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Free Agent Tight End is Rising To Top of Bears Wish List

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

Every GM has their preferences when it comes to a certain position group. For one reason or another they just always seem to be adding to it each year. For Ryan Pace of the Chicago Bears, it looks like that position is the tight end. It seems like every off-season be it free agency, the draft or undrafted free agency that group is seeing a new face arrive. Last year was a shining example when they signed Dion Sims and drafted Adam Shaheen.

It seems the turnover is set to continue too. Shaheen looks like the starter moving forward for the Bears, but the rest of the depth chart is surrounded by questions. Longtime veteran Zach Miller is coming off a catastrophic knee injury. It’s hard to imagine the Bears keeping him after that, especially since he’s 33-years old. Sims was largely a bust in 2017. His blocking was adequate but he disappointed as a receiver. They may cut him for cap relief. Veteran Dan Brown is coming out of contract.

So the odds grow likely they might look to add more punch alongside Shaheen at that position. Based on the latest rumors, they already have a name picked out.

Chicago Bears seen as heavy competitors for emerging TE Trey Burton

The free agent market for tight ends isn’t overly strong this year. That said there are some potentially strong names worth exploring. A growing favorite among experts is Trey Burton. Despite playing as a backup to Zach Ertz all season in Philadelphia, he managed to make a significant impact on his team with 248 yards and five touchdowns.

The 26-year old former undrafted free agent looks ready for a larger role on offense. Noted draft specialist and insider Chad Forbes believes Chicago is ready to give it to him.

I reached out to my own sources to see if this was the case. I was told this was indeed the case. He’s one of their primary targets this March.

Burton seems like such a classic Pace move. He’s younger, trending up in his career and likely won’t cost top tier money to get. Pairing him with Shaheen would certainly give the Bears offense more flexibility and another major red zone threat. Head coach Matt Nagy became a specialist at using tight ends in Kansas City. All-Pro Travis Kelce had the two best seasons of his career both years Nagy was the offensive coordinator.

This may not be a blockbuster move but if it’s another receiving weapon they want, Burton would be a significant upgrade over what they got last year with Sims.

Chicago Bears Have Another Chance to Nab Huge Defensive Upgrade

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

The Chicago Bears 2016 free agent class was a good one. Highlighting it was, of course, Akiem Hicks who has become one of their best defenders. There was also linebacker Danny Trevathan in that group. Yet as good as it was, it’s hard not to feel like it was almost perfect had they been able to snag one other big name on the market.

Before the action began that year, it was generally accepted that defensive lineman Malik Jackson was one of the top prizes. He’d just had a breakout season in Denver, helping them win the Super Bowl. It was clear his career had started to trend up. The Bears seemed like such a logical spot. They ran a 3-4 defense like he’d played in with the Broncos and they also employed John Fox, the coach who originally drafted him.

Sadly it never happened. Jackson instead took a blockbuster deal to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since then he has reached his first Pro Bowl in 2017 and helped his team get to the AFC championship. One would think he’s not going anywhere, right? Well not entirely according to one insider.

Chicago Bears could get Jackson in a favorable trade

John Middlekauff of The Athletic covers the 49ers and has perused possible upgrades for their defense. It was then he came across some fascinating information regarding the status of Jackson and his contract.

“I’m told defensive lineman Malik Jackson can be had in a trade this offseason. It’s not because Jacksonville doesn’t think he can play — he’s a stud — but because the Jaguars can’t afford him. Jackson is scheduled to make $13.5 million in 2018, and has an out with only a $4 million dead-cap hit in 2019. 49ers executive Adam Peters has a long history with Jackson from their Denver days.

Jackson would clearly help the 49ers’ pass rush, and they could easily afford the contract. Would they be willing to give up a fourth-round pick, let’s say for argument’s sake, for a guy they might only have for one season?”

