Are we getting Black Monday II? No, but we got a Black QB!!!

[Derwood]

Bears hire Tom Herman as an offensive analyst/special projects coach.

 

I think I like this hire. College head coaching experience, lots of offensive history. The NFL likes to take college gimmicks and incorporate them into the league, and this could be a useful idea for the Bears. Presumably he would also have a decent understanding of what you need from a QB coming out of college.

 

Counterpoint: he's kind of a horsefeathers bag

 

Awww, someone got rejected for an autograph.

 

That's what you took from that? Go look up his tenure at OSU (where he was tied to Zach Smith) and what a douche he was as coach of Texas. I wouldn't want the autograph of the guy, and I don't know why you think I would

[BigbadB]

 

Counterpoint: he's kind of a horsefeathers bag

 

Awww, someone got rejected for an autograph.

 

That's what you took from that? Go look up his tenure at OSU (where he was tied to Zach Smith) and what a douche he was as coach of Texas. I wouldn't want the autograph of the guy, and I don't know why you think I would

 

That is what I took from that, but in a joking manner.

[Splendid Splinter]

Sounds like Buster Skrine is getting cut. We all knew that was coming.

[BigbadB]

Sounds like Buster Skrine is getting cut. We all knew that was coming.

 

I wasn't as down on Skrine as others, but that was probably the most obvious cut. He's not getting any younger and finding someone to play average nickel at less money shouldn't be that difficult. Callahan was probably better than Skrine, but the switch from Fangio to Pagano probably hurt the defense worse than the slight drop off in production at nickel.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears are holding a "media availability" via zoom in lieu of the regular combine press conference.

 

Wondering if it goes as poorly as the last time they met the press.

[jersey cubs fan]

"everything is on the table with all the quarterbacks" in response to a mitch returning question, after Biggs asked about a plan for a starting QB.

[raw]

Sounds like Buster Skrine is getting cut. We all knew that was coming.

 

I wasn't as down on Skrine as others, but that was probably the most obvious cut. He's not getting any younger and finding someone to play average nickel at less money shouldn't be that difficult. Callahan was probably better than Skrine, but the switch from Fangio to Pagano probably hurt the defense worse than the slight drop off in production at nickel.

 

Callahan was/is much better than Skrine, but has played 10 games in 2 years in Denver. Skrine was mostly fine in 2019. He was mostly bad in 2020, and most damningly, missed like the final 6 games with a concussion. Taylor Gabriel had a similar hiatus with a concussion late in 2019 and hasn't played in the league since. There's probably a decent chance Skrine doesn't play again either.

[Bertz]

 

I guess my question is, now that we know Russell Wilson's at least nominally a possibility, what could they do that would actually be all that shocking? Like given how low their pick year is they're not favorites for Watson or Wilson or trading up to #2, but they're clearly in the market.

 

If the Cowboys made an (actually pretty shocking) move for Wilson, the Bears could swoop in for Dak? But otherwise...everything else seems either on the table already or pretty underwhelming?

[raw]

 

I guess my question is, now that we know Russell Wilson's at least nominally a possibility, what could they do that would actually be all that shocking? Like given how low their pick year is they're not favorites for Watson or Wilson or trading up to #2, but they're clearly in the market.

 

If the Cowboys made an (actually pretty shocking) move for Wilson, the Bears could swoop in for Dak? But otherwise...everything else seems either on the table already or pretty underwhelming?

 

A couple things with Wilson.

 

1. I actually don't think where the Bears pick is a huge factor for a Wilson (or Watson) trade. In Wilson's case, he has said the teams he's willing to waive his NTC for. Dallas has the highest pick, but that would also mean letting Dak walk in a franchise tag decision they'd have to make before a trade would likely be made. The Raiders have a similar pick to the Bears. The Saints were the other team and they have an even lower pick (and no cap space). Also, we can't discount desperation. I honestly don't think anyone will beat the Bears in number of assets traded. A team like NYJ or MIA isn't going to be as willing to give up multiple other 1sts in addition to a top 3 pick. Then it just becomes a preference if Hou/Sea wants a top QB this year or a longer term rebuild with a Herschel Walker like trade haul.

