Thread: Bears FA Rumors, Who's of Interest?..........

I like Durant. No too worried about WR, I'd like to see us at least add another G to come in and compete.

Just an article on our interest, who the competition might be, and what price tag could come with him.


Inside the Bears



Jason Babin on Bears radar; Eagles could be strong suitor

By Sean Jensen on July 25, 2011 11:00 PM| No Comments| No TrackBacks

The Bears aren't expected to make a Julius Peppers type of signing. But that doesn't mean they don't address the same position.

The Bears have defensive end Jason Babin on their radar, according to a league source, adding another quality pass rusher to one of the team's most important units. Babin isn't expected to re-sign with the Tennessee Titans, even though he tallied 12 1/2 sacks last season and earned a Pro Bowl spot. But Babin should have several suitors. In fact, one would be packed with irony.

In 2009, Babin played for the Philadelphia Eagles, but he notched only 2 1/2 sacks in 12 games.
The Eagles let him go, and Babin dominated on an otherwise blase Titans defensive line last season.
So what's the connection?

The Eagles this offseason hired Jim Washburn, who most recently was the defensive line coach for the Titans.
The Eagles are also rumored to be in the market for former Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards. But Washburn could lobby for Babin instead.

The price tag for Babin is unclear, especially since he's 31 years old. But, he perhaps one contract to consider is Kyle Vanden Bosch, who signed a four-year, $26 million contract with the Detroit Lions last offseason that included $10 million in guarantees.

Vanden Bosch is also a former Titan. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher sounded as if there was a competition going on between the Eagles and Titans for his services.

56 Justin Durant

Position:LBHeight:6-1Weight:240College:HamptonBirthdate:9/21/1985Hometown:Florence, SCExperience:5th


Pro
College
High School
Personal
News

GAMES PLAYED/STARTED: 2007 (13/8, 2/2), 2008 (14/12), 2009 (13/13)
NFL TOTALS: 40 games, 33 starts
POSTSEASON TOTALS: 2 games, 2 starts
TRANSACTIONS: Originally drafted in the second round (48th overall) of the 2007 draft.

Physical, speedy linebacker who has started 33 of 40 games in his first three seasons … Has recorded 100-plus tackles in two of three seasons including a career-high 135 in 2009 … Career totals include 318 tackles (221 solo), two sacks, two forced fumbles, two INTs, 14 tackles for loss and eight passes defensed … Moved to MLB in 2009 and made career-high 13 starts … Led team with seven tackles for loss and ranked third with 113 tackles in 2008 … Led the team in 2007 with 31 postseason tackles … Joined Reggie Nelson as the only two rookies to start more than eight games in 2007 … Finished with 17 tackles against Pittsburgh in AFC Wild Card game, the second-most by a Jaguar in postseason history (23, Kevin Hardy, 1/10/99 at N.Y. Jets) …


2009

Moved from OLB to MLB and started a career-high 13 games … Was inactive for three games with injuries … Ranked second on the club with a career-high 135 tackles including double-digit tackles in five games … Added one sack, one INT, four tackles for loss, three QB pressures and one FF … 9/13 at IND: Started at MLB in season-opener and led team with 14 tackles (11 solo) … 9/20 vs. ARI: Finished with a team-high 15 tackles and a forced fumble … 9/27 at HOU: Had team-high 10 tackles … 10/4 vs. TEN: Finished with nine tackles … Was inactive on 10/11 at SEA and 10/18 vs. STL with hip injury … 11/1 at TEN: Registered a career-high 17 tackles (13 solo) including two for loss as he played all 67 snaps … Posted nine tackles on 11/8 vs. KC and 11/15 at NYJ … Suffered concussion against the Jets and was inactive the following week on 11/22 vs. BUF … Returned to lineup on 11/29 at SF and finished with eight tackles … 12/6 vs. HOU: Had most productive game of the season with eight tackles, a sack, an INT and two QB pressures. Intercepted Matt Schaub in the third quarter. Was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance … 12/13 vs. MIA: Made 13 tackles and surpassed 100 tackles for second straight season … Finished season with seven tackles on 12/27 at NE and 1/3 at CLE …


