Bears Veteran Cut; Maynard Goes First........

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07-25-2011, 07:00 PM
soulman

Bears Veteran Cut; Maynard Goes First........
Bears parting ways with punter Maynard

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/...4-25151903.jpg Brad Maynard sits on the snowy Soldier Field turf during last season's game vs. New England. (Scott Strazzante/Tribune)

By Vaughn McClure Tribune reporter 5:16 p.m. CDT, July 25, 2011

The Chicago Bears have informed veteran punter Brad Maynard that they intend to move on without him rather than signing the free agent to a new deal, according to a source close to the player.

Maynard, 37, spent 10 seasons with the Bears after starting his career with the New York Giants. He received the call from the team late Monday afternoon.

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Apparently, the Bears are prepared for a youth movement at the position after signing 28-year-old Richmond McGee to a two-year contract this offseason. The Bears apparently are also eyeing veteran Steve Weatherford, 28, as Maynard’s replacement.

Maynard wasn't satisfied with his performance last season — his 10th with the Bears — as he finished 32nd in the league in punt average (40.1 yards) and 29th in net average (35.2). His recovery from right hip surgery affected his punting, and weather and field conditions late in the season, along with some pooch punts at the start, didn't help his statistics.

But Maynard still is regarded as one of the finest directional punters around, and he stands second-best all time with 407 punts inside the 20 in 14 seasons, behind the retired Jeff Feagles (554).

vxmcclure@tribune.com

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Copyright © 2011, Chicago Tribune
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07-25-2011, 07:04 PM
soulman

It's always sad to see a guy who was a productive member of your team go but in this case it was time. He was one of the best FA acquisitions we ever got but time has caught up with him and the leg isn't there anymore. Thank you Brad Maynard for some great years and all the best down the road.

The article goes on to mention the Bears interest in Steve Weatherford as Maynards replacement.
07-25-2011, 07:07 PM
Bear Goggles

:cheers: to 4! Interesting we freed that jersey number up, is it Favre time? :bah: someone has to say it right? I think if you do anything involving the NFL you have to mention it every 3 days.
07-25-2011, 07:20 PM
lklrlolnlilklsox

He did a good job for us for the start of his career in a Bears jersey, but I found myself saying "Brad fucking Maynard" on a regular basis these past two season and it is time to move on. I still believe Maynard Vs. Masthay was the key difference in the NFCC game, Cutler injury and Collins play be damned.
07-25-2011, 07:38 PM
soulman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear Goggles

:cheers: to 4! Interesting we freed that jersey number up, is it Favre time? :bah: someone has to say it right? I think if you do anything involving the NFL you have to mention it every 3 days.

Of course and if anyone did it needed to be you, LOL. Just don't let 4th think that's the reason we freed up the number ok?

He was in the news again today. This time it was his agent denying that he had any interest in coming back to play for Philly. You know it's a hopeless cause when they write about what he's not interested in doing to begin with. These writers are having Favre withdrawal so that if anyone even farts in his direction it's front page news.
07-25-2011, 07:41 PM
soulman

Quote:

Originally Posted by lklrlolnlilklsox

He did a good job for us for the start of his career in a Bears jersey, but I found myself saying "Brad fucking Maynard" on a regular basis these past two season and it is time to move on. I still believe Maynard Vs. Masthay was the key difference in the NFCC game, Cutler injury and Collins play be damned.

Interesting that you should bring that up sox. I think most of that has been buried in the wailing and gnashing of teeth over the Collins debacle but I remember cursing it violently at the time. We really got is stuck up our asses field position wise by Masthay. Kind of beat at our own game I'd say.
07-25-2011, 08:00 PM
Riczaj01

I hope Maynard just retires. Dude was great for us....Miss you, thanks for all the awesome coffin kicks bro!
07-25-2011, 09:03 PM
BigClaws

Best of luck, Brad.