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Martellus Bennett is a weapon like no other for the Bears - Matt Bowen: Finally with a TE for Jay Cutler, the offense can create opportunities many ways in the middle of the field.
Landing Bushrod, Bennett was all according to Emery’s plan - Sean Jensen: Phil Emery apparently has a good poker face, and he’s evidently a storm chaser. As of Friday, the Bears have $5.6 million in salary-cap space, nearly half of which needs to be allocated for the rookie pool.
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Urlacher & the LB corps
Can Urlacher still help Bears? - Barry Rozner: Rest assured that Bears Phil Emery is not interested in bringing back Brian Urlacher as a mascot, and will hand Urlacher a new contract only if it suits the Bears in 2013 and beyond.
[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Who has leverage, the Bears or Urlacher?
Bears best served to run along without Urlacher - Rick Morrissey: Nobody wants to look like the heartless villain, which is how Emery will be viewed in some corners if he allows a future Hall of Famer to walk away. But it’s the right thing to do.
George McCaskey staying out of Urlacher situation - Kevin Seifert: Bears chairman said he personally hopes Urlacher returns but made clear the decision lies with Phil Emery.
Bears lose Roach to Raiders - Bob LeGere: The 27-year-old, six-year veteran agreed to terms with the Raiders Friday morning after visiting the previous day.
Could Roach exit help Urlacher return? - Michael C. Wright: With the Bears planning to expand Roach’s role in 2013, if the Raiders' $3-4M per year offer was too rich for the team to match, it’s not likely Urlacher will be able to land a contract in that range, despite his past contributions and standing as a potential HoF player.
LB doesn't have to top Bears' draft board - Brad Biggs: There are ample options on the FA market right now and the Bears could be waiting for action to settle so they can get multiple players at a price that fits their budget. Maggie Hendricks: Is Manti Te'o the answer?
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Bearsss
Bowman re-signed to bolster special teams, thin CB depth - Moon Mullin: The Bears turned some attention to special teams concluding a one-year deal of Zackary Bowman, who also puts another CB in place on the depth chart behind Jennings and Tillman.
If Bears struggle, don’t give Cutler all the blame - Mike North: It seems expectations are high for the 2013 Bears season, but if things don't go well, can you blame a middle-of-the-road QB for everything that goes wrong on the field?
Dan Pompei's Bears mailbag - Reader Q&A.
Trade winds could blow for Bears - Sean Jensen: Emery has been as aggressive in scouting as he has in free agency because several of his best players are 30 or older. Now that his OL needs have been addressed, he's not averse to trading back if the draft warrants it.
Forte objects to proposed rule change - “In order to lower your shoulder you obviously have to lower your head. It's a way of protecting yourself from a tackler and a way to break tackles." I don't recall Forte powering through that many tackles...
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Polish sausage
NFP Sunday Blitz - Dan Pompei: Are the Ravens finished? Winners from free agency and all the latest NFL talk.
Know thy enemy: Lions - Kevin Seifert with a few thoughts on safety Louis Delmas' return to the Lions on a two-year contract.
Know thy enemy: Lions - Kevin Seifert: By restructuring Suh's current contract, which runs through to 2015, the Lions are setting up an "extend or face salary cap hell" year in 2014.
Know thy enemy: Vikings - Kevin Seifert: Greg Jennings' signing with Minnesota means the Vikings are improved and won't weaken the Packers much, but the impact on Jennings himself is where it gets complicated. A few more thoughts. Mike Freeman: Good for Jennings' wallet but not his career.
Feck it, let's Irish it up; hands off me lucky charms. You're probably hung over anyway.