Jackson turned 28-years old in January. His production continues to steadily ascend with eight sacks this past season. A career high. He’s under contract until 2021, so any trade for him would have him under control for possibly four seasons. So why would Jacksonville consider cutting him? Namely their current list of pending free agents.

Several prominent players are due new deals over the next two off-seasons. Among them are Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, Blake Bortles, Dante Fowler Jr. and A.J. Cann. Right now they’re projected to have just $16 million in cap space for this year. If they were to trade Jackson, they’d gain $9.5 million and a draft pick.

For the Bears, he’d carry a hefty $15 million cap hit. At the same time, the idea of pairing him with Hicks and Eddie Goldman up front has to sound appetizing in every way.

Bears Mailbag – Who Improves Most On Offense Next Year?

By
Dhruv Koul
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chicago bears questions

Welcome to this week’s Bears Mailbag! I apologize for getting this out later than usual — I prefer to write and post the Mailbags mid-week, but Valentine’s Day always seems to ruin sports-related things. Even when the Bears are BAE!

I’ll get in trouble for saying that.

No big prelude this week: I’ll get straight to the Mailbag. Thanks to everybody who submitted questions!

 

This is an easy one: If it isn’t Mitch Trubisky, the Bears are in big trouble. That being said, I do expect Trubisky to improve by leaps and bounds the size of the Milky Way.

Two of the obvious answers are Tarik Cohen and Adam Shaheen, too. Expect them both to explode in Matt Nagy’s offense next year. For one, both will finally be utilized the way they’re supposed to, in packages they’re supposed to, and as often as they’re supposed to. Frankly, I had no idea what John Fox and Dowell Loggains’s plans were for these two on offense. But it made no sense. I’m beyond excited to see these two in the offense next year.

I think it’s also easy to take Jordan Howard for granted given his tremendous work the last two years. But imagine what he can do when the box is suddenly free of eight and nine defenders? Don’t underestimate the impact it’ll have on his ability to contribute.

I would like Mark Sanchez back in *some* capacity, mainly because he reportedly made a very positive impact on Mitch Trubisky’s development last season. If Trubisky sees value in him being on the sidelines, then I’m all for getting it done. Whether that’s as a second or third string quarterback, or an assistant QB coach of some sort, remains to be seen.

Chase Daniel certainly makes a lot of sense as a backup QB. He spent time behind Drew Brees in New Orleans, with Doug Pederson in Philadelphia, and with Matt Nagy in Kansas City. He could certainly benefit the team with his presence. Other to-be free agent veteran QBs that could help the team include: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Moore, Austin Davis, Scott Tolzien, and Jay Cutler (just kidding). Kind of … To be honest, I miss Cutty. Having him light up (on the sideline) would be a spectacle. But that’s not going to happen …

Back to the question at hand.

Of course, the Bears will also consider adding a quarterback in the draft. Ryan Pace is on record saying he thinks taking a QB every year is a good idea. He didn’t in his first two years (though he wanted Marcus Mariota and Carson Wentz). He took Trubisky last year, and could certainly be looking to add another young signal caller this year to groom and build their value. Keep an eye on Kyle Lauletta, Mike White, Tanner Lee, and Luke Falk.

The reality is the Bears are certain to have a new face or two in the QB room next year. I’d like to see them draft one and have a veteran to mentor both.

Mason with the double-dip! Appreciate the participation.

I’m not a professional scout, so I could be missing something. But Pro Days and the Combine are so utterly worthless, except when it comes to interviews. I get that they are scripted, but having face time with a player whom you’ve only been able to watch either on film or in the stadium is pretty valuable.

But you’re right, the Combine is absolutely nothing better than Underwear Olympics. What’s the point of the 40-yard dash when straight line speed has nothing to do with game speed? What’s the point of the catching drills when you barely have time to actually secure the catch before the next ball comes zipping towards you? Who cares about the bench press for most of the athletes? It’s all for show.

I like the “academic tests” that some coaches and GMs put players through. Measuring football intelligence is certainly important. I also like the Senior Bowl concept where coaches have the chance to actually work with and mold players and install “game plans” for a week and see how they prepare. There’s certainly some scouting value there.

