Chicago Bears Offseason Thread (the tank must payoff)

[UK]

Ideal signings for the remainder...

 

Orlando Brown-LT

Sheldon Rankins -DT 3 technique

A'Shawn Robinson -DT 1 technique

 

Draft focuses on DE, CB, Interior line, HB.

[jb10194]

I am wondering if some of the money left to be spent will be acquired via trade over free agency, especially with the extra draft capital that has been built up. Not sure who would be available (Buckner? Tunsil?) but might be the route they need to go if they want to get some more high impact players on the team.

[UK]

I do think one of the more underrated aspects of the signings from yesterday is the coverage abilities of Edwards and Edmunds. They're two of the best coverage LBs in football. Add one more piece to the secondary and that back 7-8 become really good in coverage.

 

Football evaluations are still leaning towards how pass coverage is still underrated in terms of getting to the QB compared to pass rushers. You can have the 85' Bears D-Line but if guys can get open in 3 steps, it doesn't matter much.

[Old Style]

Is it a coincidence or a sign of things to come that with the needs at nearly every spot on the offensive line the one guy they’ve signed plays the position of the one guy they almost ran out of town last summer but ultimately settled in as the best of the bunch?

Well there are two guards on every OL so unless you think Davis and Jenkins can only play RG and not LG I don't really see the issue here.

[Bertz]

Yeah I'm good with things so far. Feels like they should have stretched for Dre'mont Jones if DT is sooo important to Eberflus' system, but there's nothing inherently wrong with ending up with inevitably ending up with a mid-tier DT like Sheldon Rankins instead.

 

And with 5 holes (DT, RT, Edge, Corner, RB) left to fill and $40Mish left in his pocket, my assumption is that's the plan. Mid tier FAs at each position, leaving enough money for a couple extensions as well. Then you've got a full formed team heading into a draft where you have a horsefeathers-load of ammo. Not a bad plan, even if I would have preferred to grab a star knowing it would leave one or two items unchecked on the to-do list.

[raw]

Ideal signings for the remainder...

 

Orlando Brown-LT

Sheldon Rankins -DT 3 technique

A'Shawn Robinson -DT 1 technique

 

Draft focuses on DE, CB, Interior line, HB.

 

I'm not an Orlando Brown fan. He wants to be paid top LT money, and he's not a top 5 LT. He's also not a good fit to move around in the outside zone run game. That being said, the Bears are desperate to A) improve the pass blocking and B) spend a bunch of money. And Brown checks both those boxes.

 

I'm thinking.

 

Orlando Brown- LT/RT

A'Shawn Robinson- 1-tech

Samson Ebukam- Edge

And if Ekeler is available, go get him. Trade one of the 2nds for him + a future pick no higher than a 3rd/4th. The Bears still could use an additional weapon and he caught 107 passes last year, and they can afford to pay him with the top RBs in the league.

Maybe add a CB. Maybe add a TE2.

Draft Jalen Carter at 9. Draft a DE in the 2nd.

 

That gives you a DL of:

Ebukam, Carter, A'Shawn, Walker on run downs

Ebukam, Walker, Carter, Draft pick (Ojulari?, I'd like a smaller pass rush specialist type) on passing downs. Mix in Justin Jones, Dominique Robinson and Gipson.

 

OL is: Brown, Davis, C (Patrick or 2nd rounder), Jenkins, Jones

 

Ekeler and Herbert in the backfield.

[jersey cubs fan]

Is it a coincidence or a sign of things to come that with the needs at nearly every spot on the offensive line the one guy they’ve signed plays the position of the one guy they almost ran out of town last summer but ultimately settled in as the best of the bunch?

Well there are two guards on every OL so unless you think Davis and Jenkins can only play RG and not LG I don't really see the issue here.

presumably you aren’t signing a guy to that money and then asking him to change positions. So it looks like Jenkins has to move again after they spent last offseason jerking him around. It seems to me that Poles doesn’t like Jenkins’ attitude. There were vague comments about toughness around him. Maybe they’ve worked through it and see him as moving to the outside. Maybe he’ll go to LG or maybe he’s a prime candidate for being let go. Either way, I don’t think Jenkins is a long term piece in Poles’ mind, yet.

