Thread: Zaidman: I wouldn't be surprised if Melton is on another team next year

Originally Posted by ZifanQ

Balls.. but it will leave cap space for signing a LT. So what do we want Melton or LT?

This is what I think it will come down to. There is only so much cap space and a horrible offensive line that the previous coach was fired over. If they are getting serious about the offense, this is what has to happen because there are only so many picks in this years draft and more than likely at LT will not be starting if taken in the draft.

Is next year 2014 because I assume this coming year is 2013.
Melton has stated that he believes he is the best DT in the NFL
and why wouldnt he say that in a contract year. Fact is, this guy is going to want a huge contract and way more than the 8.3mil tag.
My guess is in the 5/50+ range. Another factor may be that Tuck wants big 2 gap DT's which Melton does not fit. Although I believe Zach may have meant 2014, I'll play along and go with this year.
From a salary cap standpoint, the Bears can get a FA OL (more likely a guard) as well as a 2 gap vet DT for the 8.3mil it would cost for melton. Is that a better use of the money, who knows. Also, speaking of salary cap hits, I could also see this being Pepps last year as a Bear. They can rip up his current contract and give him another 3 year deal with like a 9mil signing bonus and maybe 6mil salary for a 2013 cap hit of 9 mil and net 7mil this year. But that just pushes back 2 huge cap hit years beginning in 2014. I think Emery may have Shea penciled in as his heir apparent beginning next year or at the very latest 2015.

The more I think about it the more I wouldn't be shocked if Melton walks.

Bears either tag him or he goes to another team; there isn't a ton of cap space and there are teams w/plenty to spend. I think they'll find Melton isn't quite the stud w/out Peppers to one side of him though.

i can't think of a bigger mistake emery could make...melton is the only young impact player we have on defense...he plays arguably the most important position in a cover 2...he was developed here, and should have been tied up before last season...

melton has to be re-signed or franchise tagged...he's the priority for this off-season...he's still not as good as he's going to be, either, in my opinion...