Friday, April 3, 2026
✶ Untold Chicago Stories ✶ Amazon Music
Home Blog Page 2888

Bears Feel They Have a Shot at Trading Failed 2017 Signing

By
Erik Lambert
-
2017 chicago bears free agent class

The 2017 Chicago Bears free agent class still gives some fans nightmares. Aside from the surprising success of cornerback Prince Amukamara, the class was an utter bust. Mike Glennon flamed out after just four games as the starter. Quintin Demps broke his arm before the season barely began. Markus Wheaton failed to even make five catches. Marcus Cooper put himself on blooper reels forever with his botched field goal return. All of those men have since been released. Only one remains standing.

That is tight end Dion Sims. His survival on the roster is a curious one. He was already supplanted as a starter last season by rookie Adam Shaheen. Since then the Bears added even more finality to his place on the roster by locking up free agent Trey Burton. Most would’ve expected the team would be eager to get that $5.66 million cap relief by cutting him loose.

Except it’s never wise to unload an asset that may bring some value. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears think they might have a limited market to trade Simms.

A Simms trade would soften the blow of 2017 Chicago Bears free agent class

“An NFL source said Wednesday night the Bears are believed to be shopping Sims, a move that surely has a timetable attached to it if the team doesn’t want to be on the hook for that base salary guarantee. They probably can’t get much in return considering Sims’ salary but there’s a shortage of accomplished blocking tight ends on the market and general manager Ryan Pace might find a taker.”

The Bears thought Sims had potential as a receiving threat in addition to his solid blocking ability. They were proven incorrect when he managed just 180 yards and a touchdown in 14 games. He had a frequent problem with dropped passes too. That said he wasn’t helped much by poor scheming by the Bears coaching staff. Another team might feel he could provide more value in a better system.

Given the contract and other factors, it’s likely the Bears won’t get more than a late round pick for him, and a conditional one at that. Still, getting anything back for him at this point could be considered a minor victory for GM Ryan Pace as the team prepares to move on from the wreckage of 2017. Either way, it’s clear Sims won’t be a Bear for much longer.

IceHogs Make Playoff Run With Goalie Collin Delia

By
Nicole Capone
-

One goalie in the Chicago Blackhawks organization is delivering, and that is Rockford IceHog, Collin Delia.

The Rockford IceHogs are trying to make a playoff run and if they qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs, Delia deserves some of the credit.

The 23-year-old started out playing college puck at Merrimack College for three seasons. Collin then signed with the Blackhawks last July. What impacted the signing was Delia’s junior season at Merrimack. During the year, Delia had .927 save percentage in 21 games and an eye-catching performance at a prospect camp prior to the signing.

But, similar to the Blackhawks, Delia’s season didn’t get off to a good start either. Delia played 10 games with a 1-7-2 record, 4.12 goals-against average and .887 save percentage.

After his rough patch, Delia made 16 starts for Rockford with an 11-2-3 record since January 6. This past week, Delia played back-to-back games where he made a total of 71 saves allowing only one goal. After this performance, Delia earned AHL Player of the Week honors.

The Ice Hogs have won five of their last seven games with Delia in the net. Rockford now stands two points behind the Grand Rapids Griffins as they fight for a playoff spot. If indeed the IceHogs do make it, Delia will surely be in the net, which means he will get more game and postseason experience, along with other prospects like Gustav Forsling, Anthony Louis and Luc Snuggerud.

In terms of the big picture, Delia’s development and saves like this have given the Blackhawks an AHL goaltender worth watching.

NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Troy Brown

By
Patrick Mooney
-

With the New Orleans Pelicans shooting up the standings, that first-round pick the Bulls acquired from them is looking worse every day. As of now, it would be the 22nd pick. While that puts the Bulls in a harder position than they were in the day they made the trade, the reality is the Bulls can still get value with the pick.

Since John Paxson took over the front office in 2003, he has made five first-round picks between the #22 and #30 selections. Marquis Teague was drafted with the 29th pick in 2013, and he was obviously a bust. The other four picks? Bobby Portis at 22, Nikola Mirotic at 23, Taj Gibson at 26 and Jimmy Butler at 30. That’s a pretty damn good track record.