But as far as the Combine goes, I don’t really know how you fix it just yet. I haven’t had a lot of time to think it through, and frankly the scope of possibilities is pretty vast. But what I do know is that in its current form, it doesn’t really move the needle for me in ranking players. The game film tells way more than a 40 yard sprint ever will.

I am a big fan of Will Hernandez. I think it comes down to what the Bears decide to do with Cody Whitehair. Josh Sitton is almost certain to be released to free up cap space. And the Bears need to pick a position for Whitehair and keep him there. He entered the league as a left guard but played center the last couple of years. Once the Bears have plan for Whitehair, they can start planning ahead.

Back to Hernandez: Though he’s considered “short”, it doesn’t matter as much as a guard and I don’t think that held him back UTEP. He’s a solid athlete and moves pretty well and is strong in the running game. He’s a very “safe” pick and would make a lot of sense in Round 2. It remains to be seen if he’ll be available, but I would not mind him whatsoever, even though the Bears have much bigger needs.

Ex Cubs Pitcher Nearly Lost His Finger In Freak Accident

By
Aldo Soto
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Whenever you see these kind of injuries that happen during the offseason you always wonder what really happened. Well, ex Chicago Cubs pitcher Travis Wood didn’t make this story up, as he nearly lost a finger following a crossbow hunting accident in January.

Wood spent five seasons with the Cubs that included being a part of the bullpen in 2016, when the Cubs won the World Series. His career took a turn for the worse in 2017, recording a 6.80 ERA with the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres in 94 innings. The lefty signed a minor-league deal with the Detroit Tigers this offseason and after the hunting accident Wood was willing to have doctors cut off his index finger.

Luckily that wasn’t needed and even more fortunate the terrible-looking injury was on Wood’s non-pitching hand.

Still, it looks pretty gross.

Hopefully that heals back up because Wood could have a great shot at being a starter for the Tigers, who are in complete tank mode.

Plus, we all know that Wood can give the Tigers more than just an arm. He’s a triple threat. Pitcher, hitter and fielder.

Just, you know, wait for the pin to be removed before making any more leaping catches.

Anyway, as soon as I saw this injury I thought about some other weird injuries from previous Cubs players. I think two of the most infamous ones were Kerry Wood and Sammy Sosa.

Back in 2007, Kerry Wood slipped and fell getting out of a hot tub at his home in Arizona during spring training. He was already trying to come back from several shoulder injuries and was in the process of being converted into a relief pitcher. Wood didn’t pitch in the big leagues until August that year. That hot tub slip was just another small setback during his injury-plagued career.

This is the first weird injury I remember with the Cubs. Sammy Sosa once suffered back spasms because he sneezed too hard before a game.

However, the funniest weird injury has to be Carlos Zambrano, who had to be told to stop using the computer so much because it could have been the reason he was experiencing some elbow issues. Zambrano said he would spend four hours a day on his computer, talking with family in Venezuela via e-mail.

Right, he was emailing too much…

This Cubs Giveaway Against The Indians Wins Troll Of The Year

By
Aldo Soto
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Theo Epstein has talked about how the Chicago Cubs most likely don’t win the 2016 World Series if it wasn’t for that 17-minute rain delay after the ninth inning. This year, the Cubs are making sure to remind the Cleveland Indians just how Game 7 ended with a fantastic giveaway.

The Cubs dugout was lifeless after Aroldis Chapman gave up a game-tying home run to Rajai Davis just four outs shy of breaking the franchise’s 108-year championship drought. The Cubs stranded a runner at third base in the top of the ninth inning and somehow Chapman got through the bottom of the inning running on fumes. And then the rain came. Then, Jason Heyward earned every single cent of his contract with his players-only speech that seemingly motivated the best team in baseball that year.

