Thread: Bears Free Agent News/Rumors

My guess, based on what we know about Emery, is that the guys we sign are not going to be guys that we have heard about. News will break that a couple of players are on route to Halas Hall for physicals and or that a deal is close.

I don't think we are going to want to be in on the Andy Levitre sweepstakes with how it is gearing up.

My guess is Bushrod and a TE will be the ones that we hear about later today or tomorrow.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...-agency/page/2

Make One Big Splash Early


The Bears will fill in some gaps with mostly second-tier free agents. They still need to make a big splash either on the offensive line or at tight end. The bigger names are sure to go early, so the team must identify the player they want and get a deal done on day one. Most importantly, they cannot get into a bidding war with other franchises.

The negotiation window likely has allowed the team to put a deal in place with a player already. New offensive line coach Aaron Kromer's relationship with Saints' left tackle Jermon Bushrod could be enough to entice the two-time Pro Bowl player to come to Chicago. Bushrod is the likely big splash the Bears will make, but if they choose to go in another direction, then players like Martellus Bennett, Andy Levitre, Jake Long and Jared Cook are viable options.

Bring Back Key Veterans at a Good Price


It is paramount the Bears are able to bring back some key players from last year to make the new transition smoother. This is still a team that won 10 games last year, and they can ill afford to have too much turnover.

Brian Urlacher, Lance Louis, Nick Roach, Jason Campbell and Kelvin Hayden should all be brought back. Of the those names, Nick Roach may be the player the team could be outbid for. He will get plenty of looks around the league as a potential starting middle linebacker. The best thing about all these players, except for Roach, is that they should all be making less money than what they were last year. This, of course, saves the team money, while still keeping the same talent.

Identify the Bargains


Anybody can throw big money at a top player, but a quality general manager identifies the under-the-radar players who can help his football team. The Bears need to take a strong look at Brandon Moore from the New York Jets. The 10-year veteran guard from Illinois will not get a huge contract because of his age, but he is still a Pro Bowl-caliber player who is an instant upgrade for this team.

Delanie Walker has had problems in the past dropping the football, but there is still good upside for the San Francisco 49ers tight end. He is an excellent blocker who can contribute on every down. Drops aside, he is still a better option in every phase than Kellen Davis. Early Doucet was recently released (per ESPN) by the Arizona Cardinals. Here is a productive player in college who never really got going once he made it to the NFL. At 27 years old, Doucet still has time and enough in the tank to turn his career around. He can be an interesting option in Marc Trestman's West Coast-style offense.

Sign Henry Melton


Hopefully, the franchise tag put on Henry Melton was temporary. For the sake for the cap space, they need to sign him to a long-term deal.

There are conflicting theories about whether Melton is worth the big contract or not. The fact is, the team can ill afford to lose him, and there seems to be no such thing as a guaranteed deal in the NFL these days. Melton and the Bears should be working hard toward reaching a deal. He wants the guaranteed money, and the team would like to spread out the cash long-term. If they are unhappy with his production down the road, then they can release him like everybody else does.

Remember the Draft and Don't Overreact


Free agency has kind of lost its luster due to the NFL draft. Why overpay for a veteran when you can have cheaper and younger talent.

How much is Wes Welker or Mike Wallace going to command on the open market? Yes, those are proven talents, but a player like Tavon Austin from West Virginia could be around when the Bears draft at 20. He is a lightning-fast game-breaker who can provide an element to the team that is lacking.

Should the Bears not be able to get a deal done with Brian Urlacher, Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree could be the guy to replace him. Can't find a tight end? Maybe Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert is still on the board. Depth, special teams players and even a nickel corner can all be addressed in the draft this year. The Bears have five picks in this year's draft. Those are five opportunities to fill needs.

Originally Posted by GermansbombedPH

but we heard about Bushrod already... your prediction does not fit what you said before. I agree with you that Emery will end up with guys we don't expect.

Sorry I meant someone that we had been concretely attached too.

Clayton was speculating that the reason Bushrod had not re-signed was that a team like Chicago has bid him up.

Free agent LT Jermon Bushrod is "50-50" to re-sign with the Saints.
According to SI's Peter King, Bushrod's Saints future could depend on the team agreeing to restructured deals with Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith. If it's Vilma and Smith holding the Saints back from keeping Drew Brees' blindside protector, it's a bit surprising one or both haven't been cut loose already. Bushrod is much more important to the Saints' 2013 chances. Neither Vilma nor Smith are good fits for New Orleans' new 3-4 defense.

SI's Peter King confirms the Titans are expected to "go hard" after OG Andy Levitre in the opening hours of free agency.
The Nashville Tennessean first reported the Titans' interest last week. Levitre would be a major coup for one of the league's worst interior lines, but he's a better pass blocker than run blocker. That won't be music to Chris Johnson's ears, who's routinely blamed his offensive line for his recent struggles. Regardless, Levitre would be a sizable upgrade on Steve Hutchinson.

Jake Long - T - Dolphins According to USA Today, the Rams and Bears are "believed to be among the most interested" in free agent LT Jake Long.
Related: Bears, RamsSource: Mike Garafolo on Twitter Mar 11 - 9:36 AM

Originally Posted by WindyCity

My guess, based on what we know about Emery, is that the guys we sign are not going to be guys that we have heard about. News will break that a couple of players are on route to Halas Hall for physicals and or that a deal is close.

I don't think we are going to want to be in on the Andy Levitre sweepstakes with how it is gearing up.

My guess is Bushrod and a TE will be the ones that we hear about later today or tomorrow.

Bushrod is probably the name that has been MOST TALKED ABOUT as a Bears interest or possible target. So that seems pretty contradictory and would be pretty much the "worst kept secret" ever. He very well could be the guy, prob due to the Kromer connection, but it certainly wouldn't be a big surprise to anyone.