Monday Links

by Adam T on Jan 14, 2008 7:40 AM CST in News

Bears hire a new
assistant defensive line coach.

The Bears will hire Northwestern defensive line coach Eric Washington as a defensive line assistant coach next week, team sources said. Washington was one of several candidates brought in for interviews this week. He will work under defensive line coach Brick Haley.

This isn't saying much, but it does end with the Bears pursuing Faneca.

Chicago wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who a lot of Eagles fans seem to want, could be pursued by both Oakland and San Francisco. Berrian, a Sacramento native, has said he'd like to go back west. ... Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs, who will be one of the top players on the market, also could land in San Fran. ... Finally, Pittsburgh guard Alan Faneca, who I would like to see the Eagles go after, will be pursued by Chicago.

If Michael Turner's family has anything to say about it, he is coming home to play for Chicago.

"I can't control that stuff," Turner said. "I don't even know if the Bears would be interested. I can't afford to think about free agency right now. My focus is on the Indianapolis Colts."

That's the only answer his head can allow. It might sound different if Turner let his heart comment.

"I know he wouldn't mind coming back to Chicago because he has so much family and so many friends here and I think he's a little homesick out there," said Keith Turner, 23, Michael's younger brother.

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

This Michael Turner thing might actually happen

interesting stuff. He'd be a very good complement to Benson, I think.

Anyone know if the Bears are that interested or if the price would be too high?

I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something. - Dick Butkus

by iowaBear on Jan 14, 2008 9:48 AM CST reply actions

Their stance

is they are going to bring in competition for as many places as they can.

The problem would have to be price. We still are paying Benson #4 money.

Turner is going to have bidders. If we don't offer him the starting spot, somebody else might and that could be the think that sways him elsewhere.

by Adam T on Jan 14, 2008 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

Competition

I think Turner would have lots of confidence that he can outplay Benson. He's a starter on a lot of teams and has been behind the best RB in the game for the last few years.

When they boo you, you know they mean you. George Halas

by allhailmark on Jan 14, 2008 5:43 PM CST up reply actions

Sold!

Hometown discount won't happen here, this is his big payday. I like the way he runs so make it happen be the highest bidder. It also fills a need where you don't spend a draft pick.

And there is room for only one Turner on this offense, see ya Ron.

hit him in his earhole

by draftday on Jan 14, 2008 7:44 PM CST up reply actions

I like this

I like where this is going! I'd love to see Turner as a Bear!

by sirus19x on Jan 14, 2008 11:14 AM CST reply actions

pass on faneca

i know the steelers aren't resigning him because he bashed them in public, but i think they know he is past his prime and we should as well. the idea is to get a little younger, not keep adding older guys.

by lopey986 on Jan 14, 2008 1:02 PM CST reply actions

Agreed

I think Faneca's first few years woud be great, but I'm sure he would demand a 5-6 year contract and I think that's a couple years too long. If Angelo can structure the deal backloaded enough I wouldn't mind as much.

When they boo you, you know they mean you. George Halas

by allhailmark on Jan 14, 2008 5:46 PM CST up reply actions

he can sign for 10 years

we can just cut him

by Chad @ Windy City Gridiron on Jan 14, 2008 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

all depends on the signing bonus

Because I am sure the Bears would love to cut Walker, Arculeta, and Miller right now but they probably can't cause it'd be a big cap hit. The guys is gonna want premier $$ but we need a mauler at guard that Brown used to be. If we get 3 out of 5 good years out of him then it's worth it. WE MUST BE ABLE TO RUN THE BALL!

They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. *That's* the *Chicago* way!

by 2ndcitydiehard on Jan 15, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions

Bonuses

It's all about structure. We can sign him to a 50 year contract, but the signing bonus, roster/option bonuses, and salaries are what will make it a deal or not.

Faneca's agents are going to want a 5-6 year deal so they can justify a huge signing bonus - getting the money upfront and/or guaranteed. This ain't their first rodeo so they'll have a very clear idea of the money involved and I don't think Angelo will cough it up.

If they can structure it so that we're not shelling out market value, like Hutchinson in MN, I'd do it - but I don't think his agents will let that happen.

When they boo you, you know they mean you. George Halas

by allhailmark on Jan 15, 2008 5:26 PM CST up reply actions