[WrigleyField 22]

Is it a coincidence or a sign of things to come that with the needs at nearly every spot on the offensive line the one guy they’ve signed plays the position of the one guy they almost ran out of town last summer but ultimately settled in as the best of the bunch?

Well there are two guards on every OL so unless you think Davis and Jenkins can only play RG and not LG I don't really see the issue here.

I think fans often overrated the importance of sides. But it's not something without consideration. Especially if a guy has spent a very long time me on one side, like Davis.

 

If I was certain they loved Jenkins I'd think nothing of it. But based on the totality of the facts we know I think Jenkins is the odd man out. Maybe they'll get flipped for a 2024 7th.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Justin fields had a 14.7% sack rate last season. Fixing that seems way more important to me than having the ideal players to run our desired run blocking scheme

[WrigleyField 22]

Ideal signings for the remainder...

 

Orlando Brown-LT

Sheldon Rankins -DT 3 technique

A'Shawn Robinson -DT 1 technique

 

Draft focuses on DE, CB, Interior line, HB.

 

I'm not an Orlando Brown fan. He wants to be paid top LT money, and he's not a top 5 LT. He's also not a good fit to move around in the outside zone run game. That being said, the Bears are desperate to A) improve the pass blocking and B) spend a bunch of money. And Brown checks both those boxes.

 

I'm thinking.

 

Orlando Brown- LT/RT

A'Shawn Robinson- 1-tech

Samson Ebukam- Edge

And if Ekeler is available, go get him. Trade one of the 2nds for him + a future pick no higher than a 3rd/4th. The Bears still could use an additional weapon and he caught 107 passes last year, and they can afford to pay him with the top RBs in the league.

Maybe add a CB. Maybe add a TE2.

Draft Jalen Carter at 9. Draft a DE in the 2nd.

 

That gives you a DL of:

Ebukam, Carter, A'Shawn, Walker on run downs

Ebukam, Walker, Carter, Draft pick (Ojulari?, I'd like a smaller pass rush specialist type) on passing downs. Mix in Justin Jones, Dominique Robinson and Gipson.

 

OL is: Brown, Davis, C (Patrick or 2nd rounder), Jenkins, Jones

 

Ekeler and Herbert in the backfield.

Yea, Brown is an overpay but worthwhile one especially at this stage. Unless you really like a guy in the draft and even are prepared to jump a few spots if need be.

 

I assume he'd stay left and Jones to RT.

 

Have had Ebukam on my list all. Off season. And Robinson would be fine too. Think you could add a solid backup there still - they really have no one and I don't think Robinson is a high snap count guy - so create a platoon.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Is it a coincidence or a sign of things to come that with the needs at nearly every spot on the offensive line the one guy they’ve signed plays the position of the one guy they almost ran out of town last summer but ultimately settled in as the best of the bunch?

Well there are two guards on every OL so unless you think Davis and Jenkins can only play RG and not LG I don't really see the issue here.

presumably you aren’t signing a guy to that money and then asking him to change positions. So it looks like Jenkins has to move again after they spent last offseason jerking him around. It seems to me that Poles doesn’t like Jenkins’ attitude. There were vague comments about toughness around him. Maybe they’ve worked through it and see him as moving to the outside. Maybe he’ll go to LG or maybe he’s a prime candidate for being let go. Either way, I don’t think Jenkins is a long term piece in Poles’ mind, yet.

If I had to guess Jenkins will slide over to RT

[WrigleyField 22]

Well there are two guards on every OL so unless you think Davis and Jenkins can only play RG and not LG I don't really see the issue here.

presumably you aren’t signing a guy to that money and then asking him to change positions. So it looks like Jenkins has to move again after they spent last offseason jerking him around. It seems to me that Poles doesn’t like Jenkins’ attitude. There were vague comments about toughness around him. Maybe they’ve worked through it and see him as moving to the outside. Maybe he’ll go to LG or maybe he’s a prime candidate for being let go. Either way, I don’t think Jenkins is a long term piece in Poles’ mind, yet.

If I had to guess Jenkins will slide over to RT

I'm very skeptical that's the plan. I'd put money on him cut/traded over being starting day RT.

