The Bear’s Den, March 17, 2020

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

This week we are all-about free agency with videos of people who were stars in a band, but took the free agency route and started their own band or joined another one.

BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!

BEARRRSSSS.

The Jimmy Graham addition probably isn’t great news for Adam Shaheen - NBC Sports Chicago - Things don’t look good for the former second-round pick.

Bears reportedly in contract negotiations with Teddy Bridgewater - NBC Sports Chicago - The Chicago Bears are reportedly in contract negotiations with free-agent QB Teddy Bridgewater

The Bears didn’t get hosed in picking Danny Trevathan over Nick Kwiatkoski | NBC Sports Chicago - So did the Bears make a mistake by signing Trevathan last week, before Kwiatkoski’s market developed? Nah.

NFL delays offseason programs indefinitely - ChicagoBears.com - Due to concerns about COVID-19, the NFL has mandated that all teams delay the start of their offseason programs indefinitely and follow special procedures when the new league year begins Wednesday.

Bernstein: Bears’ QB Activity Says More Than Words - 670 The Score - Even if they won’t say it outright, the Bears are seeing what we’ve been seeing with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky’s struggles. The start of NFL free agency was proof of that.

Report: Bears Targeting Andy Dalton, Nick Foles In Trade | 670 The Score - The Bears are pursuing a veteran quarterback on the trade market and have shown interest in the Bengals’ Andy Dalton and the Jaguars’ Nick Foles, ESPN reported.

Report: Bears In Discussions With Teddy Bridgewater - 670 The Score - The Bears are in discussions with free-agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported Monday afternoon. If a deal is reached, Bridgewater is expected to take over for Mitchell Trubisky as the Bears’ starting quarterback.

Report: Jimmy Graham, Bears Agree To 2-Year Deal - 670 The Score - Tight end Jimmy Graham and the Bears have agreed on a two-year deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Monday evening. The deal is for $16 million, with $9 million guaranteed, Schefter reported.

Bears coaches are working from home - Chicago Sun-Times - If the Bears are going to lean on their coaches during free agency, they’ll have to use a phone.

Bears talking to QB Teddy Bridgewater: report - Chicago Sun-Times - He went 23-for-38 for 281 yards, two touchdowns and a 100.9 passer rating in a 36-25 win at Soldier Field on Oct. 20.

2020 NFL Draft closed to public, but will take place on television - Chicago Sun-Times - The NFL is trying its best to stick to its calendar, but public events are off.

Chicago Bears in free agency: Tracking the latest moves - Chicago Tribune - As the Chicago Bears sign players and others join new teams, the Tribune’s team will track the moves and provide insight into what they mean.

Brad Biggs: Jimmy Graham's deal with Chicago Bears shows dangers of free agency - Chicago Tribune - The Bears were mostly window shopping until reportedly agreeing with tight end Jimmy Graham on a two-year, $16 million contract with $9 million guaranteed. That’s a costly way to cover the mistake the Bears made two years ago when they signed Trey Burton.

NFL moves ahead with free agency: Comforting or crass? - Chicago Tribune - Depending on your point of view, the NFL's resolve to move forward with its operations could be viewed as comforting or arrogant and insensitive. Ken's Note: Nice distraction.

Quarterbacks in free agency: Tracking moves around the league - Chicago Tribune - The NFL's quarterback carousel ride could be a wild one this year.

Chicago Bears in talks about multiple quarterbacks - Chicago Tribune - Within the first few hours of the free-agent negotiating period Monday, the Bears were linked to the Saints’ Teddy Bridgewater, the Bengals’ Andy Dalton and the Jaguars’ Nick Foles.

Bears Fans are not Happy with Ryan Pace's Decision to Sign TE Jimmy Graham - Chicago Audible Blog - With the Bears' first move during the legal tampering period, GM Ryan Pace signed TE Jimmy Graham. Let's just say Bears fans are not happy with the move.

Does signing Jimmy Graham in NFL free agency actually make the Bears better? - NBC Sports Chicago - Jimmy Graham represents an upgrade for the Bears at tight end from a durabilty and production standpoint. But that's not saying much.

2020 NFL free agents: Bears chase quarterbacks on Day 1, but no deal - Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears appeared to be very active in the market, but their QB search continues.

TE Jimmy Graham fills a need — at a cost — for Bears - Chicago Sun-Times - As Bears fans kvetched on Twitter about their team’s newest tight end Monday night, Dwyane Wade chimed in about the Jimmy Graham signing. Ken’s Note: OUSTANDING word, “kvetched”! Love it!

POLISH SAUSAGE

NFL broadly prohibits free-agency visits, creates vague procedure for physicals - ProFootballTalk - Yes, the early negotiating period opened on Monday at noon ET and the league year will start on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET. But the free-agency process will consist of some significant limitations.

Report: Raiders reach agreement with Marcus Mariota - ProFootballTalk - The move was not unexpected.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Bears sign Jimmy Graham - ProFootballTalk - God help us, it's true.

Report: Detroit Lions to sign LB Jamie Collins to 3-year deal - Pride Of Detroit - Jamie Collins reunites with his old coach.

Free analysis analysis: Thoughts on the Lions’ signing of OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai - Pride Of Detroit - We’re optimistic about the signing. Here’s why.

Packers sign LB Christian Kirksey to kick off 2020 free agency period - Acme Packing Company - Good morning Packers fans! Brian Gutekunst is doing work already!

Packers sign RT Rick Wagner, signaling the end for Bryan Bulaga in Green Bay - Acme Packing Company - The Green Bay Packers have found a new offensive line man. Rick Wagner looks to be Bryan Bulaga’s replacement.

Kirk Cousins becomes highest paid player again, for now - ProFootballTalk - Patrick Mahomes says "hold my beer"

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Infante: Bears sign Jimmy Graham to two-year deal - Windy City Gridiron - The five-time Pro Bowler will be making his way to the Windy City.

Snyder & Berckes' Bears Over Beers: 2020 Defensive Free Agency Preview - Windy City Gridiron - Jeff and EJ are back to take a swing at some of the realistic options on defense the Bears might target now that free agency is underway

THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following is not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS

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