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Bears Expected To Go All-In On This Top 2018 Free Agent

By
Erik Lambert
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top 2018 free agent

Thus far GM Ryan Pace isn’t known for throwing big money at a top NFL free agent. It’s been rumored that he’s had the Chicago Bears in on several notable names the past couple years. However, most of the time they were outbid by another team. That said, things are expected to be different in 2018. Pace has a new coaching staff in place headlined by Matt Nagy and a young quarterback in Mitch Trubisky to build around.

Pace knows the situation. From here on the honeymoon period is over for him. He has to start winning games as soon as possible. That means he’s likely to take an aggressive stance in free agency. More so than he has in the past. The good news is he’s kept the salary cap nice and healthy for just this occasion.

As of now, the Bears are projected to have over $41 million in cap space come this March. That number could easily jump to almost $70 million with a rollover from last year and a few expected cuts. In other words, Chicago has more than enough cash to do damage. It’s a matter of figuring out who they want to go after.

One name is gaining some steam.

Bears believed to be gearing up for run at top 2018 free agent Jarvis Landry

Wide receiver is likely at the top of the Bears’ wishlist this off-season. For obvious reasons. They were the worst passing offense in the NFL in 2017. They managed just 3,085 yards with Kendall Wright the leading receiver at 614. That won’t cut it. If Trubisky is going to take the next step, he needs actual weapons. Looking towards free agency, the big name to watch is Jarvis Landry.

The 25-year old is a two-time Pro Bowler and viewed as arguably the best slot receiver in the league. He is head and shoulder better than anybody on the Bears roster. According to indicators, the team knows this and may be planning a run at him.

Much of how this plays out will depend on what the Miami Dolphins do with Landry. Word is they’re trying to negotiate a possible extension with him. Thus far it seems progress hasn’t come. They don’t have a lot of cap flexibility to use the franchise tag either. I reached out to a source about this situation and was informed the following.

“Landry is asking for crazy money and talks with the Dolphins have been described as “on and off.”

Pace may still try the bargain route

He went on to say the Bears are currently watching the rosters of other teams, seeing if some quality receivers might be released. Two names that have already been mentioned recently are Jeremy Maclin and Demaryius Thomas. It’s believed, at least for now, that Chicago might try to scoop one or both if released so as to avoid making an expensive run at someone like Landry. That said, it was made clear.

“In the event it doesn’t happen they will be “in front of the line” for Landry, Allen Robinson, and Paul Richardson.”

A combination of Maclin and Thomas wouldn’t be a homerun move by the Bears, but it would be a considerable upgrade from what they have. There are several moving parts to this situation. A lot will depend on what happens over the next month.

Possible NFL Roster Cuts Who Might Help the Chicago Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears free agency

The Chicago Bears free agency plan for 2018 is likely nearing its completion. GM Ryan Pace undoubtedly has an idea of which positions he’ll want to target and which players will likely be available among those set to be free agents. The big question that he and other general managers are waiting to have answered is who else might join the market.

One of the most unpredictable parts of free agency comes from unexpected players getting cut. Sometimes it’s a bad scheme fit, others it’s a disagreement with coaches, or it can simply be an issue of age and money. Either way, some big names hit the market, throwing it into some confusion. Depending on the price and timing, these men can often help a team fill an immediate need.

The Bears are no different on this front. They might have a chance at some quick fixes this off-season for some of their more pressing issues. It will depend on who is available. Based on the rumors floating around here are some names that might be on their short list of targets.

Trevor Siemian (QB, Denver Broncos)

The Broncos are about to undergo a significant shift at quarterback. Trevor Siemian never could quite lock down the starting job, but that doesn’t mean he has no value at the position. The former Northwestern standout has had some impressive showings in the past. He’s still young and by all accounts a total team player. It would be fitting to bring him back home where he could become a highly valuable backup for Mitch Trubisky. He’s 13-11 as a starter. This at least proves he can drive the ship without crashing it. Cap relief: $1.9 million.

Demaryius Thomas (WR, Denver Broncos)

Veteran wide receivers are so hard to predict. Some simply fizzle away as their age rises, yet others seem to reach down into the tank for something extra when they find a new team. Demaryius Thomas was one of the best in the league for a long time. However, 2017 was the worst performing year he’s had since 2011. Granted it was still over 900 yards with a serious QB issue looming in Denver but even so. Thomas turns 31 in December this year. He isn’t the All-Pro of a few years ago. That said he’s far better than anything the Bears have on the roster. Cap relief:  $14 million

Travis Benjamin (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)

The Bears have actively sought speed for their receiving corps the past couple years. Thus far their attempts have met with disappointment. Travis Benjamin could be another cost-effective try. He’s likely to get squeezed out in Los Angeles. The Chargers have Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Tyrell Williams in place already. If they want to retain the latter, cutting Benjamin’s contract would be the best alternative. Benjamin is not a #1 guy but he’s a true vertical threat who could help Matt Nagy get those chunk plays he likes so much. Cap relief:  $4.5 million

Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, New York Jets)

It’s difficult to tell where things went wrong for Muhammad Wilkerson. Back in 2015, he was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL. He produced 12 sacks and was almost impossible to block. Then he got his big payday and suddenly got into a tiff with the New York Jets coaching staff. Since then he hasn’t been near the player he was with just eight sacks in the past two seasons. In spite of all that he’ll be 29-years old in October. He should have a few more good years in him provided he’d be willing to accept the coaching of Vic Fangio. A trio of him, Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman could be devastating. Cap relief:  $11 million

Robert Quinn (EDGE, Los Angeles Rams)

The Bears sorely need options at the edge rusher position. Right now Leonard Floyd is their only reliable guy under the age of 30 and he’s coming off a season-ending injury. Pernell McPhee and Willie Young can’t be counted on. Both are 30 or older and coming off injuries too. Even a short-term solution would be welcome for Chicago. Robert Quinn isn’t the player he was a few years ago but he proved he could still hack it in 2017 with 8.5 sacks for the Los Angeles Rams. He turns 28 in May so he’s not too old. A combo of him and a healthy Floyd would be an upgrade over last year. Cap relief:  $11.44 million

Richard Sherman (CB, Seattle Seahawks)

The top three cornerbacks for the Bears in 2017 in Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan will be free agents in March. So they may have to reload that position depending on what happens with their re-signing efforts. Richard Sherman may become the first of the major sacrifices the Seattle Seahawks have had to make of that once great “Legion of Boom” secondary. He’s turning 30-years old this season and coming off an Achilles injury. Seattle has a number of in-house free agents they need to deal with. He might be a welcome infusion of attitude to that Bears secondary. Cap relief:  $11 million

Pro Golfing Bears Fan Trash Talked Aaron Rodgers Before Tournament

By
Erik Lambert
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pro golfing bears fan

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers rivalry is eternal. Apparently, it also isn’t limited to just the football field. The Bears have a fandom that spans every sport. There are baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey players who view them as their favorite team. It even stretches into the individual realm where a pro golfing Bears fan decided to send a message to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers before a tournament at Pebble Beach.

Kevin Streelman has been part of the PGA tour since 2001. The 39-year old pro golfer was born in Winfield, Illinois. He’s been a Bears fan ever since despite relocating to Scottsdale, Arizona. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a tournament that pairs professionals with celebrity amateurs. As it turns out a number of NFL players were participating in the event, including Rodgers.

Streelman isn’t known for trash talking. He’s a steady performer who’s done fairly well in his career. He has two PGA tour victories under his belt with top 12 finishes in both The Masters and PGA Championship. At the same time, it seems the appearance of Rodgers got him riled up. So much in fact that he had to say something before the action began.

Pro golfing Bears fan Streelman takes frustration out on Rodgers

According to Mike McAllister, Streelman introduced himself to the Packers star. He acknowledged Rodgers for the great player he was but couldn’t hold back a tinge of resentment at all he’d done to his beloved Bears. Then he proceeded to make Rodgers and his partner pay for it.

Kevin Streelman, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, approached Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers before the start of their first round at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

“I respect the heck out of you,” Streelman told Rodgers, “but you’ve been beating the crap out of my Bears for 12 years.”

On Thursday, Streelman pretty much beat the crap out of everybody who played Spyglass Hill, the toughest of the three courses in the tournament rotation. His 7-under 65 gave him a share of the lead with Beau Hossler, whose 65 came at Pebble Beach.

Streelman’s amateur partner is Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Rodgers is partnering with Packers fans Jerry Kelly. Their group was the first off the No. 1 tee Thursday morning at Spyglass. It couldn’t have been a better day.

It seems Larry Fitzgerald continues to haunt the Packers in his own way. With Streelman’s help they currently lead sit tied for the lead in the Pro-Am at -7. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ group failed to make any progress, sitting stuck at even par. It’s certainly not equivalent to a division title or a Super Bowl. Still, the Bears will take any victory they can get over Rodgers at this point.

