Terms of Orlando Pace's deal

by Adam T on Apr 3, 2009 10:47 AM CDT

So now that we have our QB, do we have the line to protect him? At this point that is hard to say. Jerry Angelo has brought in three new players and we don't yet know where they will fit. I think we can say that our line is not longer horrible. We do have some talent and we do now have some depth.

Angelo's latest move was to sign Orlando Pace. Pace gets a three year deal worth 15 million.

John St. Clair was seeking $5 million per season when he opened contract negotiations with the Bears.

He was a one-time backup to Orlando Pace in St. Louis.

That's what the Bears will pay Pace. He gets a $15 million, three-year deal, and will have the opportunity to earn $11 million in the first two seasons without having to trigger bonuses or incentives.

It is fair to say that Pace signed because we promised him to start at left, so I assume that he is locked in along with Kruetz. It will be interesting to see how everybody else fits falls in.

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Well... I would expect us to draft another lineman...

likely at Guard now… to compete for opening day.

I see this… although it’s kind of obvious:

PACE - Omiyale/Beekman - Kruetz - Garza/Buenning/Rookie - Williams/Shaffer

Note: Buenning is also Kruetz’s backup, but that role could possibly go to Beekman in the future as well.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Apr 3, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions

Still see a couple of midgets in that there list...

But, hopefully we will get some real meat for the OL in the draft.

I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)

Dude, for serious? 1986 was 23 years ago.
Can we drop it?
-halfblindcubbiegirl

by Dane Noble on Apr 3, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Now if

we overpaid for anything, It was Pace. But hey lets protect our future. Im all for it.

"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. "---George S. Halas

by Halas is God!!!!! on Apr 3, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions

It's funny how one amazing day can change the whole picture.

BC (Before Cutler)… I would have been opposed to Pace. Instead, wanting to build bookend tackles through the draft for the long term.

Now, I give a big thumbs up on Pace… who only allowed 2 friggin sacks all year last year, on that crappy team.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Apr 3, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

It's so weird...

We actually have good players to talk about on our offense. And I mean like, really talented players. Not just guys who are good for us because they’re surrounded by a bunch of other players who would be situational reserves for half the rest of the league. It’s going to take some time to get used to…but so far, I like it…

by Shinons on Apr 3, 2009 10:54 AM CDT reply actions

WR or Safety

Might as well go for it…trade up in the 2nd round using our 4th or another pick next year and secure the WR or Safety that we want. Then use the 3rd rd comp pick on a G or WR or S that we don’t get in the 2nd. Game over. Super Bears…Super Bowl.

by Mike Mueller on Apr 3, 2009 11:32 AM CDT reply actions

Garza, Kruetz, and Pace are all locks

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Apr 3, 2009 11:59 AM CDT reply actions

Agree

I think they drafted Omiyale with the expectation he would become the starter at LG. He’ll have to beat someone out for it, but they expect he can.

Schafer was brought in to make sure Williams could handle the job, and to make him earn it. He’ll be a solid swing tackle/injury replacement, and if Williams struggles, a decent starter.

So I think its: Pace, Omiyale, Kreutz, Garza, Williams, with Schafer backing up both Ts, and Beekman backing up at Guard, and probably a rookie G/C.

by Orval Overall on Apr 3, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Shaffer will start at RT

He’s been a consistent starter for some good teams for the last 4 or 5 years. Why would we bring him in to be a backup to a finesse tackle who’s inexperienced(especially at the RT)?

"The phone's for you, I think it's the Devil."

by Acreman20 on Apr 3, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Because he was a 1st round pick

And obviously has a lot of talent. Not saying Shaffer cant play, but if he is so good, why did the Browns pay more to get John St. Clair to take his place? That guy filled exactly the role I am describing for Shaffer — swing tackle who can start if need be, but not your first choice on a team that has Pace and a recent #1 draft pick.

by Orval Overall on Apr 3, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Shaffer

If memory serves, Shaffer’s contract with the Browns was for more than what they wound up paying for St. Clair. I could be wrong about that, though, and I didn’t go check it.

It’s hard to evaluate offensive linemen, and scheme is important. By all accounts Shaffer sucked donkeys last season. But a couple years ago he was a coveted free agent, and he’s pretty close to a classic RT.

Chris Williams, on the other hand, is not. He’s tall, agile, technique-oriented and much more of a technical blindside protector than a root-hog power RT.

I suspect Shaffer gets the starting job, Williams backs up Pace, and Pace misses significant playing time. The combo of Pace & Williams might be equal to an above-average LT.

And the prevailing wind happens to be blowing from Vichy.

by xarker on Apr 3, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Chris Williams is odd man out

Williams doesn’t profile as a Right Tackle. Hence that job should go to Kevin Shafer hands-down.

It would be interesting to get the real scoop on Williams. Is he being chalked up as a bust or is he simply not healthy enough to be counted upon? Williams was drafted with the 14th pick and paid a lot of money to be a “ready-now” Left Tackle in the NFL. There’s no such thing as picking an offensive lineman with the 14th pick and saying he is developmental material. Every other offensive lineman taken in the 1st round last year is already established and a foundation piece on his team’s o-line.

by BLou on Apr 3, 2009 4:35 PM CDT reply actions

I'm down with ODP

yeah, you know me!

Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!

by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 3, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions

I was upset...

…when they simply let St. Clair walk, but giving Pace the exact same money is a much better move to me. Him on the left and Williams on the right should be pretty good.

by Twins Territory on Apr 4, 2009 2:06 PM CDT reply actions