Kyle Schwarber singled to start extra innings. Albert Almora Jr. pinch ran and tagged up to second on a deep fly ball by Kris Bryant. Anthony Rizzo was walked and then with two strikes, Ben Zobrist made history.

Addison Russell was walked and Miguel Montero came through with what would be the difference in Game 7 of the World Series.

And well, you know how it ends.

But again, in the mind of many, including Theo Epstein, none of that happens if there wasn’t a rain delay before extra innings.

The Cubs host the Indians at Wrigley Field this season for a short, two-game set and the team’s giveaway on May 22, is simply amazing.

2018 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Jaren Jackson Jr.

By
Patrick Mooney
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Several media outlets have started publishing their first 2018 NBA mock drafts, so I guess it’s already that time of year.

With the bottom 8 teams in the NBA separated by just 3 games, the final 25 games of the season will go a long way in determining where the Bulls will draft. They are still in the running for a top 3 pick, and it would take terrible lottery luck to the push them out of the top 8-9 picks. Keep in mind they also control the Pelicans pick, which should fall somewhere in the 13-16 range. So at this point, there is a multitude of prospects that the Bulls could be in a position to draft.

One player that has been linked to the Bulls quite a bit is Michigan State center Jaren Jackson Jr.

There is a lot to like about Jackson’s game. He’s a 6’11, 242lb freshman that doesn’t turn 19 until September. He was a 5-star recruit, ranked as the 9th best prospect of his graduating class, and he has been a force for a title contending Michigan State squad.

He was listed as a power forward coming out of high school, but he starts at center for the Spartans and he’s excelled in his role, especially defensively.

One of Jackson’s most appealing traits is his 7’4 wingspan. At 6’11, he has a 9’1 standing reach, making him a force at the rim on both ends. By most accounts, he’s a good-not-great athlete, so he doesn’t stand out as much as some of the other top draft prospects do when you watch him on TV. That doesn’t mean he won’t be as good as his more athletic counterparts.

Along with great size and reach, his mobility, coordination and timing have allowed him to be a dominant defender and efficient scorer. He currently ranks 3rd in the country with 3.39 blocks per game. That’s a great number if he were averaging 35 minutes a game, but he only averages 22.6 mpg, which makes that number even more impressive. MSU is 7th in the nation in defensive efficiency, and Jackson is their anchor.

The video above shows Jackson is much more than just a space-clogging rim protector. He’s a dominant weakside help defender who can hold his own on the perimeter and plays the pick and roll masterfully. A big man with his defensive skill set is a rare, and highly valuable, commodity in today’s NBA. The Bulls have had more than their share of defensive woes this season, drafting Jackson could bring immediate improvement.

Jackson’s offensive game is plenty exciting as well. With three All-Conference caliber upper-classmen on his team, Jackson doesn’t get as many opportunities as most 5-star recruits. Yet, he still averages 11.6 points (12.9 in Big Ten play) on just 6.6 FGA per game (62.8 eFG%).

He makes 44.3% of his 3-pointers, which makes him a sexy fit for Fred Hoiberg’s offensive system. His form isn’t the most orthodox:

But his release is still pretty quick, which makes his shot reminiscent of Al Horford’s quirky but effective stroke.

His biggest offensive flaw is he doesn’t finish as well as you’d expect him to, given his size-speed-athleticism combination. When contact comes, he gets knocked off balance pretty easily, which causes him to take shots from awkward angles.

(video courtesy of Zach Harper:Fanrag Sports)

At just 18 years old, he should be able to grow into his body more overtime, which in turn should help him become more balanced. Also, in Hoiberg’s spread out offensive system, Jackson could find himself isolated 1-on-1 in the post more often. He’ll score more efficiently around the rim if he isn’t constantly having to muscle up shots over 2-3 defenders.

Final Verdict: Yay or Nay?

