Bears Make A Play To Keep Their Own

by Adam T on Feb 19, 2008 8:39 AM CST in News Comment 9 comments

On the heels of releasing three veteran players, the Bears have reportedly made revised contract offers to wide receiver Bernard Berrian, linebacker Lance Briggs, defensive tackle Tommie Harris and special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo.

All 4 players are represented by Drew Rosenhaus. Terms of the offers are not disclosed, but all are currently under consideration.

There is also word that the Bears might have opened talks with Eugene Parker, Rex Grossman's agent.

The Bears were just shy of 20 million under the cap, before the release of Muhammad, Walker and Miller.

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Good news to hear.

Young players = good signs

I really look forward to a receiving corps of Berrian, Bradley, Hester, Olsen going forward. It's a strong four to build off of, imo.

I wonder if this spells Urlacher's ultimate departure at the end of his contract. (Don't freak out on that statement.) With four years left, they might have thoughts that he won't last.

As much as I hate Grossman, I'd rather have him on a one-year deal (or two) for under $5 million total than Griese. Expect Griese to be cut the day after Grossman re-signs. If not, screw the Bears. :)

I'm warming to the idea of Otah & Flacco (since that looks somewhat inevitable). I still think Brohm is can't-miss, but whatever.

I don't like the idea of 3 O-linemen being over 30 (w/ Faneca) and think it sucks that they've struck out on ALL drafted O-linemen over the past 5 years. I mean, seriously, WTF? If they go that route, the line will be just as bad next year as this year. Whatever, though. That part is speculation still at this point.

by tyger1147 on Feb 19, 2008 12:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i dunno about striking out on all drafted OL

they haven't really targeted anyone high in a while, and while you can find players in lower rounds, you usually don't get starters on the OL below round 3 or 4. colombo was maybe the last high OL we picked, and if it wasn't for his injury, i think he would've been a pretty good one for us. so, we basically haven't really tried to draft OL in a while - not the worst idea, until the recent boom in money given to linemen.

by guy incognito on Feb 19, 2008 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oops

my mistake

Was thinking of all the UFA's they've had. That and how much they blew the Colombo pick. Yeah, his injuries sucked, but they still cut him and he's now productive. Would help a lot.

I did NOT realize they hadn't even taken fliers on o-lineman. Not one from 2003-2005. Holy crap.

by tyger1147 on Feb 19, 2008 4:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If the bring in Faneca

that gives them a few years that whoever they take (perhaps 1st round) to get ready. I don't now how comfortable I'd be with a 1st rounder starting with a shaky QB situation.

by Adam T on Feb 19, 2008 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

tackle

with miller leaving I can only assume that we are taking a tackle in the draft that will most likely be starting. signing faneca at guard wouldn't change any of this I don't think, because who else would start at tackle...St. Claire? Decent backup, but no thanks.

by Ando on Feb 19, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

however

starting someone like st. claire may be better than starting a rookie tackle.

by lopey986 on Feb 19, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

This comment will be redundant, but you would think Faneca would give you at least 3 or 4 years before he had to be replaced. That means that you have several drafts and FA's to get another couple of starters.

Remember GM's don't have one year plans. They plan for the next several years.

You play to win the game!

by #23 on Feb 19, 2008 4:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If you're drafting an o-lineman in the first...

...he's a disappointment if he's not starting his rook year. Especially if you have a "career backup" who ends up starting ahead of him. He might make up for that disappointment in the next year or whatever, but yeah... if you're taking an o-lineman in the top half of round 1, you're taking him to start, warts and all.

by tyger1147 on Feb 19, 2008 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs