What the Chicago Bears should do with their own Free Agents - Offense

by UKBearsfan on Jan 9, 2012 6:17 PM CST

Hi There,

First time poster here, after reading WCG avidly for the last 18 months, I thought I'd try my hand at writing my own piece. So I decided I'd write about what I think the Bears should do with their own Free Agents this Off Season. I'll start with the Offense, and depending how it is received maybe come back with my ideas for the Defense.

So Join me below the jump for my thoughts.

Matt Forte - RB - The Bears would me crazy to let him get away. I, along with most Bears fans, want to see him awarded a long term contract by this organisation. While I believe this will ultimately happen I think the Bears apply the Franchise tag in 2012, allowing the team to concentrate on filling holes this offseason before going back and discussing an extension during the 2012 season. I know this strategy risks upsetting Forte, but for the Bears it is the most sensible approach.

Verdict - He's going nowhere.

Kahlil Bell - RB - While I think Bell played well in relief of Matt Forte and Marion Barber, he is not a No 1 back. I believe he is a very good back up to Forte, bringing a similar skill set to the table, but he needs to work on ball security (3 fumbles in 2 games) to become more of a consistent threat. As a RFA the Bears should make a decent offer to bring him back.

Verdict - There's a chance he lands somewhere else, but I think he returns to Chicago in 2012.

Caleb Hanie - QB - I count myself among the many Bears fans, who, on the back of his performance against GB in the NFCCG last year, felt comfortable with Hanie backing up Cutler. Well it seems he fooled just about everyone (except maybe Mike Martz) his play in the 4 games he started this year was horrible. He seemed out of his depth, the game was, at times, just too fast for him, his reads were too slow and some of his decisions were very poor to say the least. Although you could make a case for him being let down by the coaches with the game planning and at times by his team mates (I'm thinking REW vs KC and Barber vs both KC and Denver) but a stat line of 3TD's against 9 Interceptions just won't get it done.

Verdict - He's done in Chicago and probably the NFL.

Josh McCown - QB - Played solidly in his 2 starts, he looked more comfortable in the pocket than Hanie for a start, made quick reads (but this could have been down to a simplified game plan) and made plays with his feet. I am not about to bestow No2 status based on these 2 games, but i feel he has done enough to at least warrant an invite to Training Camp to compete for the back up position.

Verdict - Will probably get an invite to Training Camp.

Kellen Davis - TE - He has his detractors, but has shown he can block (better than Olsen) and receive (just not in the same league as Olsen) he is a legit red zone target shown by his 5 TD's on only 18 receptions this season( 9 on 28 for his career). He is still young and I believe he can grow as a receiver, especially with the Bears probably using their Tight Ends in the passing game more. I firmly believe he should get a new contract.

Verdict - Sticks around

Roy Williams - WR - Was brought on board to kick start the passing game on the say so of Mike Martz, who it seems, believed he could get the best out of Roy once again (as we all know REW had his best season under Martz in Detroit) unfortunately it didn't work. Roy struggled early in the season with injury and throughout with inconsistency. He dropped some passes, although not as many as you would think, just at key times to kill drives / games (KC). Improved over the last couple of games but with Martz gone, I doubt the Bears bring him back.

Verdict - He's not in the plans for 2012

I don't profess to be an expert so be kind.... just kidding, feel free to to comment, criticize etc. and as I said I may be back with my thoughts on the Defensive side of the ball.

Poll

Should the Bears apply the Franchise tag to Matt Forte ?

Yes, it makes sense.

50 votes

Hell No, sign him up !!

79 votes

129 votes | Poll has closed

This FanPost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member, and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.

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Comments

Good first post!

Agree with everything you said, and appreciate the quality writing. Keep’em coming!

If its free, take two.

by T.J. Shouse on Jan 9, 2012 6:49 PM CST via Android app reply actions

im curious

what kinda loot trading forte would bring in

by TR MacReady on Jan 9, 2012 8:22 PM CST reply actions

I'd listen to offers

I love Matt, but Bears ground game was good even without him. The way the offense is heading under Tice’s leadership, we will need two good running backs and neither needs to be highly priced.

I think we could maybe get a 1st and 2nd/3rd pick for Forte. And that may be worthwhile. Or what about a DE/WR and a 4th rd pick?

