Chicago Bears offseason

[raw]

Massie has been locked up through 2022.

 

Rumors say 8Mil+ per year. Hopefully for the sake of cap space, it's structured like 6, 6, 10, 10, with 12 guaranteed. But assuming it's not, only room for only 1 of Callahan/Amos.

 

All 11 starters on offense are back, whether you count Miller or Shaheen as the 11th. Throw in Cohen and your top 14 are back on O.

 

Defense has 10 of 11 starters back (9 of 11 if you call Callahan a starter and not a 3rd DL). Other than Amos, Callahan and Lynch every other contributor on D is due back in 2019.

 

Bring one of the DBs back, and you're looking at going into the offseason needing competition for 1 starter on D (w/ Bush if Callahan back, w/ McManis if Amos back), a punter, and the rest are deep depth needs, with emphasis likely on a 3rd OLB, a backup guard, a backup DB.

[UMFan83]

Massie has been locked up through 2022.

 

Rumors say 8Mil+ per year. Hopefully for the sake of cap space, it's structured like 6, 6, 10, 10, with 12 guaranteed. But assuming it's not, only room for only 1 of Callahan/Amos.

 

All 11 starters on offense are back, whether you count Miller or Shaheen as the 11th. Throw in Cohen and your top 14 are back on O.

 

Defense has 10 of 11 starters back (9 of 11 if you call Callahan a starter and not a 3rd DL). Other than Amos, Callahan and Lynch every other contributor on D is due back in 2019.

 

Bring one of the DBs back, and you're looking at going into the offseason needing competition for 1 starter on D (w/ Bush if Callahan back, w/ McManis if Amos back), a punter, and the rest are deep depth needs, with emphasis likely on a 3rd OLB, a backup guard, a backup DB.

 

If choosing between Amos and Callahan what is your preference? Remembering the revolving door we’ve had at safety until recently I’m definitely leaning Amos. Also the fact that he’s on the field more and is not coming off a quasi significant injury.

[raw]

Massie has been locked up through 2022.

 

Rumors say 8Mil+ per year. Hopefully for the sake of cap space, it's structured like 6, 6, 10, 10, with 12 guaranteed. But assuming it's not, only room for only 1 of Callahan/Amos.

 

All 11 starters on offense are back, whether you count Miller or Shaheen as the 11th. Throw in Cohen and your top 14 are back on O.

 

Defense has 10 of 11 starters back (9 of 11 if you call Callahan a starter and not a 3rd DL). Other than Amos, Callahan and Lynch every other contributor on D is due back in 2019.

 

Bring one of the DBs back, and you're looking at going into the offseason needing competition for 1 starter on D (w/ Bush if Callahan back, w/ McManis if Amos back), a punter, and the rest are deep depth needs, with emphasis likely on a 3rd OLB, a backup guard, a backup DB.

 

If choosing between Amos and Callahan what is your preference? Remembering the revolving door we’ve had at safety until recently I’m definitely leaning Amos. Also the fact that he’s on the field more and is not coming off a quasi significant injury.

 

Honestly, it's Callahan. The Bears have 23Mil tied up in their starting CBs, 27Mil in OLBs, over 18Mil between Goldman and Hicks up front, nearly 12Mil at ILB. I'd rather not tie 6-8 Mil into Amos when Jackson has to be signed long-term after 2020 (and hopefully before then). Plus, Bush is in-house to replace Amos. Callahan would tie even more up at CB, but I think he plays a more important position, doesn't have an in-house replacement, and doesn't have anyone at his position due for a big pay day....not to mention Amukamara is likely to be cut after 2019.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Callahan. I love Amos, but a thumping safety can be drafted. A cover corner as a nickel is awfully hard to find.

[WrigleyField 22]

The only concern I have with Callahan is he really hasn't stayed healthy. From a cap resource allocation standpoint, I'm definitely placing nickel back over S though. Replacing Callahan on the open market is a possibility in that regards. Bush looks ready to adequately start at S.

 

One article I read about Pagano said he liked using a third safety in nickle packages. I wonder if that will play into any decisions (I'd assume he's still using a 3rd CB more, but the Bears aren't super deep at S if Amos goes)

 

CB is really the only major position Pace hasn't drafted (Hall was kinda tweenerish, but moved to S full time pretty early). Wouldn't mind seeing that change this year.

