Bears off-season thread 2022

[UK]

 

I wonder how many of these moves, if any, Pace would have made if he was retained.

 

Trevathan and Cohen probably.

 

I feel like would have kept Cohen (unless the medical reports are dire) because he doesn't understand or care about the concept of sunk cost

 

Mack would definitely still be in Chicago.

[Splendid Splinter]

Can't find it at the moment, but saw somewhere that now Bears have traded Mack, they have $121 million cap space for 2023 offseason!!! Pretty insane to think about. I knew that they would have a bunch of cap space, but I was thinking more like 70 mil. Granted, Bears probably will need to sign like 35 guys that offseason.

 

Hopefully some big name FAs will be available for them to go after so that's something to look forward to.

[raw]

Up to 146.7M in cap space for 2023 right now. Obviously won't be that high this time next year when you account for whoever they sign to multi-year deals this year and re-signing Roquan. But they could also clear more room by cutting guys like Quinn, Whitehair, and Jackson after this coming season.

[raw]

 

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[Splendid Splinter]

Up to 146.7M in cap space for 2023 right now. Obviously won't be that high this time next year when you account for whoever they sign to multi-year deals this year and re-signing Roquan. But they could also clear more room by cutting guys like Quinn, Whitehair, and Jackson after this coming season.

 

Thanks raw. Yeah I know it won't stay that high, but you can see what Poles is looking at when he traded Mack and trying to build around Fields for the next few years.

 

Knowing that, I feel the Bears def need to go after a top OL (regardless of position really) and Kirk as your slot WR as your "big" signings this offseason and build as much depth as possible with whatever cap space is left. You could probably fit Cooper or Godwin for WR, but I really like Kirk in the slot and draft a WR to develop for the outside with Mooney.

[UMFan83]

So is the plan to give Fields tools to be successful next year to ensure we develop him and/or have him show us he's the guy moving forward, and assuming he is we will try to capitalize on the last 2 years of his rookie deal by making big strides in 2023 and 2024? I am fine with a rebuild/retool but given Fields' contract would like it to be somewhat accelerated if possible

[minnesotacubsfan]

......You could probably fit Cooper or Godwin for WR, but I really like Kirk in the slot and draft a WR to develop for the outside with Mooney.

 

totally on board with that

 

who are the top OL guys available that could be with us for 4-6 years moving forward?

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Obviously the hard part is doing the right things with the blank slate you create, but I'm psyched. This is two years overdue.

 

Let's never build around defense again. I hope we never have another elite linebacker

[Splendid Splinter]

So is the plan to give Fields tools to be successful next year to ensure we develop him and/or have him show us he's the guy moving forward, and assuming he is we will try to capitalize on the last 2 years of his rookie deal by making big strides in 2023 and 2024? I am fine with a rebuild/retool but given Fields' contract would like it to be somewhat accelerated if possible

 

Gonna be tough to be more accelerated than that. Don't have the cap space or the team is not quite good/deep enough to make a play at SB this year IMO unless Fields step up big time. If Fields show that he's the guy, then it's going to be accelerated for 2023 with a very healthy cap space and all the picks. That gives you 3 years, not 2 since you're accepting the 5th year option, on his rookie contract to capitalize. Again, if he's the guy, then you're keeping him beyond that and figure out the cap at that point on how to make Bears a contender every year.

[WrigleyField 22]

So apparently Cowboys looking for a third to trade Cooper.

 

That's a somewhat compelling proposition.

[UK]

So apparently Cowboys looking for a third to trade Cooper.

 

That's a somewhat compelling proposition.

 

Give Dallas the picks they received from LA for Cooper and Collins.

[jumbo]

No one had to say that

 

Greenberg sucks and is not funny

[jumbo]

it simply came down to wanting to take resources from the defense and put them toward the offense, and the fact that they had limited draft capital

 

This is it. The team pushed all in on Mack, then again with Quinn and didn't get the offense right at the same time. It left a lopsided team with too many resources pointed to the defense and Poles is addressing that.