 

2. That being said, the Bears big disadavantage is having no QB. While other teams may be hesitant to trade a bunch of assets because they have a bird in the hand with a QB and/or a high draft pick, the Bears have neither and HAVE to be desperate to give up quantity over quality. Seattle doesn't seem like a team (70-year old coach, 10-win seasons in all but 1 Wilson season, built to win now elsewhere on roster) that would be willing to just trade Wilson and rebuild right now. And if they do trade him to the Cowboys, I'd imagine it would be a sign and trade done in a couple months where Seattle gets Dak and he never sees the FA market.

[jersey cubs fan]

Seattle doesn't seem like a team (70-year old coach, 10-win seasons in all but 1 Wilson season, built to win now elsewhere on roster) that would be willing to just trade Wilson and rebuild right now.

 

For some reason I just get the feeling the Pete Carrol and the Seahawks would actually love a chance to do a mini-blowup and rebuild a monster team in 2022. Pete wants to win games 16-7, he's a defense first guy who wants to run every play if he can. Hell, I could see him taking Bears picks and defensive players and signing freaking Mitch for peanuts with the sole purpose of doing that very thing.

[UMFan83]

I saw this a few minutes ago:

 

 

The guy is a verified user, but is listed as an "independent NFL reporter" or something.

 

I actually think there is a decent chance they trade him and if they do the Bears are going to be the most aggressive of those 4 teams despite the pointed out shortcomings of a Bears offer.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

 

Are the nano bubbles screwing up Russ’s judgement?

[WrigleyField 22]

The Bears have an emerging offensive line?

 

I mean I understand Seattle has generally had bad lines, but damn.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears have an emerging offensive line?

 

I mean I understand Seattle has generally had bad lines, but damn.

There is a decent reason to believe the oline is going in the right direction, especially the interior.

[WrigleyField 22]

The Bears have an emerging offensive line?

 

I mean I understand Seattle has generally had bad lines, but damn.

There is a decent reason to believe the oline is going in the right direction, especially the interior.

Its not dire. I don't think it's necessarily gonna materially head in a good direction, but definitely not if a bunch of day 1 and 2 draft picks are gonna be departed with.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears have an emerging offensive line?

 

I mean I understand Seattle has generally had bad lines, but damn.

There is a decent reason to believe the oline is going in the right direction, especially the interior.

Its not dire. I don't think it's necessarily gonna materially head in a good direction, but definitely not if a bunch of day 1 and 2 draft picks are gonna be departed with.

It's young and talented in the middle, it's old and bad on the tackles. It's going to be tough if they trade for Wilson, but they have the opportunity to draft competence in the 2nd or 3rd if they so choose.

[WrigleyField 22]

There is a decent reason to believe the oline is going in the right direction, especially the interior.

Its not dire. I don't think it's necessarily gonna materially head in a good direction, but definitely not if a bunch of day 1 and 2 draft picks are gonna be departed with.

It's young and talented in the middle, it's old and bad on the tackles. It's going to be tough if they trade for Wilson, but they have the opportunity to draft competence in the 2nd or 3rd if they so choose.

Whitehair might be just a guy now. And hopefully Mustipher is for real good.

 

But either way, that's about right, I guess I just don't call that "emerging". Just kind of existing?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Its not dire. I don't think it's necessarily gonna materially head in a good direction, but definitely not if a bunch of day 1 and 2 draft picks are gonna be departed with.

It's young and talented in the middle, it's old and bad on the tackles. It's going to be tough if they trade for Wilson, but they have the opportunity to draft competence in the 2nd or 3rd if they so choose.

Whitehair might be just a guy now. And hopefully Mustipher is for real good.

 

But either way, that's about right, I guess I just don't call that "emerging". Just kind of existing?

 

Whitehair was well above average once he moved to LG in the second half (of course there is a question of the quality of opponents during the win streak at the end). I'm going to need to see more from Mustipher; ideally they wouldn't go to camp next year with some competition for him.

