Banedon

So how much have we saved in total? Spaeth is around $2mil (not positive on that one), Toeana around $1mil, and Davis like $1.5.

FYI, press conference for Bennett and Bushrod at 1:00.

I don't think that saves us much. Looks like he wasn't making much to begin with. EDIT: $1.125mil saved.

Oh come the [expletive] on. Hey, don't you be doubting Sam Smith!

That's at least a more balanced look at things than Walter :). Looking at the difference between Bushrod's grade for 2011 vs. 2012, I've got to believe at least some of that had to do with just the overall situation with the Saints last year. That whole season for them was in the tank before it even began, and everyone knew it. There was no way they were going to overcome it, and that's got to translate down to individual performances somewhere. Bushrod graded very well in 2011, the last season where the Saints offense & scheme was intact. Not saying Bushrod is going to be incredible, but definitely some of the bashing comments out there have been ridiculous and over the top. Everyone knew the Bears needed to acquire a tackle who can play the left side. That was a complete and total given. We had 2 FA choices, and one of them was demanding a heck of a lot more money and has serious injury concerns. It was clear that the draft was not going to yield more than a development prospect @ LT, because the best candidates are all going to be gone. I don't see what other option the Bears should have taken that was so much better than this. Emery signed the player who has familiarity with the new coach, has shown skills at the position in the past -- and he did so without destroying the Bears ability to make another needed move. Saints reporter Mike Triplett was on Waddle and Silvy earlier, and he loved the move for the Bears. Said Bushrod didn't get tons of help (though he did sometimes), and that Brees threw a ton. Don't remember all of what he said now, but he definitely was positive on the signing.

More poo-pooing of the Bushrod deal. http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/day-1-free-agency-winners-losers-031313

http://blogs.bulls.com/2013/03/rose-says-hes-closer-but-not-there-yet/

Cutler interview being replayed at 11am on ESPN1000.

He actually just extremely briefly talked about Rose on ESPN1000...sounded like he wasn't sure that Rose was ready to return.

lol...Cutler on Waddle and Silvy today. Standard stuff about the FA signings, but he's so funny just BS'ing.

Jared Cook's deal is 19m guaranteed! Yowch!

Cutler on Bushrod: And on Bennett: http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Cutler-lauds-Bears-for-landing-free-agents/affcaa4c-ea23-4b6d-a4f4-9715994bc5c9

PFF says things about Bushrod. https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/03/13/jermon-bushrod-upgrade-or-side-step/

Yeah, that was pretty over the top.

@ChicagoBears: LM: Emery on Bushrod: "We're very fortunate to get a left tackle in free agency. To be able to get [bushrod] was a coup for the Bears."

Bennett's deal is 4 yrs $20mil per Schefter.

Of course Beatty was far better last year. Yeah, his +22.3 just barely beat out Bushrod's +1.5.

Yikes, Levitre got paid. Bears were supposedly interested but outbid...

Since you asked...