Free Agency thoughts

[Stinger226]

Fishburn and Durkin in the athletic had some interesting ideas.  They say to sign

Keenum, 1 yr 5 mil

Golden, 1 yr 6 mil

Trade the 4th pick to ravens for Hayden Hurst (the idea that he is 3rd string in Baltimore). Was a first round pick and has big upside  at 3 mil.

Kevin Johnson/ CB  2 yr 7 mil ( played well at buffalo last year)

Halapoulicaati Vaitai OT  3 yr 24 mil. Backup at philly that would play RG this year and take a OT spot in future. 

Anybody know much about Vaitai?

[Stinger226]

Free agency starts in one week, the problem will be , I don't think we will be in for at least a week until all the biggest deals are done. Pace will have one surprise move but we won't be getting into a bidding war with anyone. 

[AZ54]

3 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

Free agency starts in one week, the problem will be , I don't think we will be in for at least a week until all the biggest deals are done. Pace will have one surprise move but we won't be getting into a bidding war with anyone. 

I disagree because while early on there is a feeding frenzy for the top FAs the teams that are focused on getting one or even two of them typically has to focus a lot of energy negotiating those deals.  If you remove yourself from the top tier noise then you can quickly and quietly focus on the 2nd tier FAs.   The only issue with that is