 

Either way, like goony, I'm definitely more confident on the interior than the tackles. With the number of cuts across the league, hopefully adding a guy like Wilson will help them attract competent players on the cheap.

[minnesotacubsfan]

To echo Jersey, Mitchs issues were never that he didn't have time in the pocket

[Tim]

It's young and talented in the middle, it's old and bad on the tackles. It's going to be tough if they trade for Wilson, but they have the opportunity to draft competence in the 2nd or 3rd if they so choose.

Whitehair might be just a guy now. And hopefully Mustipher is for real good.

 

But either way, that's about right, I guess I just don't call that "emerging". Just kind of existing?

 

Whitehair was well above average once he moved to LG in the second half (of course there is a question of the quality of opponents during the win streak at the end). I'm going to need to see more from Mustipher; ideally they wouldn't go to camp next year with some competition for him.

 

Either way, like goony, I'm definitely more confident on the interior than the tackles. With the number of cuts across the league, hopefully adding a guy like Wilson will help them attract competent players on the cheap.

They have four competent guys in the middle with Mustipher, Whitehair, Daniels & Bars. If Bars is capable of sliding to RT, they've "only" need a LT to have a solid line.

[raw]

Whitehair might be just a guy now. And hopefully Mustipher is for real good.

 

But either way, that's about right, I guess I just don't call that "emerging". Just kind of existing?

 

Whitehair was well above average once he moved to LG in the second half (of course there is a question of the quality of opponents during the win streak at the end). I'm going to need to see more from Mustipher; ideally they wouldn't go to camp next year with some competition for him.

 

Either way, like goony, I'm definitely more confident on the interior than the tackles. With the number of cuts across the league, hopefully adding a guy like Wilson will help them attract competent players on the cheap.

They have four competent guys in the middle with Mustipher, Whitehair, Daniels & Bars. If Bars is capable of sliding to RT, they've "only" need a LT to have a solid line.

 

I'd feel a lot better if they could get an experienced center on the cheap. And no way do I want Bars starting, especially at RT. If Bars and Mustipher are your primary backups, I'd feel really good about the OL, even if Leno is manning one side. Bears absolutely have to add an early tackle in this (and probably the next) draft....assuming they actually have draft picks.

[David]

the wilson stuff definitely seems to be picking up steam

 

[ChiCubsFan]

Can anyone explain how a post June 1 trade would affect Seattle’s cap? From my understanding, if traded now, the Seahawks would be on the hook for $39M, while only losing Russell’s $32M cap hit, resulting in a net deficit of $7M to this years cap.

 

What happens if traded after June 1?

[WrigleyField 22]

Can anyone explain how a post June 1 trade would affect Seattle’s cap? From my understanding, if traded now, the Seahawks would be on the hook for $39M, while only losing Russell’s $32M cap hit, resulting in a net deficit of $7M to this years cap.

 

What happens if traded after June 1?

After June 1 they can defer any of the dead cap for future years which I thing is like 2/3 of that 39. So it'd be like 13 hit in 2021 and 26 hit in 2022.

 

Biggest issue is it has to happen after June 1. With cuts they let you "designate" a June 1 cut even if it happens before. That doesn't exist with trades, so it possibly complicates including 2021 picks though I'm not aware of any strict provision that would prohibit CHI drafting on SEA behalf then formalizing after June 1. But I can't think of that ever happening actually.

 

On the other hand dead cap hits are fungible. I'm sure SEA has some other cap hits they can move around and the pre/post June 1 on Wilson is fairly immaterial in the big picture (assuming they are comfortable eating the 39M at all).

[Bertz]

I honestly can't allow myself to believe the Bears have a shot at Wilson. He's probably what, the third best QB in the league? On top of that:

 

- He's old enough you have no worries about him learning a new offense

- He's young enough you're not all that worried about decline for another few years

- He's played most of his career behind terrible offensive lines, and his WRs have generally been good but not great

- His cap hit's pretty modest

 

There's honestly nothing wrong with him. The Bears aren't allowed to have nice things like this. I mean he's exceptionally lame in like an Adrien Grenier kind of way, but like that's it?