ASHKUM BEAR

If the Bears do trade him, it will be for a 3rd or 4th rd pick. The dream scenarios of landing Crosby takes a lot more work to fit his salary that will need to be done ahead of time since the league cannot accept the trade if it puts the Bears over. Plus they need a plethora of Safeties and inside D-linemen. So I see a 3rd at best and maybe use that created cap on another Edge (Mack?)

I am good with keeping him if they can get his contract renegotiated. I would have a talk and let him know hes either getting traded or renegotiating. Give him performance bonuses to encourage excellence. The Bears need cap, re-haul the defense, and have many talented players to feed, so he is the first contract eyes are on.

Id be happy if you and your sponsor are right.

Only if they fire the HC after 1 year. I think he will be a good OC and maybe should have been more here with all those 4th down and goals we blew.

Fingers crossed! No better way to re-tool the Defense and keep the offenses cupboard full.

The 2026 salary cap is said to be around 301 to 305 million. The Bears are sitting around 304. They can make a few salary adjustments and move 1 or 2 players to add enough to sign a notable player, their draft picks, and in season operating needs. It will be a tight year but don't think they will sit on their hands.

The good thing is DT is pretty strong this year. Maybe not any top tier players but rds 1-3 have quality. A few of these guys seem to be older. Id be fine staying put or trading down. Maybe work a deal with a QB needy team looking to move back into RD1. Jets pick 33 and 2027 Rd 3 for pick 25. 2027 is supposedly going to be a strong class according to pundits. It doesn't help now, but next year we would be happy. If the NFL awards compensation for Cunningham even better.

Ozzy Trapilo and Sherman Turners injuries threw a wrench into the process. One established themselves at a premium position but is likely missing the next season or majority. The other was just getting into the mix and didn't get much established. Would have been good to see his fit. With the personal we have at DE and how DA schemes pressure, I can see them use those early picks on the interior dline. That day 1 of the draft will be hard since we are used to drafting the first half.

Id argue it was that 1st pick for DJ and Caleb +.

They can release Edmunds now, but the Bears won't gain anything. Might as well hold onto him until March.

Erik Lambert has an article about this. Said Brad Biggs confirmed it. It is out there if you do some digging, took 10 seconds to google. "Ryan Poles will not block his assisants from advancing their careers." https://www.sportsmockery.com/chicago-bears/bears-insider-finally-sheds-light-on-ian-cunningham-comp-picks-situation/

If I was the Bears, I would confirm before letting him go. I see it as you, but with tweets or articles on it from notable sources, you never know.

Where do you see Sherman Turner playing going forward? 3T or DE, or DL-Joker? At 6-3, 290 he has quickness to penatrate. Determining his position will help slot this draft priorities. Let him and Dexter play 3Tand draft a 0-T like Kayden McDonald?

Many internet experts are saying no 3rd rd compensation picks. Poles needs to have an emergency discussion with the commissioner because this title GM will come with a pay raise. No matter who makes the final calls, its a promotion. If the commissioner sides with no comp, then that title should not be used or official.

A few weeks ago I brought it up that they played together at Boston College and that there was a rumor that Matt might want Poles as his GM. If Poles can block Ian from the job, he should (imo). The Bears cannot let the NFL/Falcons get away from acquiring our talent without compensation by using a loop.