BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!
LINKS MASH UP!
Wiedman: The March Madness of Free Agency - Our Turf Football - OTFB's Wanda Wiedman keeps us up to date with the flurry of activity of free agency.
Biggs: Illinois State cornerback Davontae Harris could project as a safety in NFL draft - Chicago Tribune - Illinois State cornerback Davontae Harris, a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, is preparing for the NFL draft. Some teams are viewing him as a future safety, and Harris is fine with that. He just wants a shot at the next level.
Campbell: Examining the Bears' next moves after an early free-agent binge - Chicago Tribune - Examining what moves the Bears can make to fill their remaining needs after they splurged on passing game upgrades on the final day of the league year.
Rosenbloom: Look what Ryan Pace did for Bears QB Mitch Trubisky - Chicago Tribune - - There are signs that Ryan Pace might be growing up. Mitch Trubisky, the quarterback Pace drafted after bidding against himself for the right to trade up from third to second, has new, seemingly price-appropriate playmates. Now, geez, can Pace's signings finally, actually play NFl-caliber offense?
Campbell: Bears release Mike Glennon, Marcus Cooper and Markus Wheaton - Chicago Tribune - The Bears released quarterback Mike Glennon, cornerback Marcus Cooper and receiver Markus Wheaton on Wednesday, undoing their 2017 free-agent class and underscoring the treacherous waters of the March signing period.
Biggs: Adding tight end Trey Burton leaves Bears with a big decision on Dion Sims - Chicago Tribune - The Bears will have to make a decision on veteran tight end Dion Sims in the coming days. He has a base salary of $6 million for 2018, and $4 million of it becomes fully guaranteed on Friday. Brad Biggs examines the decision the team has to make.
Kane: Sam Acho was visiting a prison with George McCaskey while awaiting Bears deal - Chicago Tribune - As his agent fielded offers for a new contract this week, Sam Acho just happened to be in the company of Bears Chairman George McCaskey.
Wiederer & Campbell: With free-agency signings, do Bears fans have permission to dream big now? - Chicago Tribune - Bears general manager Ryan Pace has enjoyed a solid start to free agency, most notably with the signings of receivers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel and tight end Trey Burton. But what does it truly mean for the Bears' prospects in 2018 and beyond?
Biggs: Before announcing free-agent haul, Bears cleaned out 2017 group and Dion Sims could be next - Chicago Tribune - The Bears have a ballyhooed new class of free agents and they will be introduced Thursday just as the team has cleared out four of the five free agents signed to multi-year contracts last year. Tight end Dion Sims could be next to go to create opportunity for Adam Shaheen.
Ingalls: Chicago Bears Re-sign CB Prince Amukamara - Da Bears Blog - The Chicago Bears and cornerback Prince Amukamara agreed to terms on a three year deal worth $27 million with $18 million guaranteed.
Tidwell: Chicago Bears Agree to Terms with QB Chase Daniel - Da Bears Blog - The Chicago Bears have agreed in principle to a contract with quarterback Chase Daniel for 2-years/$10 million with $7 million guaranteed.
Stankevitz: How do ACL tears affect wide receivers? The numbers are promising for Allen Robinson, Cameron Meredith | NBC Sports Chicago - A torn ACL is no longer a career-ender, and in some instances, wide receivers who tear their ACLs come back as even more productive players than they were previously.
SportsTalk Live Podcast: How Bears' free agent pickups have impacted their draft strategy - NBC Sports Chicago - On the latest SportsTalk Live Podcast, the panel discusses how the Bears' free agent pickups have impacted their draft strategy.
Mullin: Now that he has some weapons, Mitch-a-palooza can really start - NBC Sports Chicago - Weapons don’t make the quarterback; the quarterback “makes” the weapons.
Stankeviz: What the Bears' depth chart after this week's free agent frenzy could tell us about their NFL Draft plans - NBC Sports Chicago - The Bears still have pressing needs at outside linebacker and interior offensive line, and could look to fill those through the NFL Draft in April.
LeGere: Chicago Bears add backup QB Daniel as Trubisky mentor - Pro Football Weekly - Seldom-used veteran has ties to Bears Nagy and Pace
LeGere: Chicago Bears reward another defender with 2-year deal for Acho - Pro Football Weekly - Bears veteran OLB provides valuable depth in area in need
PFW Chicago Podcast 107: Bears offense became dynamic overnight - Pro Football Weekly - Don't look now but the Bears' offense has a chance to be dynamic, not three yards and a dust cloud, in 2018. Arthur Arkush, Bob LeGere and Hub Arkush analyze the arrivals of Allen Robinson, Trey Burton and Taylor Gabriel, among others, and explains w
LeGere: Chicago Bears early moves make a statement in free agency - Pro Football Weekly - Bears add 3 offensive weapons, re-sign 2 defenders
Hub Arkush: Chicago Bears easily NFC North's most improved club - Pro Football Weekly - But too early to know whether exciting moves make Bears a contender
Grading the Chicago Bears’ 1st wave of free agent signings - Bears Wire - Issuing grades of each Chicago Bears free agent signing so far in 2018. Ken's Note: I present this because some of you might disagree with my belief that "instant grades" are absolutely stupid.
Mayer: Bears release Glennon, Wheaton, Cooper - ChicagoBears.com - The Bears on Wednesday released quarterback Mike Glennon, receiver Markus Wheaton and cornerback Marcus Cooper.
