The Bear's Den, June 22, 2016

BEAR DOWN!!!!

ALSHON (Same Story, DIfferent Takes)

Smith: Report says Bears, Alshon Jeffery still talking long-term deal - ProFootballTalk - When Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery signed his one-year, $14.6 million franchise tender, he was reportedly a near certainty to play this season on that contract. But that might not be so certain after all.

Perez: Is a long-term deal still possible for Bears WR Alshon Jeffery? - Bears Wire - Is a long-term deal still possible for Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery?

Wagner-McGough: Bears, Alshon Jeffery could agree to a long-term deal before deadline - CBSSports.com - It was previously reported that the Bears receiver would play under the franchise tag in 2016

Wiltfong: Chicago Bears still talking with Alshon Jeffery about a long term contract - Windy City Gridiron - A few weeks ago it came out that the Chicago Bears were content to allow franchise tagged wide out Alshon Jeffery play the 2016 season under the tag. It was reported that discussions about a long...

Links: Bears, Alshon Jeffery Still Talking Extension - ProFootballRumors - The Bears and Alshon Jeffery are still discussing a contract extension. Click here for more.

BEARRRSSSS

Kozar: Chicago Bears rolling the dice at TE - Cover32 - The Chicago Bears have had arguably a top five tight end for the last three seasons in Martellus Bennett, who provided the team...

Bears have positive outlook on Cutler - ESPN Video - Jeremy Fowler expresses his surprise that Jay Cutler isn't facing any scrutiny right now and believes Cutler has adapted his game that's resulted in him making fewer careless decisions with the football.

Perez: What to expect from Bears WR Kevin White in his real rookie season - Bears Wire - What fans should expect from Chicago Bears WR Kevin White in year one back from his shin injury

Goessling: Where does Mike Zimmer rank among division coaches? - ESPN - Mike Zimmer's Minnesota Vikings won the NFC North last season, but he's not considered the best coach in a division full of experienced leaders.

Perez: Bears’ injury-prone tight end Zach Miller is…waterproof - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller sported a waterproof tuxedo at the recent Bears Care gala and offered a demonstration of its powers

Fishbain: Chicago Bears post-minicamp depth chart - Pro Football Weekly - Little changed in the offseason program; the battles for the Bears are set for training camp

Perez: Will the Bears keep only 2 quarterbacks on the final roster? - Bears Wire - ESPN recently predicted the Bears' final roster with some surprise projections at the quarterback positions and more

Perez: Bears’ injury-prone tight end Zach Miller is…waterproof - Bears Wire - Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller sported a waterproof tuxedo at the recent Bears Care gala and offered a demonstration of its powers

BRAD BIGG'S CHICAGO TRIBUNE MAILBAG (Broken out for your reading convenience)

Any discussions for a contract extension for Kyle Long? - Chicago Tribune - Have there been discussions for a contract extension for Kyle Long?

With Marquess Wilson injured, which WR will get more reps? - Chicago Tribune - Which wide receiver fighting for a roster spot stands to benefit the most from the extra reps freed up by Marquess Wilson's foot injury?

Over/under 32 combined sacks for the defense? - Chicago Tribune - Over/under 32 combined sacks for the defense?

Will receivers Darrin Peterson or Kieren Duncan be on the roster? - Chicago Tribune - I have been keeping a close eye on the new crop of wideouts. Although Daniel Braverman has deservedly gotten most of the attention, I became really intrigued by...

Who will be the starting defensive end opposite Akiem Hicks? - Chicago Tribune - The coaches know what they have in Mitch Unrein. He's a solid pro. But I think they'd be disappointed if he was the starting defensive end opposite Akiem Hicks

Is the secondary the biggest concern heading into camp? - Chicago Tribune - Is the secondary your biggest concern heading into camp? To me Kyle Fuller is best suited as a free safety in a 3-4.

With the leg of Pat O'Donnell, why punt directly to returner? - Chicago Tribune - With the leg of Pat O'Donnell, why always punt directly to returner? Why not aim out of bounds eliminating the chance for a return?

Is tight end the Bears' weakest position? - Chicago Tribune - Is tight end the Bears' weakest position?

Why is there no interest in Chris Culliver or Donte Whitner on defense? - Chicago Tribune - Why no interest in Chris Culliver or Donte Whitner for the defense?

POLISH SAUSAGE

ITB: Spice, Screeden Drumline tryouts - ChicagoBears.com - The Chicago Bears Drumline held auditions for the 2016 season and Inside the Bears hosts Lauren Screeden and Spice Adams tried out. Who made the cut?

KNOW THY ENEMY

Alper: Stafford thinks it will be tougher on defenses without Calvin Johnson - ProFootballTalk - Calvin Johnson retired this offseason, leaving the Lions to get used to running an offense without their top receiver for most of the last decade. They signed Marvin Jones, Jeremy Kerley, Andre Caldwell and Andre Roberts as free agents to go with holdovers Golden Tate, T.J.

Birds Eye View - Packers OTA Observations - Cheesehead TV - An In-person account of players standing out Packers' OTAs.

Goessling: Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster could be without some recent picks - ESPN - Several recent draft picks could be on the wrong side of the cut line when the Vikings settle on their 53-man roster.

Stahl: Seven reasons the Lions will be a Dumpster Fire in 2016 - SideLionReport - The 2016 Lions have a ton of question marks. Here are seven reasons the Lions aren't going to be any good this year.

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