Minnesota Vikings Just Made 2018 More Interesting For the Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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minnesota vikings

Before the Chicago Bears can even start thinking about the Super Bowl, they have to find a way to win their division. The NFC North might be the most stacked in the league. Detroit has the always-pesky Matthew Stafford and his late-game magic. Green Bay is Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers set to return. Last but not least there’s the reigning champion Minnesota Vikings fresh off an NFC championship birth.

They are closer to the Super Bowl than any team in this division right now. So what they do should be of great interest to the Bears. It just so happens there is a reason to have interest. They just lost their offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur, to a head coaching job in New York. Not only is that slot vacant, but soon their entire quarterback roster will be as well.

It didn’t take long for the first domino to drop. Minnesota took their time in weighing their replacement options for Shurmur. In the end, they ironically went down the same route that got him in the first place. In doing so they added a layer of intrigue for the Bears.

Minnesota Vikings make John DeFilippo their new offensive coordinator

Say this for Vikings GM Rick Spielman. He clearly has a healthy respect for how the Philadelphia Eagles do business. His team traded for Sam Bradford from Philly back in 2016. That was also the same year they got Shurmur on their coaching staff, mere weeks after he’d been fired by the Eagles. Now here they are bringing another former Eagle in to take his place.

DeFilippo has become one of the media darlings of the NFL coaching world. He’s young, sharp and is fresh off doing some impressive work with the Philadelphia quarterbacks en route to a Super Bowl championship. The Vikings should know. Nick Foles, whom DeFilippo coached, torched them for three touchdowns and 352 yards in the NFC title game.

In essence, the Vikings looked to weaken their biggest competition in the NFC by taking away one of their key coaches. Not a bad strategy. At the same time, DeFilippo doesn’t have near the credibility as an offensive coordinator as Shurmur did. He’s held that position for just one season back in 2015 with the Cleveland Browns. The team finished 3-13 and 30th in points scored. He suffered from major question marks at quarterback with Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel, and Austin Davis being his options.

DeFilippo hire muddles what Vikings will do at QB

Knee-jerk responses would say DeFilippo joining Minnesota means they are now the favorites to trade for Foles from Philadelphia. However, that is far from a sure thing. Beyond that, it’s unclear which direction they’ll go. Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater, and Sam Bradford are all free agents this March.

DeFilippo coached Bradford briefly in 2016 before he was traded to Minnesota. So there’s that. His familiarity with the run-pass option offense could make Bradford and Keenum viable options to keep. Bridgewater is a possibility depending on how healthy that knee is. It’s clear the Vikings wanted somebody who could maintain some degree of cohesion to their system that worked so well this past season.

It also may even be a crafty ploy to lure pending free agent Kirk Cousins north. He saw DeFilippo’s handiwork up close four times over the past two years when the Eagles played the Redskins. Combine that with the strong Vikings roster and it’s a pretty easy sell.

One thing is for sure, they may not be able to keep DeFilippo for long. He was a hot candidate for a head coaching job in 2018. The Bears were among the teams that interviewed him. If the Vikings offense does well this season, he’s almost certain to get scooped by someone.

Former Bears QB Hero Sentenced To Three Months in Prison

By
Erik Lambert
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bears qb

His career was never anything special. However, for a brief moment in time, Shane Matthews was a hero to the Chicago Bears fans. He led Florida to their first-ever SEC championship but still went undrafted in 1993. After four seasons as a backup in Chicago, he headed off elsewhere before returning again in 1999. He moved in and out of the starting role over the next few seasons.

Though he never set the world on fire, he did manage to have a memorable moment. In 2001 he became the starter early in the season after Jim Miller went down with an injury. Matthews stepped in during a game against the San Francisco 49ers. A game the Bears trailed 28-9 at one point. Matthews led them on a heroic comeback, throwing three touchdown passes. Chicago prevailed in overtime 37-31 on the now iconic Mike Brown interception return for a touchdown.

The next week, despite a tough game, Matthews again sparked an improbable comeback with two late TD passes including a hail mary in the final seconds to force overtime against Cleveland. As before Brown capped it with a pick-six for the win. Matthew eventually relinquished the job back to Miller but his efforts helped the Bears go 13-3 that season for their first playoff berth in seven years.

It seems those were far better days for him.

Former Bears QB Shane Matthews is going to prison

It turns out Matthews got himself involved with some shady business practices down in Florida. According to the Orlando Sentinel, he was connected to a health care fraud scheme involving illegal kickbacks on prescription medications. Though he wasn’t directly responsible and has cooperated with investigators, he won’t be able to avoid punishment.

“Record-setting former Florida Gators’ quarterback Shane Matthews has been sentenced to serve three months in federal prison for his role in a healthcare fraud conspiracy.

Matthews became entangled in a scheme with former UF linebacker Monty Grow to receive kickbacks on prescription medications, Matthews’ attorney Miles Kinsell said in a statement to the Gainesville Sun.

Grow hired Matthews to join an independent marketing team that ultimately would bilk $20 million from the TRICARE program for military members, veterans, and their families.

Matthews stopped working for Grow in the spring of 2015 unaware of the conspiracy, Kinsell told the Sun. When approached by investigators the following year, Matthews fully cooperated in the investigation.”

It’s an unfortunate downturn in the life of a former Bears folk hero. Hopefully, Matthews learns this lesson well. He’s certainly not the first to get himself in trouble with the law after his career was over. Probably won’t be the last either.

Justin Grimm Loses Arbitration Case Against Cubs

By
Aldo Soto
-

For the first time ever in the Theo Epstein era with the Chicago Cubs, a player couldn’t agree on salary with the team and went to an arbitration hearing to settle the case. As expected, Justin Grimm didn’t win, as he was given a $2.2 million salary for the 2018 season.

He was asking for $2.475 million.

Grimm, 29, had a pretty bad 2017 season, which included getting sent down to Triple-A a few times. The right-handed reliever is out of minor-league options with the Cubs.

There’s a chance Grimm doesn’t even make the Cubs 25-man roster out of spring training and if that’s the case he’ll only get between $300,000 and $400,000.

After a phenomenal 2015 season, Grimm struggled with his command and in 2017 he reached the low point. The right-hander had a 5.53 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 55.1 innings, while allowing 12 home runs.

Brewers Don’t Realize Their Dumb Plan To Keep Cubs Fans Away From Miller Park Is Going To Fail

By
Aldo Soto
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BREWERS01, NWS, PORTER, 12. - Fans cheer as the Brewers take their first at bat in the first inning at Miller Park on the Milwaukee Brewers home opener against the Atlanta Braves Monday. March 31, 2014. GARY PORTER/GPORTER@JOURNALSENTINEL.COM

The Milwaukee Brewers are just so adorable.

Today they blessed us with this beautiful ad campaign on Twitter. The Brewers seem to be fed up with those nasty Chicago Cubs fans buying all their tickets for games at Miller Park. So, they mean business this time.

Here’s part of the press release.

Beginning tomorrow, February 9 at 9 a.m. CT, and continuing through February 15 at 11:59 p.m. CT, residents of Wisconsin can go to Brewers.com/wisconsinpresale to purchase up to eight tickets to any of the 10 home games against the Chicago Cubs. Interested fans must have a valid Wisconsin address when purchasing tickets.

Oh those cute little Brewers!

The plan is so dumb that all it does is give everyone on social media the chance to make fun of them. Although, if part of the plan was to give Brewers fans the chance to make a profit, well good for them because guess what, that’s exactly what will happen. Except for the Cubs fans who live in Wisconsin.

Yeah, all this does is give Brewers fans in Wisconsin the opportunity to buy up tickets and then sell them. Oh, but who would they sell tickets to a Brewers vs. Cubs game?

But again, do you know where most Cubs fans live who go to games at Miller Park?

Remember, this is coming from the franchise that needed its players to beg fans to come to home games in late September during a division race against the Cubs and they were still out-numbered at Miller Park.

As always, these pathetic attempts to try to keep out opposing fans from your stadium just proves how bad of a fan base you have. I can’t even say, good effort Brewers, because it’s not, but thanks for the comedic relief today.

But hey, at least Brewers fans will fill up Miller Park in October.

Bulls Trade For Noah Vonleh

By
Patrick Mooney
-

The Chicago Bulls added a 22-year-old, former top 10 pick to the roster today, trading away the rights to Milocan Rakovich to Portland for Noah Vonleh.

Rakovic is 32 years old and has yet to see a game of NBA action since being drafted in 2007, so this trade was essentially just a salary dump by Portland.

So, the Bulls get a 22-year old big man for just $3.5M, and the cash Portland kicked in helps the Bulls reach the league’s salary floor. If nothing else, this makes up for the Bulls trading away a 22-year old big man for $3.5M during last year’s NBA draft.