2008

Played in 14 games with 12 starts … Ranked third on team with a then career-high 113 tackles (81 solo) … Led team with seven tackles for loss along with six passes defensed and one QB pressure … Added three special teams tackles … Selected to USA Today All-Joe Team, which goes to players and coaches who have overachieved and are often overlooked … 9/7 at TEN: Had eight solo tackles in a reserve role … 9/14 vs. BUF: Started and suffered groin strain in the second quarter and returned to the game but was sidelined again in the second half … Was inactive 9/21 at IND and 9/28 vs. HOU … Returned to action on 10/5 vs. PIT and collected 10 tackles and one pass defensed … 10/12 at DEN: Started at OLB and recorded six solo tackles, one for a loss, and one pass defensed … 10/26 vs. CLE: Registered 11 tackles in start … 11/9 at DET: Totaled 12 tackles and did not miss a snap … 11/16 vs. TEN: Made nine tackles and two special teams tackles … 11/23 vs. MIN: Posted a team-high two tackles for loss … 12/14 vs. GB: Recorded six tackles and one QB pressure … 12/18 vs. IND: Had 10 tackles and one pass defensed … 12/28 at BAL: Made season-high 14 tackles and did not miss a snap …


2007

Played in 13 games and started eight … Team record was 6-2 while in the starting rotation … Recorded 70 tackles, one sack, one INT and one forced fumble … Led team in tackles in the postseason with 31 … Was inactive for two games (11/4 at NO and 11/11 at TEN) … 9/16 vs. ATL: Made first career start at OLB and recorded six tackles … 11/25 vs. BUF: Moved into the starting lineup after season-ending injury to Mike Peterson and recorded first career INT … 1/5 at PIT: Started at OLB in AFC Wild Card game. Led team with 17 tackles which ranked second in team history … 1/12 at NE: Started at OLB in AFC Divisional Playoff game and was second on team with 14 tackles

Originally Posted by GrizzlyBear91

I like Durant. No too worried about WR, I'd like to see us at least add another G to come in and compete.

I posted the Jags profile on Durant for reference. He looks to me like the typical Bears LB type. Fast, physical, good size 6'1" 240lbs and versatile. Seems a lot like Briggs and has played MLB so we get some protection against Uralacher going down too. If we sign this guy it's definitely sayonara for Pisa and quite possibly Roach as well. They may decide to sign Iwuh to back Briggs and use the rookie Thomas to backup at SLB then see who else we have already on the roster or from rookie FA.

They're strangely silent on the Olineman but I'll bet there's a lot going on behind the scenes. Somebody like Atlanta is probably hustling to gain cap space to keep at least two out of their three starters and some of the others like Joseph or Colon may be waiting to see what the market price is before giving their teams a chance to make an offer to keep them. You gotta figure that their current teams are gonna want to keep their guy (s) if they can.

JermonBushrod
T #74

Height:6-5Weight:315Age:26College:TowsonHometown:King George, Va.Experience:5Quick Stats (2010):

G16GS16

Summary

• Career
• Logs
• Splits
• Situational

Career StatsSeasonTeamGamesGGSTOTAL34302010NO16162009NO15 142008NO202007NO10Recent GamesWKOppResult17TBL 13-2316@ATLW 17-1415@BALL 24-3014STLW 31-1313@CINW 34-3012@DALW 30-2711SEAW 34-199@CARW 34-38PITW 20-107CLEL 17-306@TBW 31-65@ARIL 20-304CARW 16-143ATLL 24-272@SFW 25-221MINW 14-9

No Data

Select Season: 2010 2009 2008 2007Go
No Data

No Data

Select Season: 2010 2009 2008 2007 Passing Rushing Receiving Defense TGC Kicker PunterGo
No Data


NFL CAREER – Bushrod has turned potential into production and become an anchor on the left side of the offensive front. After an understudy role his first two seasons, he’s distinguished himself as a starter since 2009, while playing perhaps the offensive line’s most difficult position. A fourth-round pick in 2007, he’s the only player the club has ever drafted out of Towson.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Re-signed to a one-year contract (RFA), 4/13/10; Signed to a three-year contract, 7/20/07; Drafted by the Saints in the fourth round (125th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.


