Free Agency Frenzy: Recap
by David Taylor on Mar 5, 2010 1:38 AM CST
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Chicago was speculated to be a major player at the start of this year's Free Agency period. The McCaskey's bankrolling $25 million in up-front money to make additions, Jerry and Lovie being on the proverbial hot seat, a lack of draft picks; all led us to where we are right now.
I think Brad Biggs summed it up the best in this tweet:
In 10 years have not seen an opening 45 minutes to free agency like this for the #Bears. Peppers, Taylor, Manumaleuna all on their way. Wow.
Merely two and a half hours into the start of Free Agency and the Bears already have three high-profile players scheduled for a visit to Halas Hall later today (Friday).
More after the jump...
Julius Peppers, one of the top prizes on the open market, has been one of the hottest topics over the past few days. Vaughn McClure reported earlier that Lovie Smith landed in Charlotte sometime around midnight to meet with Peppers and his agent, Carl Carey, and will fly back to Halas Hall with them later today. There's a good feeling, around the web, that this is a done deal.
Barring any complications in Chicago, the Julius Peppers deal gets done and announced with the Bears by Friday afternoon. - Adam Schefter (twitter)
In addition, Chester Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna (link) will also visit. While some might not feel that these players really address our biggest concerns heading into next year. Both would fit well into a Mike Martz offense and would be solid additions, in my opinion.
One potential issue with Taylor (from the link above):
...he could be a starting running back for the Bears and one league source told the Tribune that his agent is angling for a contract with $8 million guaranteed for the 30-year-old back...
Is it even possible to fit all of these players demands into the $25 million "bonus" that the McCaskey's handed out?
The night looked promising from the inception, with talks of the Bears in contract negotiations with Antrel Rolle. A player that would fill a necessary hole in our secondary that we've been desperately missing. Talks seemed to have died down now, with the Dolphins offering Rolle a contract and with his pending visit to New York scheduled for later today (link).
The article mentions Ryan Clark as a possible target should the Bears miss out on Rolle's services. Let's also not forget about OJ Atogwe, he definitely has the hard spelling last name and x-team qualifications that we tend to target. Losing out on Rolle won't hurt, if we can land a player like Clark or Atogwe.
What are your thoughts on all of this?
[NOTE: If a big story breaks throughout the night and no one's around to post it, does it really happen? You guys are on your own 'til morning. Grab your snuggies, get comfy and be respectful, goshdarnit!]
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Just sign ....
…. Peppers and get the party started . Then go after OJ or Ryan Clark to fill the void in the secondary . And lastly grab either Brian Westbrook or Thomas Jones if Chester is to much loot .Or heck draft Toby Gerheart even .
Hells yes... agreed
OJ for sure would be nice… Scared of westbrooks cuncussons but would LOVE to see TJ back if Chester dont work out!!!!
GO BEARS!!!!
by ChiTownSounds on Mar 5, 2010 1:45 AM CST up reply actions
I would LOVE to see TJ back in Chicago.
Letting him loose in favor of Benson was a huge mistake. Let’s hope TJ doesn’t have hard feelings. Though he’s over 30, he’s one of a handful of RBs in the league who take extraordinary care of their body. He’s still a beast.
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Mar 5, 2010 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
Just wanted to share for those of whom didint get to the bottom of the last thread
I found this Juicy morsel HERE
“Chicago will be our first visit and we don’t want them looking over their shoulder worrying about other teams right now," Carey said. "They were the first to call and they’ve made us a ballpark offer and it’s good enough to where we’ll make a visit. Pending the outcome of that visit we may visit with Philadelphia and see where we are from there.”
This makes me think we got it in the bag…. pending being our normal CHEAP selves… but Lovie went to pick the man up!!! So.. yeah… Time to start making those prosthetic ears! WOOT!!! We won the Off Season Super Bowl!
GO BEARS!!!!
Just to point out...
The Redskins annually win the Off Season Super Bowl, and look where it has gotten them.
If we can fill some other holes and get Peppers, then we really win.