[minnesotacubsfan]

presumably you aren’t signing a guy to that money and then asking him to change positions. So it looks like Jenkins has to move again after they spent last offseason jerking him around. It seems to me that Poles doesn’t like Jenkins’ attitude. There were vague comments about toughness around him. Maybe they’ve worked through it and see him as moving to the outside. Maybe he’ll go to LG or maybe he’s a prime candidate for being let go. Either way, I don’t think Jenkins is a long term piece in Poles’ mind, yet.

If I had to guess Jenkins will slide over to RT

I'm very skeptical that's the plan. I'd put money on him cut/traded over being starting day RT.

When were the last disparaging words from Poles towards him? I thought that was last offseason, and ended with Poles congratulating him and essentially telling him he was proud of how he handled the challenge? Was there something after that?

[Old Style]

I must be taking crazy pills. Switching sides on the OL isn't a big deal. If Davis is truly locked in to RG then you move Jenkins to LG. Let him make the switch. But to think about getting rid of him when he was the best player on the line last season when we are desperately trying to solidify the OL is bizarre to me.

[WrigleyField 22]

I must be taking crazy pills. Switching sides on the OL isn't a big deal. If Davis is truly locked in to RG then you move Jenkins to LG. Let him make the switch. But to think about getting rid of him when he was the best player on the line last season when we are desperately trying to solidify the OL is bizarre to me.

I think it's crazy, but this FO never has seemed super enthused on him. Even when he was already clearly their best OL he was splitting snaps.

 

And he has an injury history. Even if I thought they were fully over any other issue, that's maintained a question.

[jersey cubs fan]

I must be taking crazy pills. Switching sides on the OL isn't a big deal. If Davis is truly locked in to RG then you move Jenkins to LG. Let him make the switch. But to think about getting rid of him when he was the best player on the line last season when we are desperately trying to solidify the OL is bizarre to me.

I don’t want them to get rid of him either. But they’ve had a target on him from day one and tried to get rid of him all last summer. I’m not saying he can’t switch sides, but it is a position change and not as meaningless as you suggest. It just strikes me that with four other positions less settled than RG, the one lineman they sign is a RG, and the incumbent RG just so happens to be a guy they tried to run out of town already.

 

As raw pointed out maybe that’s just because he was the best available interior linemen that meets their criteria.

[WrigleyField 22]

I must be taking crazy pills. Switching sides on the OL isn't a big deal. If Davis is truly locked in to RG then you move Jenkins to LG. Let him make the switch. But to think about getting rid of him when he was the best player on the line last season when we are desperately trying to solidify the OL is bizarre to me.

I don’t want them to get rid of him either. But they’ve had a target on him from day one and tried to get rid of him all last summer. I’m not saying he can’t switch sides, but it is a position change and not as meaningless as you suggest. It just strikes me that with four other positions less settled than RG, the one lineman they sign is a RG, and the incumbent RG just so happens to be a guy they tried to run out of town already.

 

As raw pointed out maybe that’s just because he was the best available interior linemen that meets their criteria.

Quoting this because a like wasn't enough.

[UMFan83]

I must be taking crazy pills. Switching sides on the OL isn't a big deal. If Davis is truly locked in to RG then you move Jenkins to LG. Let him make the switch. But to think about getting rid of him when he was the best player on the line last season when we are desperately trying to solidify the OL is bizarre to me.

I think it's crazy, but this FO never has seemed super enthused on him. Even when he was already clearly their best OL he was splitting snaps.

 

And he has an injury history. Even if I thought they were fully over any other issue, that's maintained a question.

 

He was getting nearly 100% of the snaps for a huge chunk of the season (92% or more in every game played between Week 5 and Week 13). I think the FO became sold on him as the season progressed. The injuries though are a concern, missing 4 of the last 8 games, and in 2 of the games he played he only played a few snaps.

[WrigleyField 22]

I must be taking crazy pills. Switching sides on the OL isn't a big deal. If Davis is truly locked in to RG then you move Jenkins to LG. Let him make the switch. But to think about getting rid of him when he was the best player on the line last season when we are desperately trying to solidify the OL is bizarre to me.

I think it's crazy, but this FO never has seemed super enthused on him. Even when he was already clearly their best OL he was splitting snaps.