 

Positive outcomes:

Draft capital - obviously, and acknowledging that this is probably the best offer out there you either take it or decline to re-align the resources - this was the correct decision

 

Cap space - less of a positive for this year, but beyond they have flexibility to sign anyone they want. Even this year they will be able to

 

Poles roster evaluation - he rightly saw that this team is not close to contending for a SB and took a declining asset and turned it into future players/flexibility. This seems like a lay up, but the previous FO screwed this up multiple times and kept going for it

 

also...

Chargers/Staley - What a pass rush with Mack/Bosa if healthy. I will be keeping an eye on this team for the Mack factor. If they wanted to go maximum boom/bust DL they should sign Akiem Hicks to 1/$5MM. If those three were all healthy this team would be bananas

 

My first knee jerk reaction was what? A 2nd rounder?! But then looking at Mack's stats, he hasn't been a standout since 2018, and he's over 30, and had season ending surgery this year. Eh, I don't like it but I think the draft pick compensation was probably OK, except I wish they could have gotten that second pick for this year and not next year. Agree with all your other points too.

 

The 2nd rd pick is 2022

The 6th rd pick is 2023

[jumbo]

Up to 146.7M in cap space for 2023 right now. Obviously won't be that high this time next year when you account for whoever they sign to multi-year deals this year and re-signing Roquan. But they could also clear more room by cutting guys like Quinn, Whitehair, and Jackson after this coming season.

 

Thanks raw. Yeah I know it won't stay that high, but you can see what Poles is looking at when he traded Mack and trying to build around Fields for the next few years.

 

Knowing that, I feel the Bears def need to go after a top OL (regardless of position really) and Kirk as your slot WR as your "big" signings this offseason and build as much depth as possible with whatever cap space is left. You could probably fit Cooper or Godwin for WR, but I really like Kirk in the slot and draft a WR to develop for the outside with Mooney.

 

We only have to wait about a week to understand the plan in a much more fully formed view

I think on defense the real must have starters from FA are 3T, CB, MLB (assuming Roquan plays weak side)

On offense you need a C, WR, T/G (depending on evaulations of current roster) and another WR

 

You can value shop in FA for the rest of the holes to fill and look for BPA upgrades/depth in the draft

[bjam12]

I'm really happy with Poles moves so far. We are closer to a Super Bowl because of it.

[WrigleyField 22]

I'm really happy with Poles moves so far. We are closer to a Super Bowl because of it.

That's kind of a weird thing to say. I understand a path is being laid, but they aren't literally closer to a Super Bowl than they were a few days ago (except for the fact the earth has completed another rotation and there's one less day until the next SB).

[gflore34]

 

Sent from my SM-A115AZ using Tapatalk

 

Don't know about this, you cut Cohen because he's physically unable to perform and claim a guy, who by all accounts, is made of glass? Guess, its more of low risk high reward with him? Because, if can't stay healthy, he probably won't survive the preseason and he'll be gone away?

[bjam12]

I'm really happy with Poles moves so far. We are closer to a Super Bowl because of it.

That's kind of a weird thing to say. I understand a path is being laid, but they aren't literally closer to a Super Bowl than they were a few days ago (except for the fact the earth has completed another rotation and there's one less day until the next SB).

 

They are closer to a Super Bowl because of exactly what you said... they have a plan. They weren't winning a Super Bowl keeping Mack's salary around. They haven't even won a playoff game with him.

[Soul]

I'm really happy with Poles moves so far. We are closer to a Super Bowl because of it.

That's kind of a weird thing to say. I understand a path is being laid, but they aren't literally closer to a Super Bowl than they were a few days ago (except for the fact the earth has completed another rotation and there's one less day until the next SB).

 

They are closer to a Super Bowl because of exactly what you said... they have a plan. They weren't winning a Super Bowl keeping Mack's salary around. They haven't even won a playoff game with him.

Closer to a Super Bowl if you assume it wasn’t happening with the current squad + leadership. Which to me is a good assumption.

[raw]

Just throwing some (a lot) thoughts out there ahead of the start of legal tampering tomorrow.