I wonder if the Bears lack of picks in the first two rounds...
has freed up some cash to spend on free agents. Think of it this way: if the Bears had their draft picks, that would mean an extra $4-$7M on their roster this year. In a normal year, there’s a cap allotment to allow teams to pay their rookies salaries commensurate with their draft status. WIthout the cap, there won’t be a “cap allotment” because there won’t be a cap at all. So whatever number the Bears would have committed can be spent anywhere – draft or free agents.
It could be that the Bears traded two first round picks and Kyle Orton for Johnny Knox, Jay Cutler, and one of the free agents they’re about to sign (other than Peppers).
by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Mar 5, 2010 2:01 AM CST reply actions
thats what I've been thinking
goold ole’ Virginia hasn’t really opened the bank, by not having XX amount of 1st round picks, 25 million really isn’t that much, considering the guaranteed money we’ve been/will be saving with lack of high picks.
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 3:11 AM CST up reply actions
LOL...
Just looked at Twitter and changed the “Location” on the trending topics! In NY Comartie is there and in Seattle Burelson is there… but in Philly… Peppers is #5 and Bears is #7 as of 3am est!!! LOL!!!
GO BEARS!!!!
Well, I'm hitting the sack, y'all...
Hopefully the Bears complete this, and it isn’t another “we tried” moment. I have my fingers crossed, cause if they follow through, this could be a day we all remember………
’night….
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The act of doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Mar 5, 2010 2:07 AM CST reply actions
Peppers will be a good pickup
regardless, even if he is taking plays off, he still demands attention on every down, freeing up whoever we have lining up that down opposite him, should also make Tommie Harris more relevant.
just need to push for a FS who can actually play
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
dangit Lovie!
get them outta bed and get to Halas Hall… quit wasting time with this so called “sleep” thing. SIGN HIM!
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
philly peppers fall back option.....
Agent Carl Carey says that inking defensive end Julius Peppers is Chicago’s “deal to lose.”
So what if they lose?
Carey told Steve Reed of the Gaston Gazette that, if things don’t work out in Chicago, Peppers will visit with the Eagles.
It’s looking less likely by the minute that Peppers will leave Chicago as anything but a member of the Bears. Carey told Reed that the Bears have “extended an impressive contract offer.”
“Chicago will be our first visit and we don’t want them looking over their shoulder worrying about other teams right now,” Carey said. “They were the first to call and they’ve made us a ballpark offer and it’s good enough to where we’ll make a visit. Pending the outcome of that visit we may visit with Philadelphia and see where we are from there.”
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
chester taylor wants 8 mil a year
But he could be a starting running back for the Bears and one league source told the Tribune that his agent is angling for a contract with $8 million guaranteed for the 30-year-old back who ran for 1,200 yards in 2006 before Minnesota drafted Peterson.
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
ops 8 mil guaranteed
still waking up…..
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
RTFA...
The quote and link is in there!
-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
Wow...
it looks like the Bears made a real effort to get Peppers. We’ll see how that turns out. I like Taylor in the compliment role to Forte, but 8mil a year for essentially half an RB is a bit high. Yes, Peppers is expensive, but he’s arguably the top DE in the business, Taylor is damn good, but not unless that 8 mil makes him the starter and Forte is more hurt than the Bears let on. I see WR as more pressing. That means either getting Boldin or being creative with Olsen.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
Kinda hoping
Taylor is negotiable a bit, as stated it’s only 8 mil guaranteed, which isn’t astronomical by any means. I seriously see us being more than capable to land Peppers, Taylor, Manu…and then MAYBE taking a swipe at Clark or Atogwe
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 6:13 AM CST up reply actions
The Manu signing...
seems to spell doom for Olsen. Unless Martz gets creative and uses Olsen unlike any TE in Martz’s systems historically. Atogwe is going to command pretty serious money, but he’s worth it. So that’s Taylor, Peppers, Manu, and Atogwe in FA; I’ll be amazed and impressed if they get it done.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
I really believe it spells doom
for Clark and Davis, Olsen won’t go anywhere…all my opinion of course.
but Atogwe would be icing on the cake wouldn’t it
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 6:31 AM CST up reply actions
Well
all Bears beat writers think that Olsen is NOT going anywhere….They would entertain offers should someone call but they would only trade Olsen if they got “blown away” by an offer…They are not actively trying to trade Olsen…..Mullin on CTL stated that he had heard martz might try to implement Olsen to keep Olsen happy and comfortable but using him mainly as an extra WR….
