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Josh Bellamy Spouts Off on Instagram After Bears Add Wide Receivers

By
Erik Lambert
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Hated Rival Prepared to Pry Bryce Callahan Away from Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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bryce callahan

The Chicago Bears moved quickly to ensure restricted free agent Bryce Callahan remained on the roster by applying an original round tender on him. This means the Bears control his contract rights. Any team that tries to make an offer they are legally allowed to match in order to ensure he stays on the team. Only by not matching it could they potentially lose him.

There is still some risk though. Callahan is a former undrafted free agent. If he accepts a deal elsewhere and the Bears don’t match, they lose him for nothing in return. It seems other teams are aware of this fact and are trying to contemplate a way to lure the young cornerback away from Chicago. Chief among them is a longtime nemesis to the north.

Few teams love to collect cornerbacks quite like the Vikings. Mike Zimmer values the position highly and it’s clear they’ve had their eye on Callahan for some time. Not surprising. Despite health issues over the past couple years, he’s quietly been one of the best nickel backs in the league.

Bryce Callahan is underrated and the Vikings can see that

If one looks at the stat sheet they will see the value in Callahan. He’s not spectacular in any aspect but is solid in all. He finished 2017 with 25 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two interceptions. He also had a punt return touchdown against the Vikings in the season finale. The guy is an all-around football player.

Ability isn’t his problem. Health is. Callahan has missed a combined 16 games with various injuries through his first three seasons. He’s one of those players who is great when he’s on the field but just can’t seem to stay there. It’s likely why the Bears felt comfortable putting that original tender on him. Other teams, including the Vikings, are no doubt aware of this issue.

It feels unlikely that Minnesota will make an aggressive enough push to sway Chicago not to match. Still, the threat is there and likely not to go away until Callahan signs or until the Vikings move their search elsewhere.

Allen Robinson Scoop Hints Bears Are Revisiting Successful Offensive Formula

By
Erik Lambert
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allen robinson

It seems the Chicago Bears felt they were onto something back in 2013. No team in recent memory had constructed a wide receiving corps quite like they had. Most usually typify a mix of speed with one guy providing the size. Former GM Phil Emery instead decided to focus on finding players who were big and physical. He traded for Brandon Marshall (6’4″), signed Martellus Bennett (6’6″) and drafted Alshon Jeffery (6’3″). Together they helped the Bears field the best passing offense in 18 years that season. The Allen Robinson signing hints this new offense wants to get that magic back.

It began in 2015 when Pace secured the 6’3″ Kevin White with the teams’ first round pick. Then they signed the 6’3″ Cameron Meredith as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State. Two years later they spent their second round pick on big 6’6″ tight end Adam Shaheen out of Ashland. Now Robinson arrives bringing his own rangy 6’3″ frame from Jacksonville.

Robinson was easily the best receiver on the free agent market. A big body with sharp route running skills. Truly the only one who approached WR1 territory, making this a, pardon the pun, huge get for the Bears. He should form an instant connection with Mitch Trubisky and will learn to love his new QBs’ accuracy.

Allen Robinson completely flips the script on Bears offense

Can one signing actually change the entire dynamic of a passing offense overnight? Yes. Robinson is that sort of talent, but it’s not just him. The arrival of Matt Nagy and his upgraded offensive coaching staff will overhaul the scheme, making life so much easier for the receivers and Trubisky. There’s also the pending return of Meredith, almost fully recovered from the ACL he tore in preseason last year. If he’s at full strength the Bears could be getting a receiver who was poised to emerge.

This group, crazy as it sounds, may carry even more potential than that great unit five years ago. That’s due in large part to their great quickness, speed, and route running skill. They may not possess the same physical strength and ability to win 50/50 situations as Marshall and Jeffery but it’s all relative. Robinson is a playmaker. Everything the Bears didn’t have last year. Whether he’s the only one they end up signing remains to be seen. There are still plenty of quality targets out there and the Bears have loads of cap space available.

Five years ago the Bears finished fifth in passing with Marshall and Jeffery both going to the Pro Bowl. The scary part is this Bears offense has even more potential since it’s Nagy and Trubisky at the top instead of Marc Trestman and Josh McCown/Jay Cutler.

Bears To Sign Top Free Agent Wideout

By
Brian Foran
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chicago bears 2018 free agent

It appears Mitch Trubisky has his number one target for 2018. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Bears will sign free agent wideout Allen Robinson when free agency opens on Wednesday.

Check back in for further details from Bears insider Erik Lambert – who at this moment is dreaming of the countless corner fade routes Mitch and AR will hook for in the coming years – in the morning as he will, as usual, have the thorough scoop for you. Now go to bed you nocturnal goofballs. No one will sleep better than Mitch tonight.

Bears Could Be Close to Free Agency Home Run At Wide Receiver

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears free agency

It seems Ryan Pace is feeling a little greedy these days. The Chicago Bears free agency plan undoubtedly included wide receivers. Such is the byproduct of having the worst passing offense in the NFL in 2017. Most expected the team to be intent on getting one of the top receivers on the market and then likely a second tier guy.

It’s not a bad plan at all. Combined with the anticipated return of Cameron Meredith from injury, it would make for a considerable improvement from last year. Except that doesn’t seem to be good enough for Pace. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears are in relentless pursuit of not one but two of the top receiving targets on the free agent market.

“Multiple sources say the Bears have identified the Rams’ Sammy Watkins as their top target at arguably their greatest position of need — wide receiver. Watkins, the fourth overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Bills, has averaged 15.9 yards per catch in his career. For the sake of comparison, that’s more than a yard better than former Bear Alshon Jeffery.

The Bears are also believed to have expressed interest in Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson, but he is coming off a torn ACL suffered in the season opener last year. Watkins would arrive healthy and as a certified speedster who would add a missing dimension to the offense.”

Chicago Bears free agency chances to nab both are actually solid

This is a potentially huge development for the Bears. Watkins and Robinson are considered by far the two best wide receivers in free agency. If Chicago were able to land just one of them it would be considered a success. Is it possible they might be trying to go for the clean sweep? A source reached out to me with the answer.

“The Bears want both Watkins and Robinson. Can’t really put a number on it so say 50-50 odds of getting Them.”

Both receivers aren’t even 26-years old yet. Despite their injury histories, they would present a monumental upgrade in talent for this Bears roster. Watkins had eight touchdowns last year and remains one of the more dangerous deep threats in the league. Robinson is a big body and a sharp route runner who can take over games at will. Their arrivals would erase the need to draft a receiver entirely, allowing the Bears to focus at other positions.

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