he struggles with explosive DTs. Richburg is a smart leader who can come in and compete with Boggs to replace Garza.

 

5. QB Aaron Murray [Georgia] 6’1″ 215lbs.

 

The Bears need a developmental QB and they can get a great value in Murray who is coming off of an ACL injury that will drop him. All the Bears need is a player that can sit and learn for a couple of years and Murray needs that time to heal.

 

6. WR T.J Jones [Notre Dame] 5’11″ 180lbs.

 

Earl Bennett was making too much money to be the 5th option on most passing plays, but the Bears need to add a cheap reliable slot option. Jones just catches the ball when it is thrown his way and will not be needed to do much more than be the 4th WR and play some special teams.

 

6. OT Justin Britt [Missouri] 6’6″ 315lbs.

 

The Bears need to continue to add depth and youth on the offensive line and continue to let Aaron Kromer develop guys. Britt has the size that the Bears appear to desire and plays in a passing offense very similar to Long and Mills. Britt can come in and simply work behind the veterans, be inactive on game days and work to develop as a long term answer at LG, RG when Long goes to LT, or at LT if he can continue to develop his footwork.

 

Depth Chart

 

QB: Cutler, McCown, Murray

RB: Forte, Dixon, Ford

FB: Fiametta

WR: Marshall, Bennett

WR: Jeffery, Wilson, Jones

TE: Bennett, Mulligan, Onubon

LT: Bushrod, Britt

LG: Slauson

C: Richburg, Boggs

RG: Long, Brown

RT: Mills Britton

 

RE: Johnson, McClellin, Bass

DT: Melton, Paea

NT: Jones, Ratliff

LE: Murphy, Wootton

SLB: Bostic, Costanzo, Franklin

MLB: Williams, Smallwood

WLB: Briggs, Greene

CB: Jennings, Bowman, Fuller, McManis, Frey [NB]

FS: Byrd, Conte, Walter

SS: Lewis, Steltz

[rawaction]

Yeah, I don't know how you rebuild the defense, while also getting a new QB, which basically is rebuilding the offense at the same time.

 

I actually would NOT sign Cutler to a long-term deal. I'd franchise him and draft a QB. Best case, Cutler is amazing and you sign him long-term after 2014 while you develop a good QB you can potentially trade. Worst case, Cutler gets hurt again and you let him walk after 2014, and you have an experienced, cheap guy with experience coming in.

 

Hub the other day was saying it was possible to sign Jay long term and structure the contract so its only like a $13-14m cap hit the first few years. If that's the case, that's only like $4 mil more than last year, it might make sense to lock up the position for the next few years and then re-evaluate when the cap hit goes up.

 

I don't see any reason why the Bears wouldn't be sold on Cutler being an above average QB for the next several years....he's done more than enough to prove that IMO. The only area where there is doubt for the Bears FO is whether they can get the same or similar production at a much lower cost. It's a huge gamble to put the QB position into doubt when there are so many questions on defense.

 

My point is if this was a "prove it" year for Cutler, he didn't really prove it. Of course, I'm pretty sure if he didn't get hurt, he would have proved it without a shadow of a doubt.

 

And while 13-14M cap hit for a few years would be excellent, 16M for 1 year (franchise tag) is more ideal if the team isn't sold that Cutler is worth the money. Basically, my bottom line is, I'd have no problem letting Cutler walk if Josh McCown was 24 instead of 34. Not that I think McCown or any draftee is going to be as good as Cutler, but the money difference wouldn't be worth it. So, if the Bears can get a more talented, younger version of McCown in the draft this year and the same thing happens (Cutler gets hurt and backup has to play a few games and does very well) then you can get out of the contract easier again after 2014.

[rawaction]

I think you can get acceptable DE and S play without having to sign the likely 2 highest paid FAs. Martellus has already said he will recruit his brother, Michael to Chicago. He'd be cheaper at DE. I think you can use the extra money saved at DE and S to go after a better FA LB than DJ Williams or a better DT or a better CB than Bowman.

 

The draft isn't bad though. Murphy's a slight reach at 14, though.

[UK1679666180]

If theyre building this defense, wouldn't it be wise to cut Briggs too? I was very disappointed to see him so out of shape after coming back. Id also cut Bennett, Bush, Peppers, Podlesh.

 

I hope they look for a starting RT, as much as they protected Mills it was still clear that he probably isn't a starting RT.