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
Unless Olsen can really hunker down
and get better at blocking. he’ll fit in our scheme somehow, but hopefully though, Cutler is too busy throwing touchdowns to the WR’s
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 6:35 AM CST up reply actions
Not to mention
that if the Bears are winning games every player tends to be happy anyways….Well for the most part….
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
Here's a thought....
Teach Olsen to block…. don’t we have Mike Tice as our O-line coach? Isn’t he arguably among the best coaches teaching technique in the NFL?
I gotta believe that between Martz and Tice they can bring his blocking skills to a relatively high level. IMHO.
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Mar 5, 2010 10:59 AM CST up reply actions
Not sure
but I think it spells doom for Jason McKie.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
Looks like Dez Clark in trouble not Olsen
According to your link:
The move potentially creates questions about the future of Clark, one of the most reliable offensive players the Bears have had the last seven seasons. Clark has a $475,000 roster bonus that is due Friday and a base salary for 2010 of $1 million. He is entering the final year of his contract. Clark, who turns 33 next month, had missed only two games in his first six seasons with the club since being a free-agent deal in 2003. But broken ribs and a neck injury kept him out of five games last season and he made only 19 receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns.
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
Yep.
WIsh him nothing but the best. Good player.
At the least, this frees out Olsen more into more patterns and less blocking. Yay for 2 TE Sets!
by Steven Schweickert on Mar 5, 2010 7:02 AM CST up reply actions
Guys -
I love Peppers. But we still lack on OFFENSIVE LINE. I haven’t heard anything – are we going after anyone? Because IMO that’s why we sucked ass last year.
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
Assuming
that we’ll address that in draft at this point, pretty deep draft class this year, plus Manumaleuna is basically an offensive tackle
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 6:42 AM CST up reply actions
Thats what I hear
That they would draft O line OG, maybe a RT, and a FS in the draft….heard rumors that the Bears are trying to get the 2nd rounder back via trade (NOT for Olsen) …..
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
maybe forte?
if the reports are true that they want taylor as a primary back
Doesn’t seem very moral to me. Might as well take Satan’s autograph while you’re at it. - N.C.
Got to say...
I really hated how Forte played last year. Didn’t show much effort out there. It was bad.
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
by MPG on Mar 5, 2010 7:05 AM CST up reply actions
maybe something to do with a
Bad oline and an injured knee?? Rough crowd
" We get off the bus running! What do you mean we are a passing team? you don't agree with how I do things? You're fired!"
- Lovie Smith-
by tfrabotta on Mar 5, 2010 7:12 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I can buy injured knee.
Maybe he couldn’t cut, couldn’t explode. But: o-line or not, he didn’t always run hard. There’s a reason we’re going after a 30 year old running back.
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
by MPG on Mar 5, 2010 7:21 AM CST up reply actions
You try to cut with a blown knee...
We’re after a quality back to split carries. We’ve got Kevin Jones and Garret Wolfe right now, and neither of them have been reliable.
A two back system with a pair of lead-quality backs would be perfect, and saving wear and tear on Forte just means we can rely on him longer.
You try to cut with a blown knee…
This. A player who took on as much as Forte did in his first season suddenly decides to take his second season off and stop trying, as MPG is essentially saying? I don’t buy it.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"if we need it, we’re not drafting it. not high anyway. look for Angelo to go after a DL/DE – because that’s just the kind of asshat he is.." - junkhorse
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
what do you take with 2nd then?
cause safeties will be gone in the 1st, and 2nd is too early for Major Wright, Kam C, and Rhodes scholar
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 6:46 AM CST up reply actions
Dunno
2nd could be OG….besides its a rumor might not happen….Angelo might trade back….Never know….Well unless your Bradd Biggs…..
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
also
i wouldnt mind trading a future 2nd for a second this year since we have all of our picks next season
Doesn’t seem very moral to me. Might as well take Satan’s autograph while you’re at it. - N.C.
not gonna happen
No team is going to to trade us a 2nd this year for a 2nd next year. In general, you need to offer one round higher if it is a future year.
So i.e., we’d have to trade away our #1 pick in next year’s draft in order to get somebody’s #2 in this year’s draft. Not.gonna.happen.