One name that the Bulls may be targeting if the Pelicans pick remains in that range? Troy Brown, a 6’7, 215lb freshman guard from Oregon.

STRENGTHS:

  • Length

Brown, a five-star recruit from Las Vegas, projects as a shooting guard at the next level according to most scouts. While he might not be quite as tall as he’s listed, his 7’0 wingspan should allow him to play some small forward as well. He isn’t a great athlete, but he’s got enough quickness that, combined with his length, could allow him to guard point guards from time to time. That type of positional versatility will serve him well at the next level

  • 2-Way Potential

Brown’s offensive game is still developing, he’s showed signs of being both an off-ball scorer and a ball handling creator, but he definitely needs some fine-tuning. Defensively, he’s everything teams want in a perimeter defender. He’s long, he’s versatile, and he can really rebound, he averaged 6.3 rebounds per game at Oregon. He can do a little bit of everything defensively, he just needs to find his niche at the next level on the offensive end.

  • Age

Brown won’t turn 19 until July. That will make his less than stellar freshman season more forgivable in the eyes of scouts. By the time he hits free agency for the first time, he’ll be only 23. There is a lot of time for development with him.

WEAKNESSES

  • Shooting

Brown showed an inconsistent stroke all season, finishing the year with just a 29.4 three-point percentage and less than one made three a game. In the video above, you can see that he takes a long time to load into his shot and his release is inconsistent. Hard to be an impact guard these days without a jump shot.

  • Athleticism

Brown Isn’t athletically challenged, per say, but he doesn’t jump off the page with his explosiveness or leaping ability.That wouldn’t be as big of a deal if he had a good jumper, but as of now, he doesn’t. If he can’t shoot and can’t blow by people or jump over people, how is he going to score?

  • Decision making/execution

This is more of a question mark than a decidedly weak part of his game. Coming out of high school, scouts liked his vision and ballhandling ability so much that they thought point guard was a possibility for him. However, he turned it over 84 times to go along with just 106 assists this season. How much of that was inexperience/growing pains? How many of those turnovers had more to do with his noticeably worse teammates than his own decisions? Time will tell.

VERDICT

I enjoy young prospects like Brown, especially for teams like the Bulls who are still a couple years away (at least) from seriously competing in the East. I think using the Pelicans pick on a wing makes a lot of sense, it essentially gives the Bulls a do-over on the Denzel Valentine pick.

However, Brown doesn’t fit the Bulls MO. Paxson’s success in drafting in the latter part of the 1st round has come by drafting older, more NBA ready players. The Bulls could use a wing defender like Brown but his offensive game is pretty far from NBA ready at this point and he isn’t a great athlete. I don’t think that’s the kind of guy that Paxson will be targeting in the 1st round.

Matt Nagy Lures In His Needed Backup QB For the Bears

By
Erik Lambert
-
chase daniel

They say the easiest job on an NFL roster is the backup quarterback. They get paid millions of dollars to sit on the bench and do practically nothing. In truth though it might be one of the most quietly important positions to fill in the sport. Ask the Philadelphia Eagles where they might be had they not signed Nick Foles to backup Carson Wentz last year. New Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy is a former QB himself. He understands the value and importance of that spot well. He did occupy at times during his career.

So he didn’t waste much time finding somebody credible he can trust at that position behind Mitch Trubisky. Chase Daniel has been around the NFL since 2010. He’s played for three different teams including New Orleans, Philadelphia and Kansas City. It was the last one of those where the 31-year old and Nagy got connected. Daniel was backup to Alex Smith with the Chiefs for three seasons from 2013 to 2015.

Now according to Peter Schrager of NFL Network and Fox Sports, he is set to take over that same job in Chicago.

Matt Nagy has a right to feel comfortable with Daniel

Daniel isn’t on the same level in terms of accomplishments as Foles. He is far more a true backup. To date, he’s only started two games in his NFL career. To his credit, he performed well in both. All told he went 37-of-57 for 357 yards and a touchdown. He doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world but he’s a quick decision-maker who can keep an offense on schedule and throw accurately under pressure.

