Sources: Bears interested in Brad Smith

Quoted:
"A fourth-round pick in 2006 and former quarterback at Missouri, Smith caught just four passes last season for 44 yards with no touchdowns, and rushed for 299 yards on 38 attempts. Those numbers might not immediately resonate, but it's likely the Bears are drawn to Smith's 6-foot-2, 212-pound frame, versatility and the fact he represents an explosive value option who could take some of the attention off playmakers such as Devin Hester and Matt Forte."

...

"There's a good chance Smith's value has increased somewhat given the proposed rule in the labor settlement that makes all third quarterbacks active on game day.

The new rule would mean that Smith could serve as the Bears' third quarterback, while still contributing in a normal capacity on offense and in the return game, which basically would give the team an extra roster spot."

10 months ago SackMan 61 comments 0 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

ugh

its like Antwan Randle El Part Duece…I guess I’m fine with it if he takes Davis place as ST, but hopefully they’re not wanting him to be a future number 1

"Word of advice, don’t join, Bears fans are crazy."--- D-Jackfan10

by ThorCo on Jul 25, 2011 12:24 PM CDT reply actions

Probably a gimmick guy.

They probably keep Davis for ST, Smith becomes the gimmick QB3/gimmick receiver (3 or 4 maybe; rather not have a QB option risk injury on ST). Hanie probably gets cut (Rather not have Enderle be LeFevour Part Deux) and the Bears add another receiver or other piece.

(/plausible scenario)

Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron

by Steven Schweickert on Jul 25, 2011 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions

So the question might be

Will that all they do with the WR corp? …….Course that might upset some who want the legit #1 WR…….Score (mcneil and crew) were already ripping on this if it should happen…..

Always remember the first rule of power tactics; power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.....

- Lovie Smith

by CloudyFuture on Jul 25, 2011 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions

I think they'd almost still have to add another receiver.

Smith basically gives you a QB option that can play WR… or a WR option that can play QB…

Okay. Knox/Hester/Bennett are given. Still looking at Davis (assuming he signs)/Fantuz/Smith… There’d have to be another receiver added to that; Smith can be deployed, sure, but if your QB chart looks like Cutler/Enderle/Smith, Smith has to be semi-protected.

And if Smith is going to be WR only… Then what has changed? You still have the same core skill position players as last season. There could well be a play for a bigger FA WR here…

Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron

by Steven Schweickert on Jul 25, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Well I hope so

But listening to Bear beat writers for a while they seem to think that WR is not a real need and dont think the Bears see it as one as well…..

All this trouble to get Cutler and not get him some real weapons is beyond frustrating….

Always remember the first rule of power tactics; power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.....

- Lovie Smith

by CloudyFuture on Jul 25, 2011 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Then if he's not a WR,

you drafted Enderle, you’re obviously not getting rid of Cutler, and you aren’t carrying 4 QBs. Hanie’s the only one that can really go, but you don’t want two guys as backups in their first year of a Martz system…

Ugh.

Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron

by Steven Schweickert on Jul 25, 2011 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd hate to see Hanie cut

I’ve been cheering him on since he was a UDFA his rookie year. He’s not a star but he’s solid as a number 2…I’d take him over Enderle and Smith together

"Word of advice, don’t join, Bears fans are crazy."--- D-Jackfan10

by ThorCo on Jul 25, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

As have I

but for some reason martz just does not like Hanie particularly well….I would think they would keep Hanie as 2 Smith as 3/Gimmick and stash Enderle on the PS…..But who knows what martz is thinking….

Always remember the first rule of power tactics; power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.....

- Lovie Smith

by CloudyFuture on Jul 25, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Remember what happened

the last time we tried to sneak a promising young QB on the PS…

Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron

by Steven Schweickert on Jul 25, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Touche Steven

Touche……

Though IIRC Enderle was not that highly touted that I can remember…….Cant remember a draftnik or what have you having Enderle high even on raw potential….

Always remember the first rule of power tactics; power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.....

- Lovie Smith

by CloudyFuture on Jul 25, 2011 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I believe at time of drafting

he was pretty much a developmental project, played in a pro offense, good release, a definite pocket passer. Plus, Martz screwed up his pet project last year.

Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron

by Steven Schweickert on Jul 25, 2011 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Ah

Didnt remember that….I do remember ESPN and NFL laughing/questioning the pick because he was a sack machine but I think Mayock (or someone on NFLN) said that made him a perfect fit for a martz offense…..

Course who knows maybe Enderle will be good to solid…..

Always remember the first rule of power tactics; power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.....

- Lovie Smith

by CloudyFuture on Jul 25, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Ops forgot

Youre right…..NO way they would have 2 guys with not even 1 year of martz offense experience on as back ups behind Cutler…..They would HAVE to keep Hanie…..

Course they dont call him mad mike martz for nothing……

Always remember the first rule of power tactics; power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.....

- Lovie Smith

by CloudyFuture on Jul 25, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions

If we actually do this

Maybe we can trade Hanie for a maybe a late/mid round pick.

by saterpstra on Jul 25, 2011 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions

What does this mean for Caleb Hanie?

And why does Martz hate him so much?

Above all; keep 'em guessing, never let them lose their sense of confusion.

by Just Dave on Jul 25, 2011 12:32 PM CDT reply actions

Brad Smith isn't going to play QB except in wildcat type formations. This would do nothing to Hanie

by IndyBearsFan88 on Jul 25, 2011 12:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Oh boy.

So either the Bears carry three QBs plus the hybrid and cut a receiver, or it’s buh bye Hanie. Unless there’s another scenario I’m missing or something.

Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron

by Steven Schweickert on Jul 25, 2011 12:33 PM CDT reply actions

Ah forgot about this

Had heard this on the score or ESPN1000 just after the draft…..They were talking like it was most likely they would put smith high on “the list”….Guess we will see…..

Always remember the first rule of power tactics; power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.....

- Lovie Smith

by CloudyFuture on Jul 25, 2011 12:33 PM CDT reply actions

Maybe they've talked to a QB hungry team like Arizona

and whoever doesn’t trade for Kolb trades for Hanie…ah I wish

"Word of advice, don’t join, Bears fans are crazy."--- D-Jackfan10

by ThorCo on Jul 25, 2011 12:35 PM CDT reply actions

Totally called it, but I really wish they'd put their WR focus on a consistent end zone threat.

Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent - Salvor Hardin

by badsamaritan on Jul 25, 2011 12:42 PM CDT reply actions

Brad Smith?

He would bring basically nothing to the team except another ST threat.

by IndyBearsFan88 on Jul 25, 2011 12:44 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Could someone explain this whole "extra roster spot?"

Was the 3rd QB previously inactive on gamedays?

With the QB now active, they stash an extra athlete at the spot and still keep the existing roster slots that they have that they consider “ST” or whatever?

I feel as if this is what they are implying. This would allow them to keep both Hanie and Davis, and probably place Enderle on PS?

Thanks in advance!

by Bearly Intimidated on Jul 25, 2011 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

I think the 3rd QB was semi active

Mainly for emergencies like the NFC Championship, when the two QB’s above go down they bring in the 3rd guy, but once the 3rd string is brought in then neither the 1st or 2nd string can come back in… I think

"Word of advice, don’t join, Bears fans are crazy."--- D-Jackfan10

by ThorCo on Jul 25, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

this is why i sometimes hate being a bears fan...

Wr may not be the biggest need, but it is the most fun to speculate on. Unless we get a guy that cant play qb and isnt a very good wr, but because he is mediocre at both, we will get him on the cheap. Istead of a player that is actually really good at his posistion

by Ryan21 on Jul 25, 2011 12:50 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

"I see PRIDE, I see POWER, I see a BADASS MOTHA WHO WON'T TAKE NO CRAP OFF NOBODY!"

by T.Moore on Jul 25, 2011 1:07 PM CDT reply actions

This is so the Bears

we FAR exceeded expectations last year due to unusually good health and a lucky schedule. Do the Bears take a sober look at themselves and realize they need some major improvements if they want to get back to the NFCCG again? Nope, they say “We were 2 TDs from the Super Bowl, only minor tweaks are required”.

No matter that we have one of the 5 worst receiving corps in football and the 2nd worst ranked offense. All we need is a gadget player who caught 4 balls last year.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Jul 25, 2011 1:13 PM CDT reply actions

We need him to run that Wildcat set

that nobody uses efficiently anymore and defenses can see coming from a mile away

"Word of advice, don’t join, Bears fans are crazy."--- D-Jackfan10

by ThorCo on Jul 25, 2011 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Seriously?

