Bears to Court Jets Brad Smith?..............

Brad Smith and the Bears?

The National Football Post1 hour, 24 minutes ago









According to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com, the Bears have “legitimate interest” in Jets WR Brad Smith who is set to become a free agent when the new league year opens.


http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/nfp/38/full...LzLutnDgA8wQ--Could we see Brad Smith in a Bears uniform this season?
ICON


While we shouldn't see Smith as that “true No.1” Bears fans have been talking about since the end of the 2010 season, he does bring some interesting value to Mike Martz’s offense and the return game on special teams.

Think of it this way: he provides options. Use him inside of the numbers, down the field in the vertical game and aligned in multiple positions on the field. Part of the WR rotation and used in specific game situations.

I do have to question whether or not he can get in and out of his brakes at full speed in Martz’s offense. But if the interest is there, then we have to buy the idea that Chicago has done seen enough tape on Smith.

Plus, the special teams impact is always going to increase value with a Lovie Smith coached football team. This could be the big sell from the perspective of the Bears.

Now, Smith isn’t Sidney Rice(notes) or Steve Smith in terms of big play ability, but don’t let that discount what he could possibly bring from a playbook perspective to the Bears in 2010.

Let’s see how this plays out once we get a real answer on the start of free agency.

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Updated: July 25, 2011, 1:26 PM ET

Sources: Bears interested in Brad Smith


By Michael C. Wright
ESPNChicago.com
Archive

The Chicago Bears won't be major players in free agency when it comes to the top-tier receivers on the market, but sources say the team has a legitimate interest in New York Jets receiver Brad Smith.

More From ESPNChicago.com

A fourth-round pick in 2006 and former quarterback at Missouri, Smith caught just four passes last season for 44 yards with no touchdowns, and rushed for 299 yards on 38 attempts. Those numbers might not immediately resonate, but it's likely the Bears are drawn to Smith's 6-foot-2, 212-pound frame, versatility and the fact he represents an explosive value option who could take some of the attention off playmakers such as Devin Hester and Matt Forte.

Throughout his five-year career, Smith has contributed at several positions on offense and in the return game. In addition to catching 64 passes over his career, he's averaged 7.8 yards per carry (98 attempts) and completed four-of-seven passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. As a return man, Smith has averaged 26.6 yards on 74 kickoff returns.

Smith signed a restricted free-agent tender with the Jets last March worth $1.76 million, and is seeking a multiyear deal in free agency. There's a good chance Smith's value has increased somewhat given the proposed rule in the labor settlement that makes all third quarterbacks active on game day. The new rule would mean that Smith could serve as the Bears' third quarterback, while still contributing in a normal capacity on offense and in the return game, which basically would give the team an extra roster spot.

Michael C. Wright covers the Bears for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000

If we are investing money into other positions then I am okay with spending less on Brad Smith.

If we do not like giving money to any of the free agents, Rice [injuries], Edwards [off field] or Santonio [off field] are to risky then I like Brad Smith as some size with less risk.

Brad Smith might not be what we want, but he adds a wrinkle to our offense and makes us more versatile.

This is kind of interesting. Smith is kind of a jack or all trades guy who may be able to become a real playmaker in Martz offense. If what all of the articles are saying about our not going after a top tier WR are true then Smith may be one of the best 2nd tier options out there.

I couldn't copy all of this over but here's a link to his stats on the Jets website. He has the character that Lovie likes and there's no doubt about his athleticism and flexibility. He's an interesting choice if this rumor has any truth to it. Well at least if it happens we won't be totally shocked will we?

http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/rost...e-a42ba2fba78e

lol 5 years 64 catches for 557 yards. Pretty much exactly what we need in a vet WR.

http://imgis.lpserv.net/d/3632-1/rollbarf.gif

I hope there's no truth to this. I don't think we need another project, inconsistent WR that runs crappy routes.

If you don't want to spend a lot of cash on the position and put it somewhere we NEED it more, fine. But please don't sign another lottery ticket at this position.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lklrlolnlilklsox

lol 5 years 64 catches for 557 yards. Pretty much exactly what we need in a vet WR.

http://imgis.lpserv.net/d/3632-1/rollbarf.gif

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Let's not forget that he's a RFA to boot.


NO

No thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by soulman

This is kind of interesting. Smith is kind of a jack or all trades guy who may be able to become a real playmaker in Martz offense. If what all of the articles are saying about our not going after a top tier WR are true then Smith may be one of the best 2nd tier options out there.

I couldn't copy all of this over but here's a link to his stats on the Jets website. He has the character that Lovie likes and there's no doubt about his athleticism and flexibility. He's an interesting choice if this rumor has any truth to it. Well at least if it happens we won't be totally shocked will we?

http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/rost...e-a42ba2fba78e

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I mentioned him in the cromartie thread, so no i wouldn't be surprised, but i'll believe it when i see it. I still say he's an untapped talent.

right when I thought my opinion of JA couldnt get any worse a report that we have legit interest in Brad Smith pops up.............