What can also be lost about Daniel is his underrated mobility. Being a shorter QB often means he has to move in order to find throwing lanes. He can do that but is also an able scrambler, picking up big chunks of yardage with his feet.

His skill set is somewhat similar to Trubisky in that regard, making him a good choice to conduct the offense the new Bears coaching staff wants to put together. He’s known for being a total professional and good teammate. Yet another experience and capable pair of eyes that Trubisky can use to his own advantage. A solid, solid move for Chicago.

Josh Bellamy Spouts Off on Instagram After Bears Add Wide Receivers

By
Erik Lambert
-
josh bellamy

The Chicago Bears were always going to add wide receivers in 2018. That was inevitable. A byproduct of having the worst passing offense in the NFL the previous year. Anybody with common sense should’ve seen it coming. GM Ryan Pace wasn’t going to sit back and let his young QB Mitch Trubisky suffer through another season with the targets he had. Well, it seems at least one man isn’t happy about the developments. That man is Josh Bellamy.

The 28-year old receiver was really an unknown quantity when he arrived in Chicago back in 2015. Since then he’s become sort of the resident survivalist. Every year it seems like he might get cut but he manages to hang around. He’s since become one of the teams’ better special teams players and an active reserve receiver. Last season was his personal best, catching 24 passes for 376 yards and a touchdown.

Chicago chose to tender his restricted free agent rights, keeping him in place for this season. It seems he thought this might’ve guaranteed him a roster spot for another year. Recent actions by the Bears have suggested otherwise. It seems the veteran isn’t taking it too well.

Josh Bellamy expresses frustration and desire to leave on Instagram

The final day before the official start of free agency was a busy one for the Bears. They struck before the sun was even up, securing former Pro Bowl receiver Allen Robinson on a three-year deal. They weren’t done though. That afternoon they struck again. grabbing speedy Taylor Gabriel out of Atlanta on a four-year deal. Suddenly the depth chart looks a lot more crowded, especially with the anticipated returns of Cameron Meredith and Kevin White.

Bellamy must be seeing his time in Chicago fading, and he vented that realization on Instagram.

Players react differently under stress. It can’t be easy for Bellamy. He now knows the odds of sticking on the Bears roster are drastically reduced. His best hope is to get a spot at the bottom of the depth chart as a special teamer. The chances of actually playing on offense are almost non-existent. That has to sting given his steady improvement this past year. One can’t blame him for stating a desire to leave and seek better opportunities elsewhere. Perhaps the Bears will grant him that request depends on what happens over the coming couple months. The draft could make a lot of it clear.

Early Thoughts On Bears Free Agency – A Day Of Big Moves

By
Dhruv Koul
-
chicago bears 2018 free agent

I wrote a Bears Mailbag yesterday that outlined some moves I’d like to see in free agency and discussed Ryan Pace’s penchant for taking risks. Here’s that Mailbag article.

Yeah, I think Pace is swinging for the fences and nailing every pitch.

Of course, while all the news is technically unofficial at this stage, the Bears agreed to terms with four free agents that filled massive holes on the roster as of this writing. And there’s no doubt that Chicago isn’t done yet.

Welcome to the 2018 off-season, Bears fans. It’s off to a wild start, and will get crazier as we go forward.

Here are my thoughts as free agency swings into full gear:

1. Take a bow, Ryan Pace! Reaching an agreement with Allen Robinson, Cody Parkey, Trey Burton, and Taylor Gabriel on “Day 2” of the legal tampering period? Wow.

2. The receiving corps is DRASTICALLY improved already. Assuming the Bears are able to keep Cameron Meredith and are able to get anything from Kevin White, the Bears’ core skill player group includes: Robinson, Meredith, Gabriel, White, Adam Shaheen, Burton, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen. This team is going to be so fun to play with in Madden.

3. Cody Parkey is a great, underrated signing. He’s been a very good kicker throughout his career and is on a pretty hot streak, making 21 of 23 attempts last year with Miami. This signals the end of Mike Nugent and likely Cairo Santos in Chicago. At last, the Bears will have a dependable kicker who won’t waste drives that don’t end up in the end zone.

