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Sims-Walker Thinks He May Bears Ideal Fit....
Free-agent receiver Sims-Walker: Bears would be 'ideal'
Mike Sims-Walker makes a TD catch against Cowboys cornerback Alan Ball last season. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
By Vaughn McClure Tribune reporter 4:45 p.m. CDT, July 25, 2011
With the free-agency frenzy set to get going in full force, speculation is sure to abound regarding the Bears’ top targets. But if landing a wide receiver is a priority, one player in particular hopes the Bears give him a serious look.
"Chicago would be one of the ideal spots for me,’’ Mike Sims-Walker said Monday. "With the offensive coordinator (Mike Martz) and Jay Cutler, the speedy receivers, the monster defense, and Matt Forte in the backfield, I think I can be the missing piece.
"They are close, one or two pieces away. Hopefully I can put them over the top."
Sims-Walker spent the last three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2010, he caught 43 passes for 562 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games (13 starts). In ’09, he caught 63 passes for 869 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games (14 starts). He has had some injuries issues in the past but claims to be 100 percent now.
The 6-foot-2-inch, 212-pound Sims-Walker would give the Bears a different dimension as a big receiver. And he doesn’t believe in the theory that big receivers are a bad fit in Martz’s scheme.
"I think any receiver, if he has the talent and the skill-set, can do whatever he wants,’’ he said. "There’s no such thing as a big or small receiver. Like Andre Johnson (Texans). He does it all. He would fit in any offense, no matter what. And I try to model myself after him.’’
On Tuesday, the Bears can begin conversations with veteran free agents from all teams. However, no player can officially sign until Friday at 5 p.m. Central. Teams will not have a window to negotiate exclusively with their own free agents.
Sims-Walker has an obvious tie to the Bears. He spent time alongside Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice when Tice was Jacksonville’s assistant head coach/ tight ends. But Sims-Walker has another Chicago connection.
"I’m real cool with Matt Forte,’’ Sims-Walker said. "We trained together before the NFL Combine. We had the same agent (Adisa Bakari) at one time. We stayed together once during the offseason down in Davie, Fla. We’ve built a good relationship.’’
Sims-Walker also has great respect for Cutler based on conversations his former Central Florida teammate and best friend, Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall. Cutler and Marshall played together in Denver.
"Brandon had nothing but great things to say about Cutler,’’ Sims-Walker said. "Just watching (Cutler), you can tell he has that swagger. He’s not scared to make a mistake. He just takes chances and lets it rip.’’
It remains unclear which direction the Bears are headed in free agency. Devin Hester lobbied for the Bears to pursue Santana Moss, who might re-sign with the Redskins. And Moss is on the Bears’ radar.
The Bears have no interest in Plaxico Burress based on extensive research done on the veteran prior to Burress going to prison. Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens also are not on the Bears’ list.
But it will be interesting to see if the Bears look into Steve Smith (via trade), Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice, or Braylon Edwards. Rice was high on the list before the lockout.
vxmcclure@tribune.com
twitter@vxmcclure23
Copyright © 2011, Chicago Tribune
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Last edited by soulman; 07-25-2011 at 07:17 PM.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Well at least he thinks he's ideal for the Bears and he gives quite a few reasons to back it up. Probably a better choice as a WR than Brad Smith but still not a #1 type guy who'll strike fear in the hearts of opponents. Also likely to be the least expensive choice in the group of larger receivers.
Here's another article that contradicts those who say the Bears will not make a splurge in FA. How could you have an interest in Sidney Rice as this article says and not be willing to splurge. He'll be the most costly WR on the market and one of the most costly period. And if this is accurate any of the grey beards like Plax, T.O. and Ocho won't be wearing navy and orange next year either.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Just adding this to this an the Brad Smith thread; the Ravens released several vets and Derrick Mason was among them. He's a no youngster but he's still been productive and he fits the kind of guy Martz likes to have. Just one more WR to add to the available list.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Originally Posted by
soulman
Just adding this to this an the Brad Smith thread; the Ravens released several vets and Derrick Mason was among them. He's a no youngster but he's still been productive and he fits the kind of guy Martz likes to have. Just one more WR to add to the available list.
1. The fact that everyone says the Bears are going to not make a splurge are just re-hashing what the organization is feeding them and it more than likely will be false. There was a ton of articles last year about how the Bears would not get Peppers, he was to costly and at 12:01 Lovie rang who's door bell.
2. If the Bears go cheaper at WR I would have no problem with Sims-Walker. Of course Sidney Rice is a better player, but he is more expensive. If you want a 6'2" WR that has produced and will not cost you a ton then Sims-Walker is the guy.
3. The Bears have to spend money they need to spend about 30 million just to get to the salary floor.
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I find it funny when any receiver says Chicago would be a perfect fit for him, lol.
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High Fives / Like - 7 BEAR DOWN!, 1 Dislikes
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Originally Posted by
BigClaws
I find it funny when any receiver says Chicago would be a perfect fit for him, lol.
Yeah, ain't that a kick! He's the second one now. First it was Plax but now that we've told him we didn't agree with his opinion on the subject he's saying the same about the Dolphins, LOL. If we aren't gonna spend the $$$ for top tier material at least Sims-Walker would give us the size Cutler wants. Maybe more an addition than a real upgrade though.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Originally Posted by
soulman
Yeah, ain't that a kick! He's the second one now. First it was Plax but now that we've told him we didn't agree with his opinion on the subject he's saying the same about the Dolphins, LOL. If we aren't gonna spend the $$$ for top tier material at least Sims-Walker would give us the size Cutler wants. Maybe more an addition than a real upgrade though.
They know they can start here without a ton of competition.
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High Fives / Like - 1 BEAR DOWN!, 1 Dislikes
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Originally Posted by
WindyCity
They know they can start here without a ton of competition.
I don't know about that Windy. Unless we sign one of the top tier guys to a big dollar deal anybody that comes in will have to compete against Bennett and Knox for a starting spot. What I'm looking for is a guy who can work in rotation with those two on the outside and keep Hester in the slot.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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I would think his relationship with Forte could help his chances ( can't hurt ) and 14 TD's the past 2yrs ain't bad. And with him mentioning the Bears , wanting to come here, you know his attitude would be in the right place . The same cannot be said about some other FA Wr's out there ( the egomaniacs whose names I won't list ).
What should you call any : Fumble , Hold , Interception , Three and out , or Sack ?
A " F.H.I.T.S " ? or a J'Marcus ?
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Did a quick look at his situational stats at nfl.com http://www.nfl.com/player/mikesims-w...ts?season=2010 if I am understanding the numbers properly (I've learned the hard way that my judgement is fallible) then Sims-Walker may be a possession receiver/red zone threat. We could find a use for a guy like that....
"Professional Armchair Quarterback" and other oxymora.....