Shouldn’t we at least think about making that trade?

by Ramzez06 on Jan 9, 2012 9:15 PM CST up reply actions

I love me some Forte

However, we need to be realistic. If I wear a GM and I wouldn’t give that much for a RB. There is just too many examples of gems found in the latter rounds. Not to mention that RBs have short shelf lives. Furthermore, if I were rebuilding my team I would be looking at the most dangerous teams in the NFL… Packers and Saints. Neither team has a true every down back. Forte is great, he is stellar out of the backfield but he just isn’t worth a number 1.

by thepreacher on Jan 9, 2012 9:20 PM CST up reply actions

Look at it like this

How much more dangerous would the Packers b with a Rb lke Forte and the Saints have a pretty good running game as is but none are as good as Forte. If someone were to give up a 1st and 2nd id hafta seriously think about it

See me on Twitter follow me @ EddieCheeze, Catch me on FB friend me Eddie Cheeze, See my group on youtube listen to us Hood Platinum, want me ta kill a track email me Cheeze2k11@gmail.com....Im errwhere

by EmmCeee on Jan 9, 2012 11:03 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

I'm on board with trading him

I’m trying to think of a massive recent RB contract that has worked out. Huge contracts I can think of:

Larry Johnson – disaster.
Shaun Alexander – disaster.
Edgerrin James – disaster.
Ricky Williams – disaster.
DeAngelo Williams – leaning towards disaster.
Brandon Jacobs – bad so far.
Adrian Peterson – bad so far.
Jamaal Charles – bad so far.
Darren McFadden – bad so far.
Michael Turner – pretty good.
Mojo – pretty good.
Steven Jackson – hey hey!

I’m sure I’m missing a few good ones, but I imagine the odds are still pretty poor.

by YaoPau on Jan 10, 2012 1:34 AM CST up reply actions

Three of those are injuries...

Unless they become injury risks, I’d prefer not to think of them as “bad” contracts. And the AP one was about as safe of a contract in an RB as you can possibly get.

And you missed the CJ0K terrible contract.

by Doshi on Jan 10, 2012 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed

Can’t discredit the AP, DMC, or Jamaal signings due to injuries (especially DMC since its a rookie contract still). I wouldn’t mind a 4-5 year deal for Forte where we can get out from under it easily after 3 years.

If its free, take two.

by T.J. Shouse on Jan 10, 2012 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

Of course injuries count, why wouldn't they?

RB is maybe the toughest position in sports to stay healthy at, and that’s gotta be factored into contracts imo.

by YaoPau on Jan 10, 2012 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

You're right

but since both AP and Jamaal had injuries happen this year, I think its too early to say it was a bad contract. If they stink next year, then we can talk about it being a bad deal.

If its free, take two.

by T.J. Shouse on Jan 10, 2012 3:18 PM CST up reply actions

Can't be predicted

Torn knee ligaments are impossible to account for.

"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct

by propheteer on Jan 15, 2012 11:17 PM CST up reply actions

You are missing my point

I am not saying that Forte wouldn’t make a team like the Packers better. What I am saying is that you will not find a GM give a 1st for Forte. Maybe Al Davis would but he is gone.

by thepreacher on Jan 10, 2012 7:07 AM CST up reply actions

Not possible ?

Just remember the bonehead deals GMs have made in the recent pass. I refuse to accept defeat by not even trying to find a boneheaded GM and talk him into the deal.
Heck all they could say was , no. That’s one down and 31 to go. ;-)

by Thump 1 on Jan 10, 2012 5:58 PM CST up reply actions

i'd love to keep forte.

but every player has his price. getting a 1st and a 2nd for forte would be good. We could use that 2nd on another RB and use the 1st on a weak position.

by Nih1lus on Jan 9, 2012 9:34 PM CST up reply actions

Good eye

I’m with you T.J. I’ll bet he’d bring a 1st rd. pick and maybe another pick. Outside of Cutler, he’d be the one to bring most in a trade.

by Thump 1 on Jan 10, 2012 5:52 PM CST up reply actions

This is one of the best posts I've read in a while

Outstanding piece. And I concur on all your points. Btw did you have to type in the HTML view? I’ve had issues with that and would like to know how to type in that format. For some reason neither computer in my house will allow me to type on visual view.

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

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 9, 2012 8:26 PM CST reply actions

To type in that format

you’ll probably want to learn HTML.

What browser are you using?

Took the 'G' out your waffle, all you got left is your Ego.

Editor at windycitygridiron.com | @Kev_WCG

by Kev H on Jan 9, 2012 11:06 PM CST up reply actions

Internet Explorer

I believe 8

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

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 10, 2012 9:29 AM CST up reply actions

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...

by Doshi on Jan 10, 2012 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

Yea...it is a real issue

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

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 10, 2012 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

Fix it.

Step up to a grownup browser (or get IE9 if you’re on Vista or Better).

Seriously. Your life will thank you, and as a technology professional, I will thank you too.

Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...

by awfullyquiet on Jan 10, 2012 11:44 AM CST up reply actions

Which one would you recommend?

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

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 10, 2012 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

Chrome is the fastest, hands down.

Here’s how it goes:

Best All Around – Chrome. It’s what I use. It’s the fastest, the cleanest, and decently customizable.
Most Flexible – Firefox/Opera… Firefox Extensions are ridiculous, Opera comes with a lot of really good stuff out of the box (like native bittorrent support)
Best With Privacy – Opera (Chrome hooks into your google accounts & searches)
If you have a slow computer – Chrome or Opera. Firefox is a MASSIVE program that’s slimming down from Mount McKinnie size.

