Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2018 4:55:50 GMT -6
Bears believe they're on the road to success in free agency
The Bears project to have $80 million in salary-cap space entering free agency, which opens March 14.
Rich CampbellRich CampbellContact ReporterChicago Tribune
www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-free-agency-preview-20180311-story.html
As Bears general manager Ryan Pace and chief negotiator Joey Laine hit the free-agency showroom floor this week, they’re more confident than ever in their pitch to players and agents.
Gone, they hope, are the frustrating attempts to sell a rusty Yugo. This year, with franchise quarterback Mitch Trubisky and coach Matt Nagy giving the Bears a more definitive direction, Pace and Laine will try to convince free agents to get behind the wheel of a new Audi A7.
“When you look at free agency, for the most part it comes down to the money, to be honest with you,” Pace said Feb. 28. “But I think a lot of times when you look at it and you see stability with the coaching staff, you see a quarterback that's in place (that) we feel good about, I think those are all attractive traits when people view our organization.”
Whether free agents receive the Bears’ sales pitch that favorably will be apparent soon after new contracts can be finalized at 3 p.m. Wednesday. After all, there’s no spit-and-polish for four double-digit-loss seasons and counting.
But consider the quarterback page of the Bears’ sales brochure a year ago: An outgoing Jay Cutler and a flier on veteran free agent Mike Glennon, while Pace’s infatuation with Trubisky was top secret. Not exactly a turbo engine.
Now, the Bears enter the start of the negotiating period Monday with approximately $65 million in salary-cap space and many holes to fill. Here’s an overview of the market at their five greatest positions of need.
Wide receiver
Top of the line: Allen Robinson, Jaguars.
Also available: Sammy Watkins, Rams; Paul Richardson, Seahawks; John Brown, Cardinals; Albert Wilson, Chiefs; Taylor Gabriel, Falcons; Marqise Lee, Jaguars; Jordan Matthews, Bills; Donte Moncrief, Colts; Terrelle Pryor, Redskins.
Bears status: They seek a total overhaul to help Trubisky and make the NFL’s 29th-ranked scoring offense more potent. Kevin White (shoulder blade) and restricted free agent Cameron Meredith (knee) won’t be counted on to contribute after they missed most of 2017 because of injury.
Market report: Robinson’s size (6-foot-3, 211 pounds) and detailed route-running will lure teams past the reconstructive left knee surgery he had in September. Watkins (6-1, 211) is very fast, and his eight touchdowns last season would be a welcome addition to the Bears stat sheet. Wilson (5-9, 200), a slot receiver, would add much-needed familiarity with Nagy’s scheme, but the Bears must be realistic about the potential of a receiver with modest single-season career highs (42 catches, 554 yards, three touchdowns in 2017).
Edge rusher
Top of the line: Alex Okafor, Saints.
Also available: Julius Peppers, Panthers; Aaron Lynch, 49ers; Junior Galette, Redskins; Trent Murphy, Redskins; Barkevious Mingo, Colts; Denico Autry, Raiders.
Bears status: Leonard Floyd is the only proven game-wrecking edge rusher under contract. And while he’s expected to be healthy this spring after November surgery to repair two right knee ligaments, the pass rush needs balance. The Bears could re-sign Sam Acho (three sacks in 2017).
Market report: Difference-makers will be found only in the draft. Teams simply don’t let productive, healthy pass rushers leave in free agency. Okafor tore his Achilles tendon after 10 games last season but still headlines this group of castoffs, reclamation projects and players coming back from injury.
Tight end
Top of the line: Jimmy Graham, Seahawks.
Also available: Trey Burton, Eagles; Tyler Eifert, Bengals; Antonio Gates, Chargers; Ed Dickson, Panthers; Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jets.
Bears status: The Bears need pass catchers of all varieties — not just wide receivers. Pace has praised Adam Shaheen’s route quickness, but last season they used the second-round, Division II rookie as an in-line blocker. Shaheen’s size is more threatening than his speed, and while the Bears will continue to develop him, they need more aerial weapons to max out Nagy’s offense. Dion Sims didn’t materialize as one after signing last March, and Zach Miller was lost to a catastrophic knee injury.
Market report: Graham’s 10 touchdown catches last season amount to a red-zone threat that Trubisky badly needs. It’s easy to connect the dots between Graham and Pace, who came up with the Saints. Burton is perceived as an ascending player and should command a competitive market. Eifert’s durability problems will depress his market.
Cornerback
Top of the line: Trumaine Johnson, Rams.
Also available: Bashaud Breeland, Redskins; Malcolm Butler, Patriots; Aaron Colvin, Jaguars; Rashaan Melvin, Colts; E.J. Gaines, Bills; Patrick Robinson, Eagles; Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Giants; Nickell Robey-Coleman, Rams.
Bears status: The Bears have committed $13 million next season to Kyle Fuller, so it would be surprising if they broke the bank to pay another cornerback. Depending on how Prince Amukamara’s market materializes on the second tier, he could re-sign and rejoin Fuller. Slot cornerback Bryce Callahan is a restricted free agent, and it’s up to the Bears to tender him.
Market report: There’s quality depth, which should make for some team-friendly deals. The Bears reserved the right to match any outside offer to which Fuller agrees, but the market’s depth could discourage teams from making him a huge offer. Johnson will cash in because he’s scheme versatile with a proven track record. Colvin’s market will depend on how teams attribute his play to the Jaguars’ strong pass rush.
Interior offensive line
Top of the line: Andrew Norwell, guard, Panthers.
Also available: Justin Pugh, guard, Giants; Ryan Jensen, center, Ravens; Zach Fulton, center/guard, Chiefs; Weston Richburg, center, Giants; Josh Kline, guard, Titans; Jack Mewhort, guard, Colts; Spencer Long, center, Redskins.
Bears status: Parting with left guard Josh Sitton created a hole in the Bears’ starting five. Because Cody Whitehair can play center and guard, though, the Bears will be flexible in their approach. Pace valued guard enough to pay Kyle Long and Sitton big contracts, but he also opted out of the Sitton contract, so perhaps they don’t prioritize paying for a lineman in their current dynamic.
Market report: Fulton played mostly center for Nagy in Kansas City last season, so his familiarity with protection calls adds value for the Bears. Norwell is a nimble, powerful run blocker.
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @rich_Campbell
Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2018, Chicago Tribune
The Bears project to have $80 million in salary-cap space entering free agency, which opens March 14.
Rich CampbellRich CampbellContact ReporterChicago Tribune
www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-free-agency-preview-20180311-story.html
As Bears general manager Ryan Pace and chief negotiator Joey Laine hit the free-agency showroom floor this week, they’re more confident than ever in their pitch to players and agents.
Gone, they hope, are the frustrating attempts to sell a rusty Yugo. This year, with franchise quarterback Mitch Trubisky and coach Matt Nagy giving the Bears a more definitive direction, Pace and Laine will try to convince free agents to get behind the wheel of a new Audi A7.
“When you look at free agency, for the most part it comes down to the money, to be honest with you,” Pace said Feb. 28. “But I think a lot of times when you look at it and you see stability with the coaching staff, you see a quarterback that's in place (that) we feel good about, I think those are all attractive traits when people view our organization.”
Whether free agents receive the Bears’ sales pitch that favorably will be apparent soon after new contracts can be finalized at 3 p.m. Wednesday. After all, there’s no spit-and-polish for four double-digit-loss seasons and counting.
But consider the quarterback page of the Bears’ sales brochure a year ago: An outgoing Jay Cutler and a flier on veteran free agent Mike Glennon, while Pace’s infatuation with Trubisky was top secret. Not exactly a turbo engine.
Now, the Bears enter the start of the negotiating period Monday with approximately $65 million in salary-cap space and many holes to fill. Here’s an overview of the market at their five greatest positions of need.
Wide receiver
Top of the line: Allen Robinson, Jaguars.
Also available: Sammy Watkins, Rams; Paul Richardson, Seahawks; John Brown, Cardinals; Albert Wilson, Chiefs; Taylor Gabriel, Falcons; Marqise Lee, Jaguars; Jordan Matthews, Bills; Donte Moncrief, Colts; Terrelle Pryor, Redskins.
Bears status: They seek a total overhaul to help Trubisky and make the NFL’s 29th-ranked scoring offense more potent. Kevin White (shoulder blade) and restricted free agent Cameron Meredith (knee) won’t be counted on to contribute after they missed most of 2017 because of injury.
Market report: Robinson’s size (6-foot-3, 211 pounds) and detailed route-running will lure teams past the reconstructive left knee surgery he had in September. Watkins (6-1, 211) is very fast, and his eight touchdowns last season would be a welcome addition to the Bears stat sheet. Wilson (5-9, 200), a slot receiver, would add much-needed familiarity with Nagy’s scheme, but the Bears must be realistic about the potential of a receiver with modest single-season career highs (42 catches, 554 yards, three touchdowns in 2017).
Edge rusher
Top of the line: Alex Okafor, Saints.
Also available: Julius Peppers, Panthers; Aaron Lynch, 49ers; Junior Galette, Redskins; Trent Murphy, Redskins; Barkevious Mingo, Colts; Denico Autry, Raiders.
Bears status: Leonard Floyd is the only proven game-wrecking edge rusher under contract. And while he’s expected to be healthy this spring after November surgery to repair two right knee ligaments, the pass rush needs balance. The Bears could re-sign Sam Acho (three sacks in 2017).
Market report: Difference-makers will be found only in the draft. Teams simply don’t let productive, healthy pass rushers leave in free agency. Okafor tore his Achilles tendon after 10 games last season but still headlines this group of castoffs, reclamation projects and players coming back from injury.
Tight end
Top of the line: Jimmy Graham, Seahawks.
Also available: Trey Burton, Eagles; Tyler Eifert, Bengals; Antonio Gates, Chargers; Ed Dickson, Panthers; Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jets.
Bears status: The Bears need pass catchers of all varieties — not just wide receivers. Pace has praised Adam Shaheen’s route quickness, but last season they used the second-round, Division II rookie as an in-line blocker. Shaheen’s size is more threatening than his speed, and while the Bears will continue to develop him, they need more aerial weapons to max out Nagy’s offense. Dion Sims didn’t materialize as one after signing last March, and Zach Miller was lost to a catastrophic knee injury.
Market report: Graham’s 10 touchdown catches last season amount to a red-zone threat that Trubisky badly needs. It’s easy to connect the dots between Graham and Pace, who came up with the Saints. Burton is perceived as an ascending player and should command a competitive market. Eifert’s durability problems will depress his market.
Cornerback
Top of the line: Trumaine Johnson, Rams.
Also available: Bashaud Breeland, Redskins; Malcolm Butler, Patriots; Aaron Colvin, Jaguars; Rashaan Melvin, Colts; E.J. Gaines, Bills; Patrick Robinson, Eagles; Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Giants; Nickell Robey-Coleman, Rams.
Bears status: The Bears have committed $13 million next season to Kyle Fuller, so it would be surprising if they broke the bank to pay another cornerback. Depending on how Prince Amukamara’s market materializes on the second tier, he could re-sign and rejoin Fuller. Slot cornerback Bryce Callahan is a restricted free agent, and it’s up to the Bears to tender him.
Market report: There’s quality depth, which should make for some team-friendly deals. The Bears reserved the right to match any outside offer to which Fuller agrees, but the market’s depth could discourage teams from making him a huge offer. Johnson will cash in because he’s scheme versatile with a proven track record. Colvin’s market will depend on how teams attribute his play to the Jaguars’ strong pass rush.
Interior offensive line
Top of the line: Andrew Norwell, guard, Panthers.
Also available: Justin Pugh, guard, Giants; Ryan Jensen, center, Ravens; Zach Fulton, center/guard, Chiefs; Weston Richburg, center, Giants; Josh Kline, guard, Titans; Jack Mewhort, guard, Colts; Spencer Long, center, Redskins.
Bears status: Parting with left guard Josh Sitton created a hole in the Bears’ starting five. Because Cody Whitehair can play center and guard, though, the Bears will be flexible in their approach. Pace valued guard enough to pay Kyle Long and Sitton big contracts, but he also opted out of the Sitton contract, so perhaps they don’t prioritize paying for a lineman in their current dynamic.
Market report: Fulton played mostly center for Nagy in Kansas City last season, so his familiarity with protection calls adds value for the Bears. Norwell is a nimble, powerful run blocker.
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @rich_Campbell
Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2018, Chicago Tribune