For me, the final verdict is a resounding yes. Jackson doesn’t look like the type of player a team can build around, but with the Markkanen-Dunn-Lavine trio already wearing red and white, Chicago feels like a place where he can maximize his talents and reach his potential as an impact starter. The biggest negative about Jackson’s performance this season is that he’s risen his draft stock so much, that he might not fall past the #3 pick of the draft.

I don’t think the Bulls would take him with the #1 pick, but they should strongly consider him if they’re drafting in the 3-5 range. If he’s still on the board for the Bulls at pick #6 or later, it would be hard for them to justify taking somebody else.

NFL Insider Says Bears Will Lose Kyle Fuller to Free Agency

By
Erik Lambert
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kyle fuller

The Chicago Bears earned a black eye in free agency in 2017. Not only was their incoming class almost completely helpless to their cause, but they also lost one of their best players in Alshon Jeffery. There is a genuine fear that’s getting ready to happen again. GM Ryan Pace has had some success in free agency before but not as much as he probably should. Not only has he missed on a number of his signings to date, he’s also failed to reel in big names despite strong offers.

Perhaps that’s the drawback of running a team that hasn’t had a winning record in six years. Either way, a repeat of last season would not be ideal. While no one knows for sure who the Bears will sign next month, there is a growing fear another strong young talent could depart the team for elsewhere.

After three difficult seasons mixing poor play and injury, cornerback Kyle Fuller broke out last year in a big way. He was their best defensive back by a mile. All told he finished with two interceptions and 22 passes defended. He also finished near the top of the team in tackles. There’s no question he became a vital component to their defensive success.

Now they may have to watch another team enjoy it.

Top insider believes Kyle Fuller will be on another team in 2018

Fuller hasn’t been forthcoming on his plans for free agency this year. His enthusiasm to stay in Chicago can be considered lukewarm at best. Then again he’s not known for showing his emotions. It’s believed Fuller wants to get the best payday possible. This leaves some doubt that Pace will meet his price, especially after just one good season. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports went a step further, claiming outright that Fuller is gone.

“Re-signing corner Kyle Fuller should be a priority but he’s going to find a lucrative market ahead and will not be returning to Chicago, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.”

Now La Canfora isn’t exactly known for his precise accuracy in such predictions but he’s hit often enough to at least be taken seriously. The likelihood of a long-term extension getting done with Fuller at this point feels unlikely. The two sides are probably too far apart on numbers. However, it doesn’t automatically mean Fuller is leaving. Chicago still has the franchise tag in their back pocket.

They have more than enough cap space to accommodate paying Fuller top five money for one year to see if his 2017 run was a fluke or not. If he has a repeat performance, Pace will feel more comfortable about meeting his price. If he doesn’t? Well then he might be the next Jeffery after all.

One Chicago Bears Free Agent Connection They Can’t Ignore

By
Erik Lambert
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The Chicago Bears free agent agenda will likely stick to the original script. Ryan Pace has a certain style. He targets players that are generally younger who are trending up in their careers. This allows him to get them for slightly cheaper. Also included is the fact they come from high character backgrounds. Some early mistakes during his first year with guys like Ray McDonald likely taught him that lesson.

One can understand his caution. At the same time risk is part of the job. Sooner or later it feels like Pace will have to take a calculated gamble on a player with a somewhat questionable background if he’s going to significantly upgrade his roster. It’s almost impossible to build an NFL team made entirely of boy scouts. Matt Millen always said that you need at least one or two “pricks” on the field.

Since 2018 is such an important off-season, the Bears can’t close the doors entirely on the idea of adding a “prick” to their team. There is one name set to become a free agent they must seriously consider. Somebody with a connection to their coaching staff, as it turns out.

Dion Jordan should be a Chicago Bears free agent target

Mention the name Dion Jordan and a lot of NFL enthusiasts immediately cringe. It’s understandable. The former Oregon standout looked like a star in the making when he was drafted in 2013. His absurd mix of size, power, length, and athleticism had rarely been seen before. What they failed to grasp was his lack of maturity.