Mayer: Bears re-sign Acho, Amukamara - ChicagoBears.com - The Bears retained two key members of their defense Wednesday, agreeing to terms with outside linebacker Sam Acho and cornerback Prince Amukamara, pending phsyicals.
Mayer: Bears land five unrestricted free agents - ChicagoBears.com - The Bears made an immediate splash on the first day of free agency Wednesday, agreeing to terms with five key players, including receiver Allen Robinson.
Dickerson: Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel provide legit targets - ESPN - A look at how the Bears' depth chart at receiver looks after the additions of Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel.
Dickerson: Chase Daniel joins Chicago Bears as backup QB - ESPN - Chase Daniel, who has spent nine years as a backup quarterback, has agreed to a two-year deal with the Bears.
Mark Grote discusses the opening of Bears free agency on Sports Feed - WGN-TV - It's a new role for the Sports Feed veteran in 2018 - and it might have seemed a bit unusual. Mark Grote was the pre and postgame host for the Cubs over the last few years and often talked with Jarrett Payton and Josh Frydman about the exploits of Joe Maddon's successful teams.
Hughes: Bears Have New Backup Quarterback in Chase Daniel - Da Bears Blog - Goofy video interview, sorta.
Gantt: Giants sign guard Patrick Omameh – ProFootballTalk - The Giants were hoping to sign guard Andrew Norwell. Instead, they signed the guy whose job Norwell took. Per a tweet from his agents, the Giants have agreed to terms with Jacksonville left guard Patrick Omameh.
Smith: Vikings trying to re-sign starting lineman Joe Berger, who may retire – ProFootballTalk - The Vikings have their new quarterback in Kirk Cousins, but they may have to find someone new to block for him. Joe Berger, a guard/center who started all 16 games for the Vikings last year, is considering retirement, according to NFL Network.
Florio: AJ McCarron can make up to $16.5 million over two years – ProFootballTalk - When the music stopped on Tuesday, AJ McCarron was doing the John-Travolta-in-Pulp-Fiction-look-around-the-room-and-wonder-what-the-hell-is-going-on thing. On Wednesday, McCarron opted to pounce on the only starting job that was still open.
Trevor Siemian Trade: Final details, including draft picks - Daily Norseman - The trade looks like it’s been finalized
Reisman: Teammates react to Eric Ebron’s release from Detroit Lions - Pride Of Detroit - Teammates went to Twitter to support their former teammate.
Cox: Arizona Cardinals to sign Mike Glennon per reports - Revenge of the Birds - The Arizona Cardinals have completely transformed their quarterback room.
Arizona Cardinals sign Mike Glennon to two-year contract - Revenge of the Birds - Mike Glennon is officially an Arizona Cardinal now. Ken's Note: Thank you Cardinals, your contract saved us cap space!!!
Sports Central, 03.14.18: Inside on Bears Free Agents - WGN Radio - WGN Radio's Adam Hoge speaks back to back with Jaguars' beat writer, Ryan O'Halloran from the Florida Sun Times-Union, and CBS Sports Philadelphia's Reuben Frank about wide receiver Allen Robinson and tight end Trey Burton. Later on, Adam Jahns from the Chicago Sun-Times gives his two cents on the Bears free agency fiesta.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON
Duerrwaechter: Bears to re-sign Sam Acho - Windy City Gridiron - Another familiar face returns to the Bears’ defense.
Infante: Bears to sign quarterback Chase Daniel - Windy City Gridiron - The Bears have added a veteran to back up Mitchell Trubisky.
Zeglinski: Getting acquainted with Trey Burton - Windy City Gridiron - The former Eagles’ tight end should be an excellent all-around for the Bears. Bleeding Green Nation gave the skinny on his addition to Chicago.
Zeglinski: Bears to release Markus Wheaton - Windy City Gridiron - After a disappointing 2017 season, Chicago will cut ties with the 27-year-old wideout.
Chicago Bears Free Agency Rumor Tracker: March 14, 2018 - Windy City Gridiron - Nothing official on the new guys yet, but the Bears have released a few players and announced a couple re-signings.
Curl: Valuable bust insurance - Ryan Pace's free-agent contracts have been front-loaded and Bear-friendly - Windy City Gridiron - When it comes to low-end free-agent acquisitions, Pace has hedged his bets by front-loading guaranteed money making it easy to mulligan after a disappointing season.
Zeglinski: Getting acquainted with Taylor Gabriel - Windy City Gridiron - An explosive weapon, Gabriel figures to fit in perfectly with the creativity of the Bears’ offense. The Falcoholic gives the lowdown on the smaller receiver who packs a punch.
Duerrwaechter: Bears officially release Marcus Cooper - Windy City Gridiron - Another member of the 2017 free agency class has had their contract terminated.
Wiltfong: Chicago Bears announce 5 new free agent signings - Windy City Gridiron - It’s a new beginning for the Chicago Bears as they officially welcome five new players into the fold.
Duerrwaechter: Mitch Unrein to sign with Buccaneers - Windy City Gridiron - Another contributor to the Bears’ defense has elected to sign elsewhere.
WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS
2 Minute Drill - Website - iTunes - Andrew Link; Steven’s Streaming – Twitch – Steven Schweickert; T-Formation Conversation - Website - iTunes - Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; WCG Radio - Website - Robert Zeglinski
THE RULES
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WCG Contributors: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Andrew Link; Ken Mitchell; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Robert Zeglinski; Like us on Facebook. former teammate.