NFL CAREER – Bushrod has turned potential into production and become an anchor on the left side of the offensive front. After an understudy role his first two seasons, he’s distinguished himself as a starter since 2009, while playing perhaps the offensive line’s most difficult position. A fourth-round pick in 2007, he’s the only player the club has ever drafted out of Towson.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Re-signed to a one-year contract (RFA), 4/13/10; Signed to a three-year contract, 7/20/07; Drafted by the Saints in the fourth round (125th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

2010 – Started all 16 regular season games and one playoff contest at LT for an offense that finished ranked sixth in the NFL…Allowed only six sacks and was penalized only six times

2009 – Played in 15 games, making 14 starts at LT, inactive vs. NY Jets, Oct. 4 with knee and ankle injuries…Surrendered only 7.5 sacks and was penalized only four times…Sept. 13 vs. Detroit opened first NFL game and didn’t allow a sack…Suffered ankle injury at Buffalo, Sept. 27…Did not start at Tampa Bay, Nov. 22, playing in a rotation with Zach Strief…Started all three playoff games for an offensive line that surrendered only two takedowns.

2008 – Inactive for 12 games, dressed but did not play in two and appeared in two on special teams, blocking on kick return units.

2007 – Inactive for 14 games, played in one, and dressed but did not see action in another…Made NFL debut at Houston, Nov. 18, serving as a blocker on kickoff return unit.

COLLEGE – Four-year starter at Towson…All-Atlantic 10 selection at LT in 2006…Finished career with a streak of 38 consecutive starts…Earned third-team all-league honors as a junior and recorded nine TD-resulting blocks…Posted 72 knockdown blocks and was third-team All-Atlantic 10 as a sophomore, his first full season as a starter…Started five games in 2003 after redshirting in 2002.

PERSONAL – Sports management major...Attended King George (Va.) HS, where he was a standout in football, basketball and baseball…Honorable mention all-state selection at T…Bushrod and his offensive line teammates have sponsored an annual holiday bike drive for underprivileged youth since 2009…Has worked as a substitute teacher and done community service work at various NAACP events

Originally Posted by motownbear

If we really want this guy does that peg Carimi at RT?

I can't believe they'd sign Bushrod and then NOT play him at LT where he's been making a name for himself so that either moves Carimi to RT or to LG as I see it. Maybe that is the plan if they can't get the OG they want. Or.....how about this.

We sign Bushrod = LT
We move Carimi = LG
We resign Kreutz = OC
We sign Clabo, Dahl or Colon = RG
We keep Webb = RT

How's that for a revamped Oline?

JasonBabin
DE #93

Height:6-3Weight:260Age:31College:Western MichiganHometown:Kalamazoo, MIExperience:8Quick Stats (2010):

TCKL58
SCK12.5
FF2
INT--



PRO: Jason Babin is a relentless pass rusher with a non-stop motor who will look to provide depth at defensive end for the Titans in 2010. The former first-round draft pick possesses a sudden burst off the edge and has the ability to create havoc in the offensive backfield. Babin played his first two seasons as an outside linebacker with the Texans before moving to his current defensive end position.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• As a rookie with the Texans in 2004, started all 16 games at left outside linebacker and recorded 76 tackles, four sacks and two fumble recoveries.
• In 2006, played in 15 games with three starts at left defensive end and finished with 25 tackles and a career-best five sacks.
TITANS TIDBITS:
• Babin is an avid hunter and owns and operates Babin Ranch, a hunting ranch that is situated on 435 heavily wooded acres in Center, Texas. Ranch visitors can find the land stocked with a variety of exotic animals, such as zebras, rams, antelope, wildebeests and kudu, as well as deer, elk and buffalo. Log on to BabinRanch.com for more information.
• Babin has been training for an opportunity to play in the NFL since his teenage years in Paw Paw, Mich., where police used to get complaints from people in his neighborhood about someone running down the street with a stolen tire. However, they soon found out that it was just Babin doing his nightly run, dragging a truck tire attached to his waist with a logging chain.
• Babin plans to concentrate on real estate development when his playing days are over.
• Was the first player in Western Michigan history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Paw Paw, Mich., native was originally selected by the Houston Texans in the first round (27th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.
• Traded by the Texans to the Seattle Seahawks for safety Michael Boulware on Sept. 1, 2007. • Released by the Seahawks on Sept. 18, 2008 and signed as a free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 12, 2008.
• Signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 4, 2009.
• Signed by the Titans as an unrestricted free agent on March 18, 2010. The Eagles declined first refusal rights they had written in his previous contract on March 19.
COLLEGE:
• Was a two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time first-team All-MAC selection at Western Michigan.
• Appeared in 47 games with 25 starts for the Broncos, setting the school marks for sacks (38) and tackles for loss (75). Finished his career with 299 tackles, eight forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
• As a senior, earned first-team All-America honors from the The NFL Draft Report and College Sports Report, and added second-team honors from Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News and College Football News after posting 115 tackles, 15 sacks and 33 tackles for loss.
• As a junior, recorded 94 tackles, 15 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two passes defensed.
• As a sophomore, notched 56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and a team-best seven sacks.
• Was the only true freshman to letter for the Broncos after registering 34 tackles.
• Majored in criminal justice at Western Michigan.
PERSONAL:
• Married to Sara and the couple has two sons, Maddux Bo and Talan Davis. Splits time between Nashville and Paw Paw, Mich.
• Was a first-team All-Kalamazoo Valley Association selection as a senior at Paw Paw High School. Also was a two-time Defensive MVP before missing his senior season with a broken leg.
• Also lettered in wrestling and won a state title in the heavyweight division.
• Born Jason Thomas Babin on May 24, 1980 in Kalamazoo, Mich.