Vonleh has been a disappointment after being selected 9th overall in the 2014 NBA draft. His size, strength and athleticism enticed teams when he came out of Indiana, but his skill level has not caught up with the physical tools.

Last season he posted career-high averages in minutes, points and rebounds with a 17.1-4.4-5.2 line. Those #’s have taken a slight dip this season.

At 6’9, Vonleh has played primarily at power forward, but his skill set has not been able to catch up with the sport as it shifts more and more towards a perimeter oriented game. He’s attempted just 85 3-pointers in his career and connected on just 29.4% of those.

His inability to thrive at power forward in today’s game is why, with Niko gone, I really like this move for the Bulls. Bobby Portis can shift over to power forward with the second unit, and coach Fred Hoiberg can throw Vonleh in at center where he can do what he does best: post up, screen and rebound. With two months left in the season, this also gives the Bulls a chance to see if Vonleh’s athleticism can allow him to be a respectable rim protector, as his height prevented his former teams from giving him that opportunity.

If Vonleh stinks these next two months, the Bulls can let him walk. If he impresses in a new role, the Bulls have more leverage than anyone to sign him this offseason, as he is a restricted free agent.

After whiffing on a backup center last season by signing Cristiano Felicio to a 4-year, $32M deal, this gives the Bulls another chance to get it right.

White Sox Bring In Dave Duncan As Organizational Pitching Consultant

By
Emmet McClain
-

Hidden behind the fiasco of today’s NBA trade deadline, the Chicago White Sox have brought in a huge addition to their coaching staff in hiring Dave Duncan. Duncan is the longest tenured pitching coach in MLB history (32 years). He has already been on the White Sox staff once (1983-1986), as well as the Indians, Mariners, A’s, and most recently, the Cardinals.

Duncan should prove to be a great asset for the young White Sox arms in the organization. He has more experience than Don Cooper, and should be able to help him get the most out of every pitcher on the team.

Hiring Duncan isn’t necessarily a sexy move for the South Side, but with both he and Cooper working with the young White Sox pitching prospects in just a few days, it’s safe to say they are in great hands moving forward.

Criticized Bears Tactic Was Actually Crucial To Locking Up Matt Nagy

By
Erik Lambert
-
bears tactic

The Chicago Bears tactic for their head coaching search was a unique one. GM Ryan Pace knew one thing about the process. The sooner he could find his head coach of choice, the sooner the team could move on to building a strong staff and getting started on free agency and the draft. Every moment counts this time of year. So the team had a creative idea. Rather than conduct multiple interviews with top candidates, a common trend around the league, they’d streamline it.

This was done by making sure Pace, team president Ted Phillips and chairman George McCaskey were present at every interview. Normally Phillips and McCaskey would’ve waited until a second meeting. Instead, the idea was to get everyone in the room right away and let impressions be made by all. Once Pace found a guy he liked, Phillips and McCaskey would already have an idea of who they’d be getting.

No need to waste time with a second interview. It’s a cunning tactic, and one the Bears got lambasted for. Many felt it was foolish to involve Phillips or McCaskey in the process at all. The last time that happened this team ended up with John Fox. Just let Pace do his job. Except as it turns out this strategy may have been crucial to their success is securing Matt Nagy.

Chicago Bears tactic to include top brass got the drop on Colts for Nagy

As it turns out the Bears were up against the clock with Nagy. According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times, there was a strong feeling that the Indianapolis Colts were ready to bring him in. The one advantage the Bears had was Indy had not yet offered him the job. Team owner Jim Irsay had not yet gotten involved with the interviews. This enabled the Bears’ decision to involve Phillips and McCaskey right away to work wonders.

“The Bears were criticized for involving McCaskey and Phillips in the search, but their participation allowed Pace to act quickly once he made his choice.

For Pace, that happened during a private dinner with Nagy and their wives after their morning interview. It also took place after the Colts had met with Nagy.

Because Ballard had worked with Nagy in Kansas City, the Bears sensed they had to act fast if Nagy emerged as their favorite.

The Colts’ search was different. Owner Jim Irsay reportedly wasn’t involved until their second interview with McDaniels, which took place during the week off before the Super Bowl.”

This means the Bears not only got their guy but also avoided the eventual debacle with Josh McDaniels. Word is he was high on their list but they wanted Nagy more. If the Colts had been able to secure him, it might’ve been the Bears who got pantsed by McDaniels instead. People can criticize Phillips and McCaskey all day. Plenty of it would be valid. However, their immediate involvement in the interview process was the right call by Pace.

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