Free Agent Ideas?

[dawhizz]

We only have one offseason to draw from, and from what I understand the Bears have more cap space this offseason than last. That said, last year and his general comments suggest Pace is more likely to target young, up and coming players (see McPhee) than break the bank for a guy that’s established, but might not be worth his contract in four years. So I can’t really see a fit with Von Miller, Josh Norman, Muhammad Wilkerson, or even Malik Jackson.

 

That said, here's some guys I like:

- Danny Trevathan, LB, Broncos – ILB is the biggest need for the Bears (Pace has said as much), Trevathan has the Fox connection, and there’s not a lot of other ILB depth in FA, and I don't think you want to go into the draft still needing an ILB. Perhaps his price tag gets too high coming off a Super Bowl appearance.

- Reggie Nelson, S, Bengals – He’s 32, but coming off maybe his best year. It’s enticing to think about teaming him with Amos, and he’ll probably come cheaper than Berry and Weddle (who I’ve always thought was overrated). Otherwise maybe we can look at . . .

- Tashaun Gipson, S, Browns – He had injury problems last year, but was seen as one of the best young safeties in the league previously and is just 25.

- Trumaine Johnson, CB, Rams – Janoris Jenkins is flashier (and will likely get more money), but Johnson is steadier and fits the big, physical type Fangio likes.

- Jeff Allen, G, Chiefs - I would love Oseleme, but after seeing the contract Lane Johnson got, I think he'll be too rich for the Bears' blood, but Allen can be a similar T/G chess piece at a smaller price, plus he's from Chicago and went to Illinois, so maybe he would welcome a return to the Land of Lincoln.

- Ian Williams, DT, 49ers - Was a productive player at NT under Fangio and could be a fit to reunite with him.

- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Falcons - If Jarvis Jenkins ends up getting more money than he's worth from someone, I think Clayborn can give similar production on a similar contract to what Jenkins did last year.

 

Who do you guys like?

[jason]

I hope Pace is throwing smokescreens and he goes all out for Muhammad Wilkerson. Period.

 

The ILB talent in this draft is immense. Drafting one in the 1st round is great value, and there are others later on who look great. I wouldn't be upset seeing 2 drafted, and wouldn't be shocked if they both end up starting. The 3-4 DE talent isn't as deep in my opinion.

[scs787]

I'm hoping for Trevethon and Kelechi Osemele. Get those 2 and I'm a happy panda.

 

Wilkerson isn't making it out of New York so even if it's just smoke screens, I think its a pipe dream.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

I think S is the biggest need because the draft is a crap shoot. You want a veteran back there. Rolle and Mundy are suitable, but an upgrade would make the D better. This draft is weak imo, players in our reach are meh. We could get a top 5T (doubtful) or injured LB or a head case DT. I don't feel good at #11, trade down would help. As for FA, start at S and DT, try to fill ILB with bright prospects like Jason said.

[adam]

Taking a different look at this. I think we all know our biggest weaknesses, but what about improving our skill positions? With the projected loss of Forte, questions about Bennett, and question marks at WR, what about some of these younger skill position UFA's:

 

RBs

Lamar Miller, 24, MIA, 194-872, 4.5, 8 TD

Ronnie Hillman, 24, DEN, 207-863, 4.3, 7 TD

Chris Ivory, 27, NYJ, 247-1070, 4.3, 7 TD

Alfred Morris, 27, WAS, 202-751, 3.7, 1 TD

 

WRs

Travis Benjamin, 25, CLE, 61-893, 5 TD

Marvin Jones, 25, CIN, 57-745, 4 TD

Rueben Randle, 24, NYG, 51-638, 6 TD

Rishard Matthews, 26, MIA, 43-662, 4 TD

Mohamed Sanu, 26, CIN, 29-359, 0 TD

 

TEs

Dwayne Allen, 25, IND, 16-109, 1 TD

Ladarius Green, 25, SD, 37-429, 4 TD

Jermaine Gresham, 27, ARZ, 18-223, 1 TD

Coby Fleener, 27, IND, 54-491, 3TD

[jason]

Taking a different look at this. I think we all know our biggest weaknesses, but what about improving our skill positions? With the projected loss of Forte, questions about Bennett, and question marks at WR, what about some of these younger skill position UFA's:

 

RBs

Lamar Miller, 24, MIA, 194-872, 4.5, 8 TD

Ronnie Hillman, 24, DEN, 207-863, 4.3, 7 TD

Chris Ivory, 27, NYJ, 247-1070, 4.3, 7 TD

Alfred Morris, 27, WAS, 202-751, 3.7, 1 TD

 

No thanks.

Forte, Langford, Carey.

--OR--

Langford, Carey, late pick/UDFA

 

WRs

Travis Benjamin, 25, CLE, 61-893, 5 TD

Marvin Jones, 25, CIN, 57-745, 4 TD

Rueben Randle, 24, NYG, 51-638, 6 TD

Rishard Matthews, 26, MIA, 43-662, 4 TD

Mohamed Sanu, 26, CIN, 29-359, 0 TD

 

I could be on board with something here if it turns out the Bears don't like someone in the draft.

 

TEs

Dwayne Allen, 25, IND, 16-109, 1 TD

Ladarius Green, 25, SD, 37-429, 4 TD

Jermaine Gresham, 27, ARZ, 18-223, 1 TD

Coby Fleener, 27, IND, 54-491, 3TD

 

Hell no. Either stay with Bennett & Miller...

--OR--

Trade Bennett, start Miller, pick someone in the draft

[scs787]

I'm not sure why a few of you are down on the DL market in the draft. It's littered with 1st round talent. I almost wanna double up in the 1st 2 rounds. Buckner and Vernon Butler in the 1st 2 rounds would be sick. Buckner-Goldman-Butler with Ego and Sutton off the bench would be awesome.

 

 

Unless Marty is traded, I'll pass on skill position players in FA.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

I'm not sure why a few of you are down on the DL market in the draft. It's littered with 1st round talent. I almost wanna double up in the 1st 2 rounds. Buckner and Vernon Butler in the 1st 2 rounds would be sick. Buckner-Goldman-Butler with Ego and Sutton off the bench would be awesome.

 

 

Unless Marty is traded, I'll pass on skill position players in FA.

I do not think Buckner drops to #11. If he does, it would be a great fit. Nkimdiche may be there, but he has to grow up fast. After those two, I do not want to reach for another Ferguson to fill that need. Same with LBs, Jack will be gone and Ragland isn't a value at #11. If teams are QB hungry, that is our only chance at getting one of our needs at good value.