Though they do have Tolliver and a handful of PS guys, I'm not sure if any of those are long term development pieces.

[We Got The Whole 9]

Curious about Tolliver. Was he a blue chip prospect out of HS?

[raw]

Curious about Tolliver. Was he a blue chip prospect out of HS?

 

The bluest of chips. 10th overall recruit on ESPN 300. 27th on Rivals and #3 CB recruit. I LOVE taking chances late and UDFA on guys like this. Elite talent that you hope had poor coaching/motivation that you can get coming in hungry being a non-sure bet for the first time in his life.

[raw]

The only concern I have with Callahan is he really hasn't stayed healthy. From a cap resource allocation standpoint, I'm definitely placing nickel back over S though. Replacing Callahan on the open market is a possibility in that regards. Bush looks ready to adequately start at S.

 

One article I read about Pagano said he liked using a third safety in nickle packages. I wonder if that will play into any decisions (I'd assume he's still using a 3rd CB more, but the Bears aren't super deep at S if Amos goes)

 

CB is really the only major position Pace hasn't drafted (Hall was kinda tweenerish, but moved to S full time pretty early). Wouldn't mind seeing that change this year.

Though they do have Tolliver and a handful of PS guys, I'm not sure if any of those are long term development pieces.

 

I've wanted them to take an early-ish CB each of the last few years. Toliver is a potential steal as a UDFA. But a top prospect would be really nice across from Fuller long-term when Amukamara is a likely cap casualty after the 2019 season.

 

There's a couple of perfect players for this defense, but probably going to be too far out of reach for the Bears with no picks til 87. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson of Florida is a FS/nickel hybrid with really good ball skills. Darnell Savage is a guy that could be around mid 3rd, so trade up range, but I doubt he's there at 87. Kinda reminds me of Adrian Amos when he came out.

[UMFan83]

Sweet

 

[Forgotmyoldlogin]

Sweet

 

Don't they usually/always give that game to the team that wins the prior year's Super Bowl?

[David]

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[jersey cubs fan]

[David]

great news, we aren't signing kareem hunt

[Bertz]

great news, we aren't signing kareem hunt

 

Yeah, I didn't think they were going to, but a pretty big relief to have it confirmed.

[Chocolate Milk]

great news, we aren't signing kareem hunt

 

Yeah, I didn't think they were going to, but a pretty big relief to have it confirmed.

I was bracing for impact on this one so I'm happy to see him sign with another team.

[UMFan83]

great news, we aren't signing kareem hunt

 

Yeah, I didn't think they were going to, but a pretty big relief to have it confirmed.

I was bracing for impact on this one so I'm happy to see him sign with another team.

 

Now we're just left with the lingering resentment that signing him was even a consideration.

[minnesotacubsfan]

we are?

[David]

not surprising but i think goony is not going to be happy with this year's tv schedule

 

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[CubsWin]

Massie has been locked up through 2022.

 

Rumors say 8Mil+ per year. Hopefully for the sake of cap space, it's structured like 6, 6, 10, 10, with 12 guaranteed. But assuming it's not, only room for only 1 of Callahan/Amos.

 

All 11 starters on offense are back, whether you count Miller or Shaheen as the 11th. Throw in Cohen and your top 14 are back on O.

 

Defense has 10 of 11 starters back (9 of 11 if you call Callahan a starter and not a 3rd DL). Other than Amos, Callahan and Lynch every other contributor on D is due back in 2019.

 

Bring one of the DBs back, and you're looking at going into the offseason needing competition for 1 starter on D (w/ Bush if Callahan back, w/ McManis if Amos back), a punter, and the rest are deep depth needs, with emphasis likely on a 3rd OLB, a backup guard, a backup DB.

According to Sportrac, Massie is paid 3.8 in 2019, 8.3, 9.3 and 9.4 after that. Massie was pretty bad in his first season after signing (he even admits it), but he's been really solid since, so he should be (I hope) worth it...

 

The Bears can save/open up $6 million by cutting Dion Sims (they'd still be on the hook for $333,000), and why wouldn't they with Shaheen looking like a more than viable 2nd TE.

 

That would give them just under $12 million to spend. Can they resign Callahan and Amos and fill their other depth needs for that? Maybe, depending on their demands. I wouldn't say it's guaranteed to be an either or situation. I mean, would you walk away from playing for this defense and a decent chance at going to the Super Bowl for a little extra dough? If a team blows them away with a great offer, it likely won't be matched though.