4. How the hell did Allen Robinson sign for less AAV than Sammy Watkins? $14M a year for three years? That’s a steal. Yes, I know there are concerns about his ACL. But there are concerns about every free agent signing ever. If he stays healthy, the Bears essentially have their next Brandon Marshall without all the drama.

5. The Trey Burton contract is a bit on the higher side at an $8M AAV. But I’m okay with that. He is extremely athletic and plays a different position from Adam Shaheen. So the Bears can have both on the field at the same time. That’ll be fun.

6. Love the Taylor Gabriel signing. Good hands, great speed and great playmaking ability. He’s not a slot receiver per se — he’s never played there before in the NFL. But he certainly could. I’d be interested in seeing Cam Meredith line up in the slot and Gabriel outside, though. That’d be a fun alignment.

7. Now that the Bears have a formidable group of pass catchers, you can essentially say goodbye to stacked boxes against Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen. This might be the most exciting part of all.

8. The Packers released WR Jordy Nelson (wow!) and are in agreement with TE Jimmy Graham. Also, the Vikings have their QB, reportedly agreeing to a three year, fully guaranteed deal with Kirk Cousins. The NFC North is lit.

9. There is plenty of work still left to do. The Bears need to figure out the Kyle Fuller situation quickly. And they have to throw multiple bodies at EDGE. And they have to figure out depth at OL and some more at CB. But what a start to this off-season. Ryan Pace just made a massive statement: The Bears intend to compete in 2018. Write them off at your own risk.

The Big Question For the White Sox This Spring: Adam Engel Or Ryan Cordell?

By
Emmet McClain
-

Halfway through Spring Training, the White Sox have a pretty good idea of who will be on the Opening Day roster. One position that seems to be up for grabs however, is center field.

When players reported to Camelback Ranch a few weeks ago, nearly everyone had pegged Adam Engel as the starting center fielder. While he carried a horrendous .166 batting average at the plate last year, he was a defensive wizard in center field, making plays like these almost regularly.

While jaw-dropping catches like this are always a sight to see, Engel’s performance at the plate basically canceled them out. If the White Sox are winning close games late, then I am all for Engel being subbed in as a defensive replacement. But a full-time starter role? I still don’t think he is the best option. Although he has actually had a very respectable spring thus far, including a pair of home runs last night, he has to prove he can hold his own when the games actually matter. If he can’t, then the White Sox have another intriguing option waiting to prove himself. Enter Ryan Cordell.

Cordell was the main piece the White Sox were able to obtain after trading Anthony Swarzak to the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline last year. He is a versatile player who is fairly similar to Nicky Delmonico. Last year in Triple-A, Cordell played all 3 outfield spots, and third base. With Delmonico and Avi Garcia locked in as the left and right fielders, Cordell would man center if given the opportunity.

This spring, he has been one of the hottest White Sox hitters. Coming into today he carries a slash line of .360/.500/.560 with 7 walks compared to just 2 strikeouts. He has also batted .284 for his career down in Triple-A, so he shows consistency at the dish. While he is not as polished as Engel is in center (very few are), he is more than capable of holding his own and playing average defense. His production at the plate is what really separates himself from Engel. Rick Renteria could theoretically start Cordell in center, and then sub in Engel if the White Sox get a lead late. He could also start whoever he wants depending on matchups and who is hotter at the time.

At the end of the day, I think both Engel and Cordell will make the Opening Day roster, but if I had to choose right now, Cordell would get the nod to start.

 

Bears Keep Pouring On Offensive Firepower by Landing Taylor Gabriel

By
Erik Lambert
-
taylor gabriel

GM Ryan Pace is done messing around. People would’ve been content had he managed to land just one offensive weapon this 2018 free agency period. Anything to improve the 32nd ranked passing attack in the NFL. It seems he wasn’t content with just one solution. He decided to go for the home run. Things started well by adding big man Allen Robinson at wide receiver on a three-year deal. Then they struck again with versatile tight end Trey Burton.

Those two alone would’ve been enough, but the Bears decided to go for the trifecta in securing electric slot receiver Taylor Gabriel from Atlanta.

Gabriel is one of the more underrated slot receivers in the NFL. He’s a shorter target but one with physics-defying agility and blazing speed that created so many big play opportunities for the Atlanta Falcons. In 2016, he managed 579 yards and six touchdowns in just 13 games despite playing alongside Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Last year was difficult for him due to an offensive scheme change.

