Bears 2011 free agent thread...and moves

thought good to keep in one thread:

Manning:

Manning likely to test free-agent market March 4

Bears' offer of a 3-year extension during season wasn't to liking of safety-returner

Before this season the Bears vowed to "invest'' in at safety, but they never promised to break the bank in the process. Manning was a restricted free agent last offseason and staged a mini-protest before signing a one-year, $1.176 million tender. Starting free safety Chris Harris, who has one year left on his deal, made $2 million this season after a trade from the Panthers.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,3017840.story

graham:

It's not as simple as re-signing them all. The new CBA is expected to bring with it a salary cap, which didn't exist this year. It could be lower than the nearly $128 million it was at in 2009. Graham earned $1.101 million this season. Davis was at $935,000. Wilson was the lowest of the bunch at $545,000 as the group's salary totaled more than $4.5 million. Eventually the backups who stock special teams need to be replaced with players on their rookie contracts. Balancing experience with salary will be a challenge.

Graham doesn't want to think about just special teams, either. He estimates he got less than five plays on defense as a dime back. He started nine games in 2008 and would like that chance again.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,7736387.story

Then let 'em.

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Originally Posted by Riczaj01

Then let 'em.

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Like to Keep both, esp for their ST capabilities, but think their is "budget" constraint and they will be offered up to that and if they can do better elsewhere, then agree let them go and don't chase the $$$ and maybe they don't find any better offers and back in fold, going to be a very interesting Offseason and how teams treat F/A;s

You can get other special team guys, if they dont' want to be here let em walk. How well did that end up working for the guy that went to Baltimore? F 'em if they don't want to be here.

In the current CBA isn't there restrictions for final 8 teams signing free agents?

Let's not go that far, but I think Chris Harris is a better Strong Safety anyway, and although Manning is a really good athlete, he's only had 1 good year. If he comes back, cool, if not, more reason to draft another safety..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeorgiaJeff

In the current CBA isn't there restrictions for final 8 teams signing free agents?

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that was just for 2010, because of the uncapped year, doesn't apply anymore

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Riczaj01

You can get other special team guys, if they dont' want to be here let em walk. How well did that end up working for the guy that went to Baltimore? F 'em if they don't want to be here.

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well think they both are better positional players than brandon ayan was a LB.. but agree there is a "line in sand" and no reason to cross it

and Just IMHO do not think D.A is coming back:

But after five catches for 71 yards in the opener this season against the Detroit Lions, he disappeared. He caught just five more passes the rest of the season.

The knocks varied. He couldn't play the slot. He wasn't executing the plays properly. He didn't do much on special teams. The only big receiver on the roster at 6-2, 201 pounds couldn't get on the field and it culminated in him being inactive for the NFC Championship Game.

"It's been a tough year," Aromashodu said. "I wish it could have been better. I'll discuss things with my agent and see where it goes."

He would be crazy to want to return for another season, right?

"Would I be crazy?" Aromashodu said. "I don't want to burn any bridges. I definitely know I can play in this league. I've experienced good things so I know what I am capable of doing. I know once I get my opportunity again I just need to take advantage of it. That's what I've always done."

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com...s-offense.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dabears54

and Just IMHO do not think D.A is coming back:

But after five catches for 71 yards in the opener this season against the Detroit Lions, he disappeared. He caught just five more passes the rest of the season.

The knocks varied. He couldn't play the slot. He wasn't executing the plays properly. He didn't do much on special teams. The only big receiver on the roster at 6-2, 201 pounds couldn't get on the field and it culminated in him being inactive for the NFC Championship Game.

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Evidently nothing DA did the entire year through practice earned him anything with Martz. Same could be said with Dez but then he's active for the NFCC!?

This was a break out year for Manning and he'll test the waters. Not sure how much interest he'll generate or what he's looking for. Question is does he want to keep returning kicks because anyone who is interested I would think would want to retain that role for him.