OL market is pretty weak
We’ll draft our Oline. Plus Pace being gone and Williams to LT was addition by subtraction.
Bears sign Manumaleuna?!
RT @albertbreer: @BradBiggs gets the man waiting for him at O’Hare, reports … #Bears have agreed to terms with TE Brandon Manumaleuna on a 5-yr contract.
by Patriotbball5460 on Mar 5, 2010 6:42 AM CST reply actions
if we get peppers and Atogwe, we have a nice D
I say we make an offer to Atogwe with maybe a poison pill?
by DaHamsta on Mar 5, 2010 6:43 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I hate to be replying to everyone
but i’m really excited and have no one to talk to at work(co worker is a packers fan….)
Do we have enough for a poison pill after Peppers? what do you imagine the Peppers deal looks like
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 6:45 AM CST up reply actions
Poison pill isn't so much paying him more ourselves
Just making the other team pay more to keep him. IE adding a clause that doubles his pay if he plays 4 games in Missouri. We won’t have to pay it but Rams would. Doesn’t seem to be a lot of that going around lately though.
interesting
i so wish i owned a football team. i understand it’s “bad business” to do that, but do you want to win, or make friends?
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 7:55 AM CST up reply actions
doubtful you will see any this year
Remember, the owners (collectively) are bracing for a showdown with the player’s union over the next CBA, possible lockout, etc. The last thing in the world they want to do is give the impression they are not completely united with each other. Rogue owners going around offering poison-pill contracts is about as dis-united as you can be.
Yes, they want to win. But they want to “win” their negotiations vs. the players union even more. Trust me. Nobody is poison-pilling anyone this year.
tweets from rival fans
Anyone who thinks that Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor are going to help the Bears are nuts.
A NFL scouts call Julius Peppers a dog with fleas.
It doesn’t help that you still have a sh**ty system on defense.
The offense will remain a joke. Cutler will be Cutler. At best they go 6-10.
Julius Peppers played one good game in last two years. This is another Orlando Pace signing for the Bears. Dumb.
ya peppers and taylor and who ever else will not help. you still have lovie
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
somebody's jealous...
-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
Another that is pretty good IMO
finnally copied a winning organizations blue print for success..the redskins! DOH! ya goodluck wit dat!
"In an infinite universe where reality is interpreted through our continuously fluctuating perception, providing absolute definitive proof of anything becomes a little more than speculation based on random data....."
- Jerry Angelo on how he prepares for the NFL draft
LOL
i love our rival fans… common sense and intelligence oozes out of them regularly
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 7:53 AM CST up reply actions
Enough about rolle
He doesn’t seem that interested in us so they better go after atogwe while he’s still around
8 million guaranteed for a 30 year old running back?
That’s crazy, which probably means he’ll get it. The Bears haven’t a clue. I’m a big believer in history, and history says Super Bowl teams are almost never built by making a heavy splash in free agency.
but trying is so much better than
“Rex is our starting QB”
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Mar 5, 2010 8:08 AM CST up reply actions
yeah they still haven't redeemed themselves for that
actually participating in free agency may help. as of now they haven’t done enough yet.
Even landing all the top FAs in positions that we need won’t earn them redemption for years of wasted draft picks and inability to develop players.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"if we need it, we’re not drafting it. not high anyway. look for Angelo to go after a DL/DE – because that’s just the kind of asshat he is.." - junkhorse
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
Let's not forget
about Sharper. We could be lurking in the weeds ready to strike once Peppers and Taylor are signed.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
that would officially make it
one of the best weeks the bears have ever had.
by reefermadness3 on Mar 5, 2010 11:25 AM CST up reply actions
gibril wilson
schefter is reporting the dolphins are releasing him. another FS to throw into the mix. we have to come out with at least one of these guys…
Does anyone else think we also need CB help?
Or do the Bears think Peanut and Vash are still good enough to hold it down for another year? Don’t get me wrong, Tillman is still somewhat reliable but anyone under him on the Depth Chart scares me a bit… Anyone know of any FA CB’s?
P.S.: Looks like Sharper or Atogwe, just read Clark is visiting (or planning to visit) the Dolphins as they’re looking to replace Gibril Wilson.
JoeFlah
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