PRO: Jason Babin is a relentless pass rusher with a non-stop motor who will look to provide depth at defensive end for the Titans in 2010. The former first-round draft pick possesses a sudden burst off the edge and has the ability to create havoc in the offensive backfield. Babin played his first two seasons as an outside linebacker with the Texans before moving to his current defensive end position.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• As a rookie with the Texans in 2004, started all 16 games at left outside linebacker and recorded 76 tackles, four sacks and two fumble recoveries.
• In 2006, played in 15 games with three starts at left defensive end and finished with 25 tackles and a career-best five sacks.
TITANS TIDBITS:
• Babin is an avid hunter and owns and operates Babin Ranch, a hunting ranch that is situated on 435 heavily wooded acres in Center, Texas. Ranch visitors can find the land stocked with a variety of exotic animals, such as zebras, rams, antelope, wildebeests and kudu, as well as deer, elk and buffalo. Log on to BabinRanch.com for more information.
• Babin has been training for an opportunity to play in the NFL since his teenage years in Paw Paw, Mich., where police used to get complaints from people in his neighborhood about someone running down the street with a stolen tire. However, they soon found out that it was just Babin doing his nightly run, dragging a truck tire attached to his waist with a logging chain.
• Babin plans to concentrate on real estate development when his playing days are over.
• Was the first player in Western Michigan history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Paw Paw, Mich., native was originally selected by the Houston Texans in the first round (27th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.
• Traded by the Texans to the Seattle Seahawks for safety Michael Boulware on Sept. 1, 2007. • Released by the Seahawks on Sept. 18, 2008 and signed as a free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 12, 2008.
• Signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 4, 2009.
• Signed by the Titans as an unrestricted free agent on March 18, 2010. The Eagles declined first refusal rights they had written in his previous contract on March 19.
COLLEGE:
• Was a two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time first-team All-MAC selection at Western Michigan.
• Appeared in 47 games with 25 starts for the Broncos, setting the school marks for sacks (38) and tackles for loss (75). Finished his career with 299 tackles, eight forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
• As a senior, earned first-team All-America honors from the The NFL Draft Report and College Sports Report, and added second-team honors from Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News and College Football News after posting 115 tackles, 15 sacks and 33 tackles for loss.
• As a junior, recorded 94 tackles, 15 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two passes defensed.
• As a sophomore, notched 56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and a team-best seven sacks.
• Was the only true freshman to letter for the Broncos after registering 34 tackles.
• Majored in criminal justice at Western Michigan.
PERSONAL:
• Married to Sara and the couple has two sons, Maddux Bo and Talan Davis. Splits time between Nashville and Paw Paw, Mich.
• Was a first-team All-Kalamazoo Valley Association selection as a senior at Paw Paw High School. Also was a two-time Defensive MVP before missing his senior season with a broken leg.
• Also lettered in wrestling and won a state title in the heavyweight division.
• Born Jason Thomas Babin on May 24, 1980 in Kalamazoo, Mich.


Summary

• Career
• Logs
• Splits
• Situational