 

That said, they could both walk depending on how Pace sees their budget moving forward. They're going to have decisions to make on Cody Whitehair, Danny Trevathan and Jonathan Bullard coming up next year with possible extensions for Leonard Floyd and Eddie Jackson the year after.

[CubsWin]

I like the depth this Bears defense has right now. I think it's a priority to bring back Roy Robertson-Harris. Bilal Nichols will likely make Bullard expendable. We haven't seen what Kylie Fitts and Joel Iyiegbuniwe can be yet (due to injury) but both could be viable replacements for Aaron Lynch and Nick Kwiatkowski moving forward. Sherrick McManis and Deon Bush have been serviceable. Kevin Tolliver saw some game time last season as a UDFA.

 

Pace has done a good job drafting in the middle rounds. We'll see what he can add in rounds 3-5 this year.

[CubsWin]

Also, the free agent safety field has great depth this year. Might keep the price a little lower on Amos...

[Brian]

Sims cut

 

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[raw]

I like the depth this Bears defense has right now. I think it's a priority to bring back Roy Robertson-Harris. Bilal Nichols will likely make Bullard expendable. We haven't seen what Kylie Fitts and Joel Iyiegbuniwe can be yet (due to injury) but both could be viable replacements for Aaron Lynch and Nick Kwiatkowski moving forward. Sherrick McManis and Deon Bush have been serviceable. Kevin Tolliver saw some game time last season as a UDFA.

 

Pace has done a good job drafting in the middle rounds. We'll see what he can add in rounds 3-5 this year.

 

I think they actually lack depth on D right now. RRH will be back. He's an exclusive rights FA, means he can only negotiate with other teams if the Bears don't tender him. DL has pretty good depth with RRH, Nichols and Bullard behind Hicks and Goldman. IDK that Bullard is expendable unless you bring in a replacement for him. But other than the DL, and maybe ILB (though we don't know if Iyiegbuniwe can play) they lack depth on D. Questions behind Mack and Floyd. Questions in the secondary if Callahan and Amos walk as the depth would be starting.

 

I'd like them to see if they can maybe pull a player-for-player deal with Kwiatkoski or Bullard, and go after depth at a bigger need position (TE, CB, OLB, OL).

[CubsWin]

I like the depth this Bears defense has right now. I think it's a priority to bring back Roy Robertson-Harris. Bilal Nichols will likely make Bullard expendable. We haven't seen what Kylie Fitts and Joel Iyiegbuniwe can be yet (due to injury) but both could be viable replacements for Aaron Lynch and Nick Kwiatkowski moving forward. Sherrick McManis and Deon Bush have been serviceable. Kevin Tolliver saw some game time last season as a UDFA.

 

Pace has done a good job drafting in the middle rounds. We'll see what he can add in rounds 3-5 this year.

 

I think they actually lack depth on D right now. RRH will be back. He's an exclusive rights FA, means he can only negotiate with other teams if the Bears don't tender him. DL has pretty good depth with RRH, Nichols and Bullard behind Hicks and Goldman. IDK that Bullard is expendable unless you bring in a replacement for him. But other than the DL, and maybe ILB (though we don't know if Iyiegbuniwe can play) they lack depth on D. Questions behind Mack and Floyd. Questions in the secondary if Callahan and Amos walk as the depth would be starting.

 

I'd like them to see if they can maybe pull a player-for-player deal with Kwiatkoski or Bullard, and go after depth at a bigger need position (TE, CB, OLB, OL).

I like your trade idea.

 

I think we might be just missing on semantics. Having quality depth at every position is incredibly rare. That would be like having no weaknesses. I'm not saying that.

 

I'm saying that compared to other defenses in the league and previous Bears defensive rosters, they have a lot of quality non-starters. Their biggest weakness is secondary depth, but Robertson-Harris, Nichols, Kwiatkowski, Acho, Bush and McManis are all proven solid (some moreso than others, obviously). Add in Isaiah Irving (who has flashed), Iyiebuniwe, Fitts and Tolliver (who have untapped potential) and that's pretty darn good.