 

I think the Bears should focus on OL heavily in free agency. OL ages well, whereas WRs don't. The WR names out there don't exactly inspire much confidence in me that if the Bears sign any of them that Justin Fields would then have a reliable target. Granted, I do think Mooney is pretty reliable for Fields at this point, but guys like Chark and Valdez Scantling don't exactly instill confidence that the WR corps is improved. I do like both of those players, but another issue I have is guys that fit that profile (tall, long, deep threat) are in the Bears range in the draft for much cheaper (Watson and Pickens), and one of those draft picks could still be a #1 X WR, which we know Chark and MVS will never be at this point in their careers.

 

The ideal WR corps to me is a good slot guy to work the underneath and a big play guy to take the top off the defense. All need to be able to separate. I don't like the Juju interest rumors at all. He just doesn't separate. Kirk would be fun, even though he's not really an underneath guy. He'd be a slot guy in a track meet offense where every position can get behind the defense. But rumors are he'll have a big market and could get up to 15M per year. No thanks if that comes true.

 

So, it should work out perfectly for Poles to hit the OL hard. This is a pretty top heavy OL class in the draft. Could have like 8 OL go in the first round, and with the Poles saying they want smaller, athletic OL....it's not too many of those that will be there 39 or later who can come in and make me feel the OL is improved. If guys fall (Zion Johnson, Kenyon Green) then run to the podium, but you can't plan on that. So, I'd prefer to just hit FA hard.

 

The dream gets would be either Laken Tomlinson-SF or Austin Corbett- LAR. Bringing back Daniels would be fine as well, and all 3 are kind of in the same boat as early round busts who greatly improved in the last year. But I'd feel more comfortable with those 2 being better going forward, even though they are older. I personally think Jenkins and Borom should get a chance to prove they can't play, though I understand you risk Fields in that case. Armstead will cost too much for his health concerns. Nobody else considered "proven" on the FA market interests me that much. Double digit Ms for 30+ Eric Fisher? No thanks. I do like Joseph Noteboom though from the Rams and Matt Pryor from the Eagles/Colts. Noteboom will likely have an offer to stay in LA and take over at LT for a SB winner (assuming Whitworth retires), but I'd have no issues paying him starter money. He played well in spot duty whenever he got a chance in LA, also has played guard, so gives you versatility. Drafting an OT makes no sense to me. He won't be any more "proven" than Jenkins/Borom. Then you're potentially moving 1 of them to guard, giving you an unproven player at 3 positions, including 1 at a position he's never played before.

 

Then, I'd look to bring in a cheap guy you could start or use as a strong depth piece. Lucas Patrick, ties to Getsy from GB; Austin Blythe, ties to Poles in KC; Ted Karras, Tom Compton and Mike Remmers are older options with G/T flexibility as well. One of them has to start, it's fine, while you develop someone behind him in the draft. I'm moving Whitehair back to C unless the Bears can get an elite C.

 

On defense, the Bears should add a lot of cheap pieces for depth. The Bears have 1 good player at almost every position on D. DE has Quinn, LB has Smith, CB has Johnson, S has Jackson (yes, he's still good). I'm not going crazy at DE, LB, S or CB. I know CB was a disaster last year, but the Bears have young talent there. Johnson, Graham Jr, Vildor and Shelley as well as camp invitees. I think 1 cheap vet here will do, also adding a pick if opportunity presents itself. I'd bring back Bush and DHC on defense, though DHC could have a decent market. DE, probably need a base down DE who can take some run snaps away from Quinn (though he was good vs the run and with a bunch of snaps last year) and possibly move inside some on pass downs (could be Mario Edwards though). At LB, need to find a Mike, but shouldn't break the bank there. Depth needed that can play special teams.

 

3-tech is a big piece that's missing though. Tonga is a NT. Blackson is a rotational guy can play 3T or NT. Edwards has played 3T, but wasn't great last time in a 4-3. Need to add someone here, but again I would go cheap. In Indy, Eberflus went cheap-ish here until they were able to trade for Buckner. This would be a high priority in the draft for me.