[Banedon]

If theyre building this defense, wouldn't it be wise to cut Briggs too? I was very disappointed to see him so out of shape after coming back. Id also cut Bennett, Bush, Peppers, Podlesh.

 

I hope they look for a starting RT, as much as they protected Mills it was still clear that he probably isn't a starting RT.

 

I also wondered if Briggs might be done here. I don't think he's been happy without Brian and Lovie here. I've read where he's avoided interviews the last couple of weeks and has generally been unhappy. Thought that might just be because he's playing in a crummy defense. Getting some good players around him might improve his mood.

[UK1679666180]

If theyre building this defense, wouldn't it be wise to cut Briggs too? I was very disappointed to see him so out of shape after coming back. Id also cut Bennett, Bush, Peppers, Podlesh.

 

I hope they look for a starting RT, as much as they protected Mills it was still clear that he probably isn't a starting RT.

 

I also wondered if Briggs might be done here. I don't think he's been happy without Brian and Lovie here. I've read where he's avoided interviews the last couple of weeks and has generally been unhappy. Thought that might just be because he's playing in a crummy defense. Getting some good players around him might improve his mood.

 

If you can get younger here, you almost have to, IMO. A declining Briggs does little.

 

As far as Cutler, I expect them to sign him to a long-term deal although I'd rather see him franchised and draft a QB early.

[UMFan83]

If theyre building this defense, wouldn't it be wise to cut Briggs too? I was very disappointed to see him so out of shape after coming back. Id also cut Bennett, Bush, Peppers, Podlesh.

 

I hope they look for a starting RT, as much as they protected Mills it was still clear that he probably isn't a starting RT.

 

I also wondered if Briggs might be done here. I don't think he's been happy without Brian and Lovie here. I've read where he's avoided interviews the last couple of weeks and has generally been unhappy. Thought that might just be because he's playing in a crummy defense. Getting some good players around him might improve his mood.

 

He's always unhappy about something....his contract, crashing his new Lamborghini, etc. He always plays through it and plays fine. I don't take anything out of his performance the last 2 weeks. I think you definitely bring him back for some stability and because he's still young enough to resume being a pro bowl caliber LB.

[Banedon]

If theyre building this defense, wouldn't it be wise to cut Briggs too? I was very disappointed to see him so out of shape after coming back. Id also cut Bennett, Bush, Peppers, Podlesh.

 

I hope they look for a starting RT, as much as they protected Mills it was still clear that he probably isn't a starting RT.

 

I also wondered if Briggs might be done here. I don't think he's been happy without Brian and Lovie here. I've read where he's avoided interviews the last couple of weeks and has generally been unhappy. Thought that might just be because he's playing in a crummy defense. Getting some good players around him might improve his mood.

 

He's always unhappy about something....his contract, crashing his new Lamborghini, etc. He always plays through it and plays fine. I don't take anything out of his performance the last 2 weeks. I think you definitely bring him back for some stability and because he's still young enough to resume being a pro bowl caliber LB.

 

I could see it either way. We don't have a any LB's at all outside of Briggs, so that obviously speaks to keeping him, but he'd be a lot of cap space if you wanted to go another way and get younger.

[RynoRules]

FWIW, I could live with that offseason plan above. I agree we need to change our attitude on D - they need to get nastier. If Murphy brings that attitude, then great, bring him in. I'd love to see him and Johnson killing QB's and RB's for the next 4 or 5 years. Byrd could also make an enormous difference in an Ed Reed sort of way (the last good safety we had was.....Mike Brown?). Watching Conte and Wright take sh--ty angles against the run was so frustrating.

 

I'm not sure I agree that Bostic is a lost cause. He's fast and is a good tackler. He might benefit from a move outside after Briggs is done.

 

I'm not sure about the idea of Boggs vs a rookie 3rd rounder for the starting center spot. That said, Garza looks like he's spent. Not his fault - happens to the best of them - but it's probably time to say goodbye.

[USSoccer]

Not resigning Cutler would be such a Chicago sports front office move.

 

Really, just do that and you can almost more or less focus entirely on the defense through FA and the draft.

[JonJayCutler]

Yeah, it's a damn good plan. Someone show it to Emery.

[Banedon]

http://i.imgur.com/wj5kp6V.jpg

[rawaction]

If theyre building this defense, wouldn't it be wise to cut Briggs too? I was very disappointed to see him so out of shape after coming back. Id also cut Bennett, Bush, Peppers, Podlesh.