Matt Nagy though runs a system that will know exactly how to take advantage of his unique gifts, just like he did for Tyreek Hill in Kansas City. Paired with Robinson and a possibly healthy Cameron Meredith? This Bears receiving corps looks far more serious than it did just 24 hours ago. Gabriel should also take more eyes away from Tarik Cohen, which something nobody that has to play the Bears this year wants. It’s another sign this team is positioning themselves to make a run.

Bears Pushing To Reunite Vic Fangio With Former Pro Bowler

By
Erik Lambert
-
vic fangio

Up to this point, the Chicago Bears free agency approach has been simple. That’s getting as much help for Mitch Trubisky as possible. Allen Robinson was secured early and tight end Trey Burton soon followed. They even gave the special teams some love with the deal for young kicker Cody Parkey. So what does Vic Fangio have to do to get a little help?

To this point the only defensive news for Chicago has been hearing that linebacker Christian Jones signed with Detroit. A minor step backward if nothing else. To be fair the market is far from depleted, especially on the defensive side of the ball. There are many quality names still available and the Bears have money left to spend.

As stated before the Bears coaching staff has more sway in personnel decisions this year. That means Fangio is able to pinpoint whomever the team decides to target on defense. It’s becoming clear they might be trying to make a run at a former acquaintance. A source told me that he wishes to reunite with former Pro Bowl safety Eric Reid.

“Fangio has set his sights on safety Eric Reid. Bears really want him.”

Vic Fangio can create a fascinating situation with Eric Reid

Reid is among the more under-the-radar names in free agency. Rather shocking since he’s been to a Pro Bowl and is just 26-years old. Then again that’s the product of playing a team that went through as much turmoil as the San Francisco 49ers did the past four years. He badly needs a fresh start. Getting together with the coach who helped draft him makes perfect sense.

Reid was a different player during the two years he played for Fangio. Between 2013 and 2014 he had seven interceptions and 19 passes defended. In the three years after Fangio left, he’s managed three interceptions and 17 passes defended. The difference in productivity is rather shocking, and proof they mesh so well together.

Reid is 26-years old. For a safety, he’s big and athletic. Many fans may say that the Bears are just fine with Adrian Amos but facts are facts. Reid had quadruple the interceptions in his first year that Amos has had in his entire career. Fangio wants more takeaways and it’s clear Reid could provide them when he played the back end for this system. The idea of pairing him with Eddie Jackson has to excite some people at Halas Hall.

Whether they can get him? That’s the big question. The connection is obvious but Reid undoubtedly has a healthy market of teams who are interested. It will still take a considerable financial investment to make this happen.

Bears Set to Sign Former Eagles Tight End Trey Burton

By
Erik Lambert
-
trey burton

GM Ryan Pace clearly entered 2018 free agency with a target on his back. After the disastrous run of 2017, he had to strike early and hard to get the Chicago Bears some quality pieces this off-season. Having already nabbed top wide receiver Allen Robinson, the young executive wasted no time finding other pieces. He locked up former Philadelphia Eagles big-play specialist Trey Burton on a new four-year deal.

Burton is what one might call a utility man. He does a bit of everything and does it all well. He can play the tight end position in a traditional sense, collecting five touchdowns for the Eagles in 2017. He’s also served in the H-back role as a weapon out of the backfield. Last but not least, he proved in the Super Bowl he has a credible arm as a gadget quarterback. There is no limit to the things he can bring to an offense.

Burton is a good mix of size and athlete. He’s likely to be the #2 option behind Adam Shaheen at tight end. This could spell the end of veteran Dion Sims who was a bust for them in 2017, failing to live up to his promise as a pass catcher. Burton may be getting more money than some feel he deserves but the Bears can afford it and his value to an offense is much deeper than the numbers suggest. Philadelphia proved it last year.

1...2,8872,8882,889...3,195Page 2,888 of 3,195

Subscribe to our Newsletter

✶ An Unfiltered Voice For Chicago Sports Fans ✶

Chicago Sports News

About Us

© Sports Mockery, Inc. 2026