 

And he has an injury history. Even if I thought they were fully over any other issue, that's maintained a question.

 

He was getting nearly 100% of the snaps for a huge chunk of the season (92% or more in every game played between Week 5 and Week 13). I think the FO became sold on him as the season progressed. The injuries though are a concern, missing 4 of the last 8 games, and in 2 of the games he played he only played a few snaps.

And he was easily the best lineman in weeks 1-4 and they said, "yea well take him out to keep Patrick in there half the time". And Patrick stunk.

[jumbo]

I must be taking crazy pills. Switching sides on the OL isn't a big deal. If Davis is truly locked in to RG then you move Jenkins to LG. Let him make the switch. But to think about getting rid of him when he was the best player on the line last season when we are desperately trying to solidify the OL is bizarre to me.

I don’t want them to get rid of him either. But they’ve had a target on him from day one and tried to get rid of him all last summer. I’m not saying he can’t switch sides, but it is a position change and not as meaningless as you suggest. It just strikes me that with four other positions less settled than RG, the one lineman they sign is a RG, and the incumbent RG just so happens to be a guy they tried to run out of town already.

 

As raw pointed out maybe that’s just because he was the best available interior linemen that meets their criteria.

 

Some poeple are speculating that Whitehair will be cut with Davis signed. I hope that doesn't happen. I'm not sure Whitehair is the best option, but given that players miss games I'd be happy to line him up at LG and have Jenkins available on a rookie contract to back up. Or switch them, I don't care, but don't put Jatyre Carter in when one of them goes down.

I also think Patrick sucked balls all last year. I know he was hurt multiple times, but he was not great. So I hope he's not viewed as a starter in any way going forward. I hope I'm wrong and he is capable.

[Old Style]

I must be taking crazy pills. Switching sides on the OL isn't a big deal. If Davis is truly locked in to RG then you move Jenkins to LG. Let him make the switch. But to think about getting rid of him when he was the best player on the line last season when we are desperately trying to solidify the OL is bizarre to me.

I don’t want them to get rid of him either. But they’ve had a target on him from day one and tried to get rid of him all last summer. I’m not saying he can’t switch sides, but it is a position change and not as meaningless as you suggest. It just strikes me that with four other positions less settled than RG, the one lineman they sign is a RG, and the incumbent RG just so happens to be a guy they tried to run out of town already.

 

As raw pointed out maybe that’s just because he was the best available interior linemen that meets their criteria.

 

Some poeple are speculating that Whitehair will be cut with Davis signed. I hope that doesn't happen. I'm not sure Whitehair is the best option, but given that players miss games I'd be happy to line him up at LG and have Jenkins available on a rookie contract to back up. Or switch them, I don't care, but don't put Jatyre Carter in when one of them goes down.

I also think Patrick sucked balls all last year. I know he was hurt multiple times, but he was not great. So I hope he's not viewed as a starter in any way going forward. I hope I'm wrong and he is capable.

Patrick was signed to play center but the early injury prevented that from ever happening. I would hope if he's in the plans for this season it would only be at C because he was terrible at LG.

[David]

I do think one of the more underrated aspects of the signings from yesterday is the coverage abilities of Edwards and Edmunds. They're two of the best coverage LBs in football. Add one more piece to the secondary and that back 7-8 become really good in coverage.

 

Football evaluations are still leaning towards how pass coverage is still underrated in terms of getting to the QB compared to pass rushers. You can have the 85' Bears D-Line but if guys can get open in 3 steps, it doesn't matter much.

 

 

The SI article posted earlier mentioned this article in their praise of the signings:

 

[WrigleyField 22]

I do think one of the more underrated aspects of the signings from yesterday is the coverage abilities of Edwards and Edmunds. They're two of the best coverage LBs in football. Add one more piece to the secondary and that back 7-8 become really good in coverage.

 

Football evaluations are still leaning towards how pass coverage is still underrated in terms of getting to the QB compared to pass rushers. You can have the 85' Bears D-Line but if guys can get open in 3 steps, it doesn't matter much.

 

 

The SI article posted earlier mentioned this article in their praise of the signings:

 

Not gonna read through the whole article, but yea in a contract basis ILB are as valued as they have been since late 90s. Most of the biggest contracts in cap terms are either late 90s or current deals. So defintiely a bit of a Renaissance there.