[raw]

I'd also look to trade for Brandin Cooks from Houston. He's no stranger to being traded, and is said to be available from a Houston team that appears to be selling off any big salary assets. I'm guessing after the Watson domino falls, you'll see Tunsil and Cooks traded as well. I don't think the Amari Cooper trade is a really a good starting point because he had 60M left on his deal. Cooks has 1 year and 12.5M left for anyone who trades for him. I'm thinking a 4th round in 2023 and maybe a swap of picks (Bears 5th for Texans 6th?) may get it done.

 

Cooks is a perfect fit IMO. He has outside/slot versatility. He fits in the speedy WR who separates category as well (like they tried to get from Byrd and Goodwin). He provides a veteran presence who has put up 1000 yards wherever and with whoever throwing him the ball. He also allows the Bears go get that size in the draft with Pickens/Watson or even Alec Pierce from Cincinnati.

[UK]

What do you think about going after Duane Brown on 2/20, shifting Borom to G (where he is better suited) and Jenkins at RT?

[raw]

Also, pulled off the perfect mock draft yesterday.

 

39- Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma. Love his fit at 3-tech. He's kind of raw as a former JUCO guy, but he has the length that Eberflus looks for on the DL. 35" arms, quick get off. I do wonder if his big Senior Bowl week and combine might push him into the 1st, but was able to snag him here.

 

48- George Pickens, WR, Georgia. Potential WR1 in this draft if he didn't tear his ACL in the spring. Bears are said to love him as a prospect.

 

71- Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia. This is kind of the sweet spot for LBs. Colts and Chiefs like LBs on Day 2. Chiefs drafted LBs in the 2nd round each of the last 2 years. Colts got both their LBs on Day 2 as well. Both Colts and Chiefs have a history of going after speed/length at LB. Nobody has the great length of Darius Leonard in this draft class (except for Brandon Smith, who sucks), but the hot spot for speed guys is in the 3rd-4th round range. With no 4th, the Bears have to go for a long-term answer at LB at 71.

 

5th- Domonique Robinson, DE, Miami (OH). May be out of reach here, but consistently available here on mocks. Long, raw DE who played WR in Miami as recently as 2019. Looks like a pass rush specialist early. Good option for 4th DE to spell guys on long 3rd downs.

 

6th- Cade Mays, OG, Tennessee. I made this pick in the 5th on my mock, but he was ranked 182nd on the site I was using. This would be pick 183 if I made the pick swap for Cooks (also makes sense, Texans have no 5th and have two 6ths). Chiefs drafted his teammate Trey Smith last year, who I LOVED last draft. Started every game for them I believe. Fell due to heart issues in the past. But both UT guards were ballers together in 2020. Mays was highly recruited and transferred from UGA. G/C versatility

 

6th- Kalon Barnes, CB Baylor. Guarantees in life are death, taxes, and Chiefs going for speed. Chiefs have drafted guys with a top 5 40-yard dash at the combine in all but 2 years since 2015, and one of those years they didn't Tyreke Hill ran 4.29 at his pro day because he wasn't invited to the combine. I don't love the player, but Poles will undoubtedly love the speed.

[raw]

What do you think about going after Duane Brown on 2/20, shifting Borom to G (where he is better suited) and Jenkins at RT?

 

I'd be OK with it. I'd be willing to go along with most logical moves Poles makes, as he deserves benefit of the doubt. I don't think Borom necessarily is better suited at OG though. He's never played it. He's already a projection at OT (thought he played well last year until Week 18 which was really bad), so he'd be more of a projection at OG. But Brown on a short term deal and Borom as the swing OT and potentially backing up OG as well would be fine. It doesn't make sense to me to go get a Duane Brown because you want a sure thing at LT, just to put said player you're unsure about at guard, where it doesn't change you comfort level with him.

[raw]

Lot of money being thrown around early between the re-signs and the first signings of FA. 4/40 for Alex Cappa to Bengals. Rams paid Noteboom 3/40 to stay. Chase Edmonds just got over 6M/year as a backup RB type.

 

Rumors on Bears going after Valdez-Scantling and Rams C, Brian Allen who's a Chicagoan