:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29935029/20140220_mje_ss1_013.0.jpg)
New Chicago Bears defensive end Lamarr Houston has already endeared himself to the fanbase by referencing Dick Butkus, his #BEARDOWN tweet garnered over 6,000 combined favorites and retweets, and then he begins his introductory press conference with this...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>LM: Houston: "I want everybody to know the Monsters of the Midway are back."</p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/statuses/443817291105722368">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Houston is a man that knows his new team's history...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>We have a Sweetness, Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers reference in Lamarr Houston's first 3 minutes</p>— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) <a href="https://twitter.com/patrickfinley/statuses/443817817071419392">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And by the way, he's taking the #99 from Shea McClellin...
... and paying his respects to Dan Hampton in the process.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Lamarr Houston knows that No. 99 is number that <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> fans hold dear and that you have to earn to keep.</p>— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamjahns/statuses/443818002233184257">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Speaking of McClellin, he'll be issued James Anderson's #50 this season.
A lot has been made of Houston being larger that the prototypical 4-3 defensive end because his listed weight is 300 pounds, but he says that he has played between 275-280. When you watch his film, you see a quick player that looks closer to 275 than his listed 300.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Houston: The Bears and I are still discussing the weight at which he'll play. I am comfortable at 280.</p>— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Campbell/statuses/443817493048471552">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Bears will no doubt use him all over the field, much like the Raiders did.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Houston likes 2-pt stance for vision it allows; 3-point for power/burst: "I use them at different times...and different situations." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a></p>— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Campbell/statuses/443818233838063616">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Houston seems like he will be playing with a chip on his shoulder.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Houston on low sack totals (for a huge signing, at least): "I will prove to everybody that there's a reason I'm here."</p>— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) <a href="https://twitter.com/patrickfinley/statuses/443817691703689216">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Bears general manager Phil Emery took to the podium as well. He called their recent signings "another step in building our roster toward championships," and he recognizes that they, "still have a lot of work to do."
He first scouted Houston while a member of the Kansas City Chiefs scouting department, so he has seen his growth.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>LM: Emery: "Lamarr has matured into a very versatile, tough, powerful, physical player."</p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/statuses/443816928889806848">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Emery hit on a plethora of other topics as well...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Emery: Julius Peppers was not designated a post-June 1 cut. That means $8.4M in dead money for 2014 and off the books next year.</p>— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Campbell/statuses/443825234471170048">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> Emery - age is less a factor than cap fit</p>— John Mullin (@CSNMoonMullin) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSNMoonMullin/statuses/443825110357917696">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Emery on Rosario: "There's a good chance he'll come back. We like Dante. It wasn't anything that he did."</p>— Jeremy Stoltz (@BearReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BearReport/statuses/443824672321179648">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Maybe the Bears are trying to make Rosario the Tom Waddle of tight ends?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Emery on pass rusher: "We're going to be patient and see how it all works out."</p>— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Campbell/statuses/443824552317972480">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> GM Phil Emery said team is "open" to Julius Peppers returning on less expensive deal. But I don't know how likely that is.</p>— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamjahns/statuses/443823724010414080">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> Emery says he's having an "ongoing conversation" with Charles Tillman.</p>— Jeremy Stoltz (@BearReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BearReport/statuses/443822737081913344">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> Emery: "When we make the next couple of moves, that will provide clarity to what our draft moves will be."</p>— Jeremy Stoltz (@BearReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BearReport/statuses/443823477963780096">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Emery: If <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> make a major move (if Tillman leaves) at CB, it'd likely be through draft rather than FA</p>— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) <a href="https://twitter.com/patrickfinley/statuses/443822943291064321">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> Emery says for a back up running back, they need to find someone who can pass protect, first and foremost.</p>— Jordan Bernfield (@JordanBernfield) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanBernfield/statuses/443823714694483969">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Emery: A number of players (including Peppers) could return to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> after they test the market. Bears are committed to upgrading roster.</p>— The Game 87.7 (@gamechicago) <a href="https://twitter.com/gamechicago/statuses/443823876225523713">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> GM Phil Emery on free agent DE Jared Allen: "We're going to look at a number of players, obviously Jared is going to be one of those"</p>— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamjahns/statuses/443835440827994113">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Emery also was happy for former QB Josh McCown on signing his 2 year deal with the Buccaneers, he mentioned it's a possibility they draft a QB late and that they'll look at some other vets. As far as another veteran to compete with Jordan Palmer, Dane has an idea...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RexGrossman2014&src=hash">#RexGrossman2014</a></p>— Dane Noble (@WindyCGridiron) <a href="https://twitter.com/WindyCGridiron/statuses/443825283033235456">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Bears also introduced safety Ryan Mundy to the media today and here's some nuggets about him.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>New safety Ryan Mundy has a "wide-open opportunity to become a starter," <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a> GM Phil Emery said.</p>— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) <a href="https://twitter.com/patrickfinley/statuses/443819374076788736">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Safety Ryan Mundy had a two-year offer from the Giants to stay. But opted for the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a>' two-year offer.</p>— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamjahns/statuses/443833253171306497">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Emery says he likes Mundy’s instincts and physicalness. Can play high or low.</p>— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamHoge/statuses/443818970748313601">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
One more...
Here's Emery on new safety M.D. Jennings.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>LM: Emery on M.D. Jennings: Good range, good coverage skills, good special teams player.</p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/statuses/443823460520062976">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
What are some of your thoughts on the presser an don free agency in general?