Carl Nicks and Sidney Rice are out there and Brad Smith is the first name that pops up?

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 1:26 PM CDT reply actions

Maybe the Bears think they'll lose D Manning....

So, Smith would make more sense there. But, for the love of god, sign a real WR for once.

"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 Jul 25, 2011 1:27 PM CDT reply actions

Seriously

THIS is why some thinks Angelo should be fired (i dont). But screw it lets have 2 GMs, Angelo for defense, someone else for offense and common sense

"I see PRIDE, I see POWER, I see a BADASS MOTHA WHO WON'T TAKE NO CRAP OFF NOBODY!"

by T.Moore on Jul 25, 2011 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Timmy!!

"Word of advice, don’t join, Bears fans are crazy."--- D-Jackfan10

by ThorCo on Jul 25, 2011 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions

No

Dammit, how hard is to try to get Rice, Jackson, Holmes. The Vikings are 5 million over the cap, make a run at Rice, get Jay a real number 1.

by baseballguru589 on Jul 25, 2011 1:45 PM CDT reply actions

I don't think this will happen now that ove had some time to snoop around

First it would contradict everything that the coaching staff have stated about adding a vet WR.

Also after watching Mike and Mike in the morning John Clayton has the Bears in the Braylon Edwards sweepstakes as well as the Sidney Rice sweepstakes. In this case I would take Clayton’s word over whomever this source that leaked this info to ESPN.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 2:32 PM CDT reply actions

I don’t see the Bears having a real interest in Smith, I really think this is a ploy, Brad Smith has absolutely nothing to bring to this team, and they know it, I really think the Bears have the money and will make another big splash in FA. Aside from retaining a couple of their players they will sign a OG to help fix the line issues, CB, and a legitimate #1 WR, and they have the money to pay top tier FA in all of those positions.

Pull my finger...

by touchdown bears on Jul 25, 2011 2:37 PM CDT reply actions

Thank you

ESPN has a bad habit of trusting anonymous sources to make speculations for other teams. I seem to remember they had Peppers going to Philly last year. And I also recall the recent mistake of reporting that the Eagles may sign Brett Favre as a backup.

So nothing to worry about yet fellow Bears fans.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Well if they sign him then it would be as a ST guy and NOT as another QB....

Still don’t think the Bears will sign a big-time FA like Rice, Jackson or Holmes but I have no qualms with a Steve Smith, Santana Moss or Malcolm Floyd. I really hope they make a run at Floyd because of what he can bring to the table. He’s big and fast with good hands and good route-running and he won’t cost a fortune.

by frenchbears113 on Jul 25, 2011 3:26 PM CDT reply actions

And he played in the same style of offense in San Diego

And…I still think the Bears will be targeting a big time WR in addition to a good Guard or two.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I think it ends being 1 OG, 1 LB and either a WR or CB

Ideally it will be Justin Blalock, James Anderson and Malcolm Floyd or Carlos Rodgers. They should also snap up Kris O’Dowd, Justin Boren, Jake Kirkpatrick, Mark Herzlich and Terrance Toliver as UDFA’s.

by frenchbears113 on Jul 25, 2011 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions

That's a list I would be happy with

By now we all know who I’m pulling for at LG (A certain Mr. Nicks of the Saints) and a good WR such as Malcom Floyd or perhaps Sidney Rice. I’m rather indifferent about the LBs out there as a good number of them would be a good player for us. As for CB it’s more of a luxury at this point in finding a shut down player as after Nnamdi Asomugha gets the big bucks the talent drop off is rather steep. I’d just go for anyone who’s a solid player that wouldn’t cost that much, or I’d let our guys be and let them compete for the starting job adjacent of Tillman.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Bad news ...... Nicks is still an RFA :-(

" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson

by MidWayMonster54 on Jul 25, 2011 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Yup I found that out moments ago

No use crying over this as there still are good players available, with more coming soon.

Right now the FA Guards are headed by Davin Joseph, Justin Blalock, Harvey Dahl, Deuce Lutui, and possible cuts include Brian Waters as well as Shawn Andrews, and so much more. You don’t have to have a Pro-Bowler at every position, just find improvements to your weaknesses. I still feel the Guard class is a good one, as finding a suitable improvement over Chris Williams and/or Garza wont be hard to find.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Out of what we have to choose from ....

… I say we go something like this ……
Go get Lyle Sendlein and let Olin be free , then grab Dahl & maybe even Joseph to solidify our line for years to come . Yeah I know replacing 3 guys is alot but it would pay off in the long term .

" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson

by MidWayMonster54 on Jul 25, 2011 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions

That would be 4 new starters when throwing in Carimi

Also, with Joseph and Dahl who would be the LG and who would be the RG?

If you want to go with another player at Center then how about Baas? He could play either Guard or Center and he understands a little about the concept of the Martzfense after Martz’s short tenure with the 49ers.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Younger is cool with me & Baas could work . And I say Dahl ...

… as our LG & Joseph as our RG .

" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson

by MidWayMonster54 on Jul 26, 2011 1:57 AM CDT up reply actions

How about Mathis or Kosier to pair with Dahl?

Both of those guys aren’t big time players, but both are solid LGs and Dahl would be the perfect player to add at RG.

In particular I feel Mathis is a diamond in the rough, as he was a major piece to that Bengals O-Line in 2009 and when played in limited spots last year he played rather well. He is big, strong, and athletic with a mean streak to go with it. Sounds like a good pick up to me.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 26, 2011 8:00 AM CDT up reply actions

I kosher with anybody that will keep Jay Cutler .....

…. standing long enough to make it to the huddle .

" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson

by MidWayMonster54 on Jul 26, 2011 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions

note to Brad Smith

beep beep “DMS alert, DMS alert, DMS alert” beep beep

by dicksingletary on Jul 25, 2011 3:50 PM CDT reply actions

brad smith

Unless Rashied Davis signs elsewhere as a FA, I don’t understand this one. Was great on ST for the Jets, but I hope they’re not counting on him at the WR spot. Would much rather see the money spent on Ochocinco or Sidney Rice.

by walterfan34 on Jul 25, 2011 4:20 PM CDT reply actions

So...

Am I the only one who just thinks this means Manning isn’t coming back. If that’s the case, I think this makes sense. Get another legitimate return guy who can contribute some on offense. Why is that crazy? I’m not saying he should be the number one priority, but if Manning is gone I think this is a solid move.

Colt's fan friend - "This is our dog, we named her after Peyton Manning."

Boondocksaints812 - "You named her Bitch?!? Did you train her to lie down when you run towards her too?"

by Acydikeen on Jul 25, 2011 4:36 PM CDT reply actions

Because there are not going to be nearly as many opportunities on KORs this year

Devin Hester will be returning Punts so I really don’t feel Smith would be a wise move of any level. Now if we get him AND a legit WR then I wouldn’t mind as much but even then I seriously have issues with this report by ESPN, non of it makes sense as Caleb Hanie will stay in Chicago and will compete with Enderle for the #2 spot as described by Martz and whomever loses most likely Enderle will he the #3 QB.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Just Great

Does this mean the Bears wont be bringing back Todd Collins? Grave mistake!

by BigDanz2000 on Jul 25, 2011 5:57 PM CDT reply actions

"WE LIKE HIS VERSATILITY"

Can’t you just hear JA at the press conference for this guy? “He returns kicks, he runs the wildcat, another option for Jay”. I don’t know if they sign him or not, but if they do, it tells me they’re moving on without Manning and his kick returns. It wouldn’t surprise me that they want a good KR to replace Manning with their emphasis on field position.
And he is a dangerous KR, which would be the bulk of his work.

by taketheunder on Jul 25, 2011 7:27 PM CDT reply actions

I feel the drafting of Conte was the 1st sign of the team moving on w/o Manning

And have we forgotten about Knox as a returner?

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions

You really want Knox returning a bunch of kicks?

If the Bears are counting on Knox for 1000 yards receiving, which they are, wouldn’t be too wise to expose him to 3 or 4 kick returns a game.
Evidently the Bears didn’t think so either, since he had only 8 returns.
Smith, on the other hand, had 50 for the Jets.
Including two to the house.

by taketheunder on Jul 25, 2011 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Well it all depends on who we add in FA

If we go out and add a #1 WR then Knox will see fewer snaps as I believe Bennett will emerge as one of the starters this year, with Knox sliding inside.

Otherwise I can see the hype, but only for a very small contract.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jul 25, 2011 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions