The Bears Den: May 20, 2014 - Chicago Bears offseason news & notes

Marshall agrees to three-year extension - Larry Mayer: The Bears locked up a key member of their offense by agreeing to a three-year contract extension with Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall through the 2017 season.

Bears special teams in the midst of major change - Dan Wiederer: Possible Joe DeCamillis will head to training camp in Bourbonnais in late July with a new punter, a new return specialist (or two) and a new long snapper. Phil Emery: Chris Williams has inside track for return duties.

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Brandon Marshall signs 3-year extension

[Video] - Brandon Marshall announced and signed his three-year, $30 million contract extension on an episode of The View.

Bears made smart play by bringing back rock of offense - Michael C. Wright: Brandon Marshall hasn't shown any level of drop-off in terms of production on the field, and appears to have grown by leaps and bounds off it. Dan Pompei: Sends positive message to locker room.

Extension shows Bears' faith in Marshall - Rich Campbell: Emery bets on receiver remaining productive as he tries to become the seventh receiver since 2009 to be selected to the Pro Bowl after turning 30.

Marshall extension a smart bet by Emery - Hub Arkush: Few players take better care of their bodies than Marshall and he has been extremely durable over the course of his career.

Marshall proving he's all about the team - Chris Boden: Despite being one of the most productive players at his position, Marshall's contract value over the next four years is just 14th right now among WRs when he could have commanded much more.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Marshall's extension not a surprise.

[Video] - Adam L. Jahns on how Marshall's extension helps the Bears.

Marshall extension has wide-ranging benefits - Kevin Fishbain: Second chance the Bears gave Brandon Marshall has paid off, not only on the field, but also with what he has meant in the locker room and most importantly, the mental health community.

Really now, Bears just right for reality TV - Mike Imrem: Brandon Marshall's busy Monday alone qualifies him to be a compelling character for "Hard Knocks" on HBO. His teammates could come along for the ride whether the Bears want them to or not.

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Bearsss

Bears sign rookies Perry, Trice - Larry Mayer: The Bears have signed RB Senorise Perry and safety Marcus Trice, both of whom participated in the team's rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Who stood out at Bears rookie minicamp?

Dan Pompei - Thoughts & scouts on Kyle Fuller ... Christian Jones catching the eye at rookie minicamp.

Team notes - Bob LeGere: Coaches pumped over Kyle Long's development; Tucker on Ego Ferguson's tremendous upside and starting potential; Lynch working on pass protection.

Lynch honing skills at new position - Larry Mayer: Jordan Lynch seems to possess the instincts to succeed at RB, but there are other aspects of the position the Bears rookie must master to earn a roster spot.

Bears mailbag - Michael C. Wright's readers' Q&A, rookie minicamp edition: Was drafting a punter a waste of a pick?

Bears depth chart - PFF puts together a colourful chart and previews two of the major position battles heading into training camp, at Sam and FS. Why wasn't Matt Forte in the PFF Top 101?

2014 All-Hinge Team - Mike Tanier: The Bears have completely overhauled their defense, but Shea McClellin's transformation is the key to that of the Bears. Conte cleaned up 29 runs of 10+ yards last season.

NFL's best cornerback duo? - CBs have taken center stage this offseason. Which team boasts the best pair? One NFL.com analyst gives the Bears' starting duo some love.

[Audio] - Phil Emery joined the Mully and and Hanley Show for an hour to discuss a variety topics. [Broken into segments in link; one single podcast here.]

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

10 ways to improve the NFL - From changing pass interference to outsourcing the Pro Bowl, some tweaks to the pro football experience.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Packers willing to take a chance on what is essentially an extended tryout for troubled TE Colt Lyerla.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Brandon Marshall's deal could help Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson. Paul Imig: Or, with three WRs taken in draft, is this Jordy Nelson's last season in GB?

Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein: Under extra scrutiny due to draft status, Eric Ebron trying to earn veteran respect in OTAs.

Peyton Manning arrested on drug charges - Will Brinson: No, not that Peyton Manning; this one is only 18, lives near where Manning played college football, and was probably named after the former Volunteers QB, who was at Tennessee in 1996. [Is it just me, or does she have the Manning forehead? Just sayin'... - Den]

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Every Breath You Take, part 2: MOAR stalker.