The Bears Den: March 18, 2014 - Chicago Bears offseason news & notes

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses the Bears' best move since free agency began, Houston and Young upgrading the defense, and Bears players whose colleges are in the NCAA basketball tournament.

Briggs happy Bears re-signed Tillman - Larry Mayer: Lance Briggs said Monday that he was "probably the happiest man in Chicago" last Friday when longtime teammate Charles Tillman re-signed with the team. [Audio] Jeff Dickerson: Hopes best for Melton.

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Bearsss

Ex-Packer 'all-in' after joining Bears - Larry Mayer: M.D. Jennings helped keep his new team from making the playoffs last season, but the former Packers safety now bleeds navy and orange after joining the Bears.

Hixon adds competition for Weems, Bennett - Michael C. Wright: From the looks of Hixon’s one-year deal worth $823,750, it appears he’ll have to beat out Weems and Bennett to stick as a special-teamer and possible No. 3 WR.

Team Report - Adam Hoge: The Bears' cap space is limited, but they still have some flexibility. Plus, which position will they target first in the draft, and which young players could make a leap forward this season?

Briggs to wear shoulder harness in '14 - Jeff Dickerson: The left shoulder injury that knocked Lance Briggs out of seven games last season will force him to wear a harness under his shoulder pads next season.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Evaluating Tillman, Peppers moves. [KAPCON: 5]

Israel Idonije set to visit Bears - Michael C. Wright: Free-agent DE scheduled to visit the team and take a physical on Tuesday, according to an NFL sources. Hamsters everywhere rejoice!

Houston has the right idea; not sure about Emery - Steve Rosenbloom: Emery’s roster looks different. But I’m not sure it’s better, and I’m not sure it will be until Houston is planted as a DT and someone who knows defense drafts the best DE on Emery’s behalf.

Free agency is only the start of Bears' offseason plan - Moon Mullin: Rather than desperation shopping, the Bears are positioned to add to a solid veteran base with a best-player-available draft strategy.

Tillman on Bears' Super Bowl chances - "Before I leave for another team or retire, I want to get a Super Bowl. To me that's the ultimate goal right there. Next year 2014, why not us?" With [Audio].

Drew Butler sees great opportunity with Bears - Brad Biggs: Butler and Tress Way, who was with the Bears as a camp leg last summer, are the only two punters on the roster.

Dan Pompei Q&As - What was Packers' motivation to sign Peppers? ... Why would he be any better for GB? ... Would Jared Allen be a good fit for Bears? ... Does Emery know how to draft defense?

Mock Draft - Rob Rang: CB Darqueze Dennard's length, physicality and fluidity could help an overmatched secondary against the NFC North's explosive passing attacks.

Mock Draft - Mike Tanier attempts to create the worst 2014 NFL mock draft possible. Who wants the Bears to go all Matt Millen at #14?

Draft preview - Daniel Jeremiah breaks down the top three draft needs for all 32 teams following the start of free agency. For the Bears it's gone from DL, S, interior OL to S, CB, DT.

NFCN Blog - Rob Demovsky revisits the NFC North's top free agents list from a week ago to see what has changed.

Free agency - Doug Farrar with the best defensive free agents remaining. Y dat Emery no sign alla dem?  Chris Burke: Best offensive FAs.

[Video] Inside the Bears - ChicagoBears.com mic'd Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery during their intense offseason training program in South Florida.

Sun-Times Bears section here.

Check WCGer Sackman's selection of Bears-themed tops here, or some t-shirt designs here.

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Polish sausage

Josh McCown thinks he's better than Jay Cutler - Tony Andracki fans the flames.  With [Audio].

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Regardless of how the Packers use Peppers, they expect more pressure from their defensive front this season.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein: Lions not necessarily done in free agency; Suh deal "not critical" to more signings.

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For anyone nursing a hangover this morning.