The Bears Den: May 23, 2014 - Chicago Bears offseason news & notes

Team report: Bears offseason wrap-up - Michael C. Wright: With free agency and the draft in the rearview mirror and training camp just a couple [of - Den] months away, it's time to assess the Bears' offseason moves.

New role will allow Kromer to grow - Larry Mayer: Relinquishing his duties as O-line coach this offseason will enable OC Aaron Kromer to spend more time working with multiple positions.

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Brandon Marshall

Marshall in his happy place with Bears - Larry Mayer: Three days after signing a contract extension, Brandon Marshall thanked those who have helped him excel on and off the field and called his trade to the Bears "life-saving" and "career-saving."

Marshall calls coach 'best in business' - Larry Mayer: An emotional Brandon Marshall on Thursday called Marc Trestman "the best in the business" and said "he's a man that I would like to be one day."

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Brandon Marshall addresses the media Thursday at Halas Hall after signing a 3-year contract extension with the Bears and gives thanks to all those who helped him along the way. 'It's about leaving a legacy.'

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Phil Emery addresses the media Thursday from Halas Hall to discuss signing Marshall to a contract extension.

Marshall gets emotional over Bears deal - Bob LeGere: Difficult to say who was happier at Thursday's news conference, Brandon Marshall or Phil Emery.

‘Career saving’ trade has Marshall, Bears on right track - Adam Hoge: Now it’s less about Brandon Marshall and more about his team trying to win a Super Bowl. That’s quite the transformation for someone who admits he once was "a young man lost in Denver."

Marshall's growth needs to continue - Michael C. Wright: Evidence over the past couple of years indicates a man changed by family, faith and football. The key for him now is to continue to lean on those attributes.

Marshall wants 'breakout year' - Dan Wiederer: With new contract in hand, receiver now wants to emulate Jerry Rice's great success later in career.  JJ Stankevitz: Competition from Jeffery keeping Marshall sharp.

Marshall shares stories of Bears' bonding trip - Chris Boden: Receiver hoping the camaraderie he’s helped develop is an ingredient that helps these Bears become Monsters again, starting September 7.

X&Os - Brandon Marshall's maturation off the field has, by now, been well-documented; Dan Durkin takes a look at how his game has matured on the field.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - The panel discuss Brandon Marshall extension's and where the team will go from here. [KAPCON: 5]

[Video] NFL Network - Does Brandon Marshall see himself as the best receiver in the NFL?

[Video] NFL Network - Adewale Ogunleye: Brandon Marshall's contract shows franchise's familial spirit.

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Bearsss

Bears mailbag - Brad Biggs' readers' Q&A on more contract extensions, Brock Vereen, special teams changes, and chances Bears go 16-0.

Rookies who will (or should) switch positions - Doug Farrar: Brock Vereen may have the most impressive ability of all the safeties in this draft class to stick and stay with receivers, and it would make sense also to give him reps in the slot.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Field turf at Soldier Field: Yay or nay? [KAPCON: 4, possibly 3]

[Video] - Kyle Long gives Jen Lada tips on throwing a first pitch.

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

The Business of Football - Andrew Brandt: When the NFL and NFLPA reworked the CBA three years ago, rookies lost leverage and the result has been first-year players hitting the field faster.

The importance of OTAs - Jerry Angelo: Organized Team Activities don’t get the same coverage as training camp and the preseason, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as important. Matt Bowen: The hidden value of OTAs.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky assesses the Packers' offseason moves. Will the lack up an upgrade on their ILBs prove to be a weakness?

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling assesses the Vikings' offseason moves: Opting not to fortify a weak WR corps in a deep draft for the position something of a surprise.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein's Lions offseason wrap-up: By not improving its roster at corner, Detroit gambling on unproven or inconsistent players.

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Giant steps are whaaat you take, walking on... wrong song, my bad.