 

I hope they look for a starting RT, as much as they protected Mills it was still clear that he probably isn't a starting RT.

 

Mills is fine. He was a 5th round rookie. He was considered pretty raw coming out. I thought it would take his 3rd year til he became a starter, but he got forced in there early and did OK for what he was (5th round from a small school). I don't see why he can't get better and be an asset for this OL.

 

As for Briggs, yeah I could see him gone. He has been weird all year. He didn't really push to get back on the field and then when he did he had some weird comments about his future and not wanting to get hurt and mess up his career. If you are cutting Peppers (should) and not bringing back Tillman, you might as well get rid of Briggs too.

[JonJayCutler]

Man, there is no Bear I'm going to miss more than Tillman.

 

RIP Peanut Punch.

[rawaction]

Man, there is no Bear I'm going to miss more than Tillman.

 

RIP Peanut Punch.

 

I'd probably bring Tillman and Jennings back. Tillman shouldn't require a ton of money and maybe only 1 guaranteed year, and seems like a guy that would like to stay in Chicago, where he has his foundation, family, and is one of the best people in the game. Jennings would require more.

 

Honestly with Briggs, I'd see where his head is at. If he wants to stay on a rebuilding defense, I'd keep him and let him play out his contract. But if he doesn't want to be here, let him go.

[UMFan83]

Man, there is no Bear I'm going to miss more than Tillman.

 

RIP Peanut Punch.

 

Did they announce he's not coming back or something?

[CubColtPacer]

Not resigning Cutler would be such a Chicago sports front office move.

 

Really, just do that and you can almost more or less focus entirely on the defense through FA and the draft.

 

What to do with Cutler is one of the most fascinating contract decisions the NFL has had in awhile. From an outsider's perspective, I don't think the Bears front office can be blamed either way. There are real, justifiable reasons for either decision. And the decision is close enough that the contract structure matters a ton on which way they should go.

 

The pros to keeping Cutler-he's an above average QB who will hopefully not be making elite money. The main reason of course is that QB's are so scarce that it's hard to justify letting one go when you have one.

 

The cons to keeping Cutler-The top end of QB salaries are starting to accelerate higher than the cap is. Combine that with rookie salaries coming way down, and signing above average QB's to big deals is becoming not a great strategy to winning games (Rivers is the only one of those QB's to make the playoffs this year). Add in Cutler's injuries and potential decline over the course of the deal, and you're really banking on the cap going up if you sign him to a true long-term deal.

 

Personally, I feel that if you can get some decent picks for him, that tips the balance in favor of trading him. If you can't, then the decision becomes really close.

[Banedon]

Man, there is no Bear I'm going to miss more than Tillman.

 

RIP Peanut Punch.

 

Did they announce he's not coming back or something?

 

No, but he tweeted his precautionary "love you Chicago" goodbyes.

[USSoccer]

One of the biggest reasons you bring him back is that you finally have a really productive offense, and you risk a major step back if you let him go. The defense is still not going to be very good next season, so you have to continue to excel offensively.

[rawaction]

Personally, I feel that if you can get some decent picks for him, that tips the balance in favor of trading him. If you can't, then the decision becomes really close.

 

Problem is, you won't know if you can get decent picks for him unless you franchise/sign him first. Nobody is going to say, "Hey, if you franchise Cutler we'll give you a 1st and 3rd for him", when they can just sign Cutler if he walks.

[Banedon]

If we decided to trade Briggs, what kind of trade value does he have at this point? I wonder if we could get a little more if we trade him to whereever Lovie ends up.

 

I kinda hope Lovie ends up in Washington. Pair him back up with Rex.

[rawaction]

If we decided to trade Briggs, what kind of trade value does he have at this point? I wonder if we could get a little more if we trade him to whereever Lovie ends up.

 

I kinda hope Lovie ends up in Washington. Pair him back up with Rex.

 

Probably would have to be a cut.

[USSoccer]

I really like the idea of trying to get Andy Murray with a mid-round draft pick.

[scarey]

Sounds like speculation straight from the player, but if the Raiders don't sign him, I would love to bring in Houston for the 3 technique.

 

http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_24813839/raiders-notebook-lamarr-houston-expects-be-moving

 

I like Melton, but I feel that if they are going to invest in a 3 tackle, I would rather have the guy we know is healthy. Re-sign Wootton, bring in Michael Bennett, and draft a raw mid round DE and I would be pretty happy with that D-line.