 

Moving forward, they've already got the next waves planned out, but they need to continue to draft well in the middle rounds to fill in the back row. RRH replaced Bullard as the primary 3rd DE (after Unrein left and Bullard became the starter). Nichols is already the primary 2nd DT. (I see RRH and Nichols as starter quality.) Irving replaces Acho next year. Iyiebuniwe has a year to show if he can replace Kwiatkowski or (heaven forbid) possibly fill Trevathan's shoes. We'll see in camp whether Fitts will be a capable replacement for Lynch. McManis isn't Callahan, but he didn't get embarrassed when he filled in after Bryce's injury. Tolliver's got the upside to back-up Amukamura but isn't there yet. To me, there's good depth there.

 

They have needs. I'd expect them to draft two DBs and a LB this summer. On the offensive side, I'd like to see a guard and a RB. What positions do you see them going after?

[raw]

I like the depth this Bears defense has right now. I think it's a priority to bring back Roy Robertson-Harris. Bilal Nichols will likely make Bullard expendable. We haven't seen what Kylie Fitts and Joel Iyiegbuniwe can be yet (due to injury) but both could be viable replacements for Aaron Lynch and Nick Kwiatkowski moving forward. Sherrick McManis and Deon Bush have been serviceable. Kevin Tolliver saw some game time last season as a UDFA.

 

Pace has done a good job drafting in the middle rounds. We'll see what he can add in rounds 3-5 this year.

 

I think they actually lack depth on D right now. RRH will be back. He's an exclusive rights FA, means he can only negotiate with other teams if the Bears don't tender him. DL has pretty good depth with RRH, Nichols and Bullard behind Hicks and Goldman. IDK that Bullard is expendable unless you bring in a replacement for him. But other than the DL, and maybe ILB (though we don't know if Iyiegbuniwe can play) they lack depth on D. Questions behind Mack and Floyd. Questions in the secondary if Callahan and Amos walk as the depth would be starting.

 

I'd like them to see if they can maybe pull a player-for-player deal with Kwiatkoski or Bullard, and go after depth at a bigger need position (TE, CB, OLB, OL).

I like your trade idea.

 

I think we might be just missing on semantics. Having quality depth at every position is incredibly rare. That would be like having no weaknesses. I'm not saying that.

 

I'm saying that compared to other defenses in the league and previous Bears defensive rosters, they have a lot of quality non-starters. Their biggest weakness is secondary depth, but Robertson-Harris, Nichols, Kwiatkowski, Acho, Bush and McManis are all proven solid (some moreso than others, obviously). Add in Isaiah Irving (who has flashed), Iyiebuniwe, Fitts and Tolliver (who have untapped potential) and that's pretty darn good.

 

Moving forward, they've already got the next waves planned out, but they need to continue to draft well in the middle rounds to fill in the back row. RRH replaced Bullard as the primary 3rd DE (after Unrein left and Bullard became the starter). Nichols is already the primary 2nd DT. (I see RRH and Nichols as starter quality.) Irving replaces Acho next year. Iyiebuniwe has a year to show if he can replace Kwiatkowski or (heaven forbid) possibly fill Trevathan's shoes. We'll see in camp whether Fitts will be a capable replacement for Lynch. McManis isn't Callahan, but he didn't get embarrassed when he filled in after Bryce's injury. Tolliver's got the upside to back-up Amukamura but isn't there yet. To me, there's good depth there.

 

They have needs. I'd expect them to draft two DBs and a LB this summer. On the offensive side, I'd like to see a guard and a RB. What positions do you see them going after?

 

Yeah, I think we agree. I was looking at the POV of depth in 2019 if all guys I expect to leave are gone.

 

They need starters at SS, nickel, punter and kicker. They need rotational depth (backups that will need to see the field) at interior OL and OLB. They need to develop long-term depth pieces at WR, CB, OT, DL and TE.

 

So, I think they will sign 1 FA DB, whether it's Callahan, Amos, or someone from outside. They'll draft whichever DB starter they don't sign early (maybe with their 3rd, definitely by the 4th). They'll probably draft a RB. After that, I think they can go anywhere. If they go with a veteran backup pass rusher, they could just stay with Fitts and Irving for another year. If they go with a veteran backup OG in free agency, they can probably skip that position in the draft for a year.

 

If i had to go out on a limb, I'd say the Bears draft: Safety, RB, OL, kicker, OLB.