 

Clearly Smith didn't fit Poles mold though, whether it was just the size or attitude.

[UMFan83]

Some ESPN (huge eyeroll) comments on some of the Bears signings:

 

Bears agree to sign G Nate Davis

 

The deal: Three years, $30 million ($17.5 million guaranteed)

 

Grade: B-

 

I'm not convinced the Bears' offensive line was the problem last season -- Justin Fields has been a sack magnet dating back to Ohio State -- but I certainly understand them wanting to protect their franchise QB as well as they can. Teven Jenkins was fine in pass protection according to his pass block win rate (92%, 34th at guard), but Davis (93%, 22nd) was a little better. Perhaps this means the Bears will kick Jenkins over to right tackle. Or perhaps they can have him as a versatile backup and sign one of the value right tackles available on the free agent market. -- Walder

 

Bears agree to sign ILB Tremaine Edmunds

 

The deal: Four years, $72 million ($50 million guaranteed)

 

Grade: C

 

The Bears invested in their off-ball linebacker group by signing T.J. Edwards. Then they really invested by signing Edmunds to a ton of money. Edmunds is a great player, but I can't endorse this choice.

 

Let's start with his numbers, because they're really strong. Edmunds' 0.6 yards per coverage snap allowed last season was third-best among linebackers with at least 250 coverage snaps, per NFL Next Gen Stats. His minus-17 EPA allowed in coverage was fourth-best. And his 39% run stop win rate was ninth-best. But that's not too dissimilar from what the Bears got in Edwards for a small fraction of the price. At an average of $17 million per year, Edmunds' deal comes in below the contract that Roquan Smith signed with the Ravens -- which averaged $20 million per year and guaranteed $45 million at signing -- but is still high.

 

Ultimately, the problem here is twofold. First, off-ball linebacker is a non-premium position in the NFL. Paying an off-ball linebacker $17 million is not too different from paying a guard, running back or tight end that much money. Second, the linebacker market was looking cheap. Both Edwards and Germaine Pratt signed reasonable deals on Monday, and there are other linebackers out there if the Bears were set on landing two guys at the position. -- Walder

 

What this means for the 2023 draft: Despite the addition of Edmunds, the offensive and defensive fronts remain priorities. Chicago has the No. 9 overall pick, putting it in the target range to begin the run on offensive tackles in Round 1, and Georgia's Broderick Jones, Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. and Northwestern's Peter Skoronski are ideal fits. With 10 total draft picks in 2023, the Bears might also look to address defensive end, defensive tackle, running back, receiver and cornerback. -- Reid

 

Bears to sign LB T.J. Edwards

 

The deal: Three years, $19 million ($12 million guaranteed)

 

Grade: A

 

This is a steal for a highly productive off-ball linebacker in the prime of his career. The 26-year-old Edwards' numbers were excellent across the board for the Eagles last season, as he allowed 0.6 yards per coverage snap, the eighth-best mark among linebackers with at least 250 coverage snaps, per NFL Next Gen Stats. He also ranked seventh in run stop win rate among linebackers and had a strong 38% pass rush win rate in a small sample.

 

The tricky part of evaluating Edwards is that he played on such a stacked defense that it's fair to wonder if he benefited from such good play around him. Off-ball linebacker is not a premium position either, but again, the financial commitment from the Bears here is minimal and much less than I thought he would go for -- even given the crowded linebacker market. -- Walder

 

What this means for the 2023 draft: The Bears have four picks inside the first two rounds of April's draft, and signing Edwards allows them to focus on their biggest weakness -- the trenches. This is a down 2023 linebacker class, so taking an offensive or defensive lineman should be in play with all of those selections. Edge rusher Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech) and offensive tackle/guard Peter Skoronski (Northwestern) are potential options at No. 9 overall. -- Reid

 

Don't see one on Walker, so its possible they don't see it as a relevant enough signing.

[WrigleyField 22]

ESPN writers can't rock the boat about the PBWR that calls the Bears a top 3 OL!

 

It's just incredible how some have actually taken "Sacks are a QB stat" to such a logical extreme too. Go touch grass if you ever feel sack blame isn't still incredibly nuanced.