Over the next four years, his career was put in limbo by a mixture of injuries and suspensions. Many thought he’d never play a meaningful down again after missing the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons. The Seattle Seahawks though were willing to give him another chance and he took advantage. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune agrees that his performance last season might be just enough to warrant a short-term deal.

“Former No. 3 overall pick Dion Jordan has been an absolute bust, but he produced four sacks in five games for the Seahawks last season. Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich could certainly offer insight on the former Duck, who missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons.”

Helfrich was at Oregon throughout Jordan’s entire run. If anybody can provide insight into the edge rusher as a player and person, it’s him. The amazing thing is Jordan is still just 27-years old. Considering how much time he’s missed, his body has the wear and tear of a player three years younger. So there’s zero danger of him breaking down anytime soon.

The Bears normally wouldn’t take a risk like this but they’re in a difficult position. Their edge rusher group is in a major transition state. Leonard Floyd is their only prominent member under the age of 30. Pernell McPhee and Willie Young are both coming off major injuries. This team has to find a younger rusher who can play opposite Floyd.

Given the uncertainties of the incoming draft class, Pace may have to think about taking a risk in free agency to find that solution. If Jordan can keep his head on straight, a pairing of him and Floyd could be fun to watch.

Chicago Bears Claim Top Grade for NFC North Draft Classes

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears 2017 draft

The Chicago Bears 2017 draft class got railroaded from all sides last May. Almost to the point many people were laughing at it. An inexperienced quarterback from a primarily basketball school? A tight end from a small school who started his career in basketball? A safety coming off a broken leg and a running back who could cosplay R2-D2? There was no way this bunch could do anything except get GM Ryan Pace fired.

Well he who lasts laugh as the saying goes. Despite the Bears finishing 5-11 on the year, their draft class actually carried them to a majority of those victories. This despite atrocious coaching at times that failed to get them in the proper position for success. That’s why head coach John Fox was fired and Matt Nagy replaced him.

The lingering question is did this group of characters make believers out of anybody? Yes, as it turns out. Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com graded the 2017 draft class for every team in the league going by division. How did the Bears stack up against the rest of the NFC North?

Chicago Bears 2017 draft class ties for best grade in division

As it turns out Bergman came away impressed with what they did. While it wasn’t a smashing success like some of the other classes, the Bears did the job. They ended up tying Minnesota for the highest grade in the division.

“Trading up one spot to draft Trubisky — and letting go of three mid-round picks in the process — was a risk, but one worth taking in retrospect. Trubisky is a work in progress, but under the tutelage of Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich, the QB can aspire to a sophomore surge, a la Jared Goff in L.A.

Chicago made the most of the few other selections it possessed, hauling two great athletes in Jackson and Cohen, the latter of whom was an immediate game-breaker. Jackson and Adrian Amos will give the Windy City a top-five safety tandem in years to come. Chicago needs to utilize Shaheen more to justify a higher draft grade; the tight end caught just 12 passes in 13 games despite Zach Miller missing half the season. GRADE: B+”

It’s hard to figure out how Minnesota got such a good grade considering most of their picks never truly flashed. Alas, that’s the value of winning in the NFL. What the Bears did comes across as more impressive. They made just five picks total for that draft. Yet combined four of them started 29 games. The Vikings made 11 picks and got 28 starts from theirs. So Chicago got considerably more bang for their buck.

Then again we’re biased.

VIDEO: Anthony Rizzo Speaks At Florida Vigil

By
Aldo Soto
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Anthony Rizzo went back home to Parkland, Fla., where the Chicago Cubs first baseman spoke at a vigil after 17 people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Rizzo left Cubs camp in Mesa, Ariz., late Wednesday following the tragedy at his alma mater. On Thursday night, Rizzo once again made a call for change, as the latest school shooting was the 18th of the year in the United States.

Rizzo’s former football coach, Aaron Feis, as well as Jaime Guttenberg, a relative of Rizzo’s agent, were among the 17 killed in Parkland.

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