Opera will always be the browser that supports the most ‘new’ technology (HTML5 & CSS)… but it’s not always the fastest, or best, or most consistent.

Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...

by awfullyquiet on Jan 10, 2012 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

trading

i am not for the idea of trading Forte, but if this allowed us to get someone like Blackmon then get another need like LT ? who knows! temptation

by stepeo on Jan 10, 2012 12:39 AM CST reply actions

Dollars & Cents/Sense wise…tagging Forte is the smartest move…emotionally, signing him to a long term deal is the right move.

Trading Forte would reduce his worth, RB’s are a dime a dozen these days. I dont even think he’s worth a 2nd round pick to anyone but us, as a lot of teams employ a double back set these days anyways.

Superman wears an Urlacher Jersey under his costume

by BearNecessities on Jan 10, 2012 1:33 AM CST reply actions

Are you nuts, Forte is easily worth a second round pick, possibly a first.

Considering his play on our o-line right now, imagine what he could do on one of these teams that actually have a solid o-line. This year Forte should have been considered the best back in the league as far as production. If he wouldnt have tweaked that knee, who knows what he would have ended up with. He was 3 yards short of 1000 with 5 games left to play and had 400 plus recieving yards up to that point. I know you can get a lot of running backs in the draft these days, but how many of them end up being as good as he was this year. Not many.

Wouldnt it be funny if we had another DE with the last name Salters!

by fortefan09 on Jan 10, 2012 6:33 AM CST up reply actions

AGREE

how he is not worth at least a second round draft pick is beyond me. he is an acclomplished running back and a threat coming out of the backfield for receiving. quite a few teams could well pofit from his skills ( BUT I WOULD NOT LIKE TO TRADE HIM ,REALLY)

by stepeo on Jan 10, 2012 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

A team that's a running back away

from being a Super Bowl contender might give up a first for Forte. But as valuable as he’s been to us, that may not be enough compensation, since he’s basically played at a Pro Bowl level for the past 2 years. I would want a middle 1st and a 2nd/3rd or a high 1st for Forte – since draft picks are a roll of the dice, anyway. Or something along the lines of Brandon Marshall and a 2nd might make sense.

by JimmyMack on Jan 10, 2012 12:09 PM CST reply actions

Is there a Team like that?

I don’t think there is.

Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...

by awfullyquiet on Jan 10, 2012 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

I can think of a couple of teams that could use a stud RB.....

The Patriots are one. I understand they can toss the rock but their defense isn’t good and the Pats play a lot better when they actually have a run game. Having Forte behind their line would make the Pats offense the best in the league.

The Packers are another pass heavy and often offense but last year they got through the Super Bowl when they rediscovered a run game. That would take pressure off of Rodgers and open up the pass game since the opposing D would need to account for Forte as both a rusher and pass catcher. As good as the Pack has been without a run game, having one would give their offense another dimension and would make them downright frightening.

by frenchbears113 on Jan 10, 2012 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

Patriots ALWAYS need an RB

But they never NEED an RB.

The Packers though. Pure hellfire.

Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...

by awfullyquiet on Jan 10, 2012 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

Ok

JimmyMack, you could be my GM. Let’s also remember – Matt’s been injured , two of the last three years. I’ve seen us lose so many . . .Mike Brown , Jerry Azumah , Tommy Harris and others. If it’s two good bodies for one – so be it. Gladiators don’t last as long as we’d like. But let’s try and do business with the bottom dwellers . You know , teams that are 5,6,7 win teams. Especially the 6 and 7 win teams. They’ll feel that they’re only one PROVEN player away.

by Thump 1 on Jan 10, 2012 6:12 PM CST up reply actions

why give up forte when we are a WR (2? - knox) and LT away?

It would be hard for a new gm to screw up what the bears have going. Forte isn’t going to be a burden financially yet he has a several good years left and he’s worth every penny. If Knox can’t return having Forte to catch would be more valuable. The bears had a great run game going then went to pretty good with out him (ball control, running out of bounds). If we get a solid offense this coming season it shouldn’t matter as much how well we play on defense. Even with some of their shortcomings age/depth in some positions being one they are still a respectable defense. 2012 bears will give us a good run no doubt.

by dmtrpt11988 on Jan 10, 2012 3:19 PM CST reply actions

You make good points

dmtrpt11988 It’s just , Matt’s been injured , two of the last 3 seasons. It’s been my experience as a fan to notice how injuries , rob us of impact players. Mike Brown , Jerry Azumah , Tommy Harris . So , while I’d like to keep Matt , His available status doesn’t look too good.

by Thump 1 on Jan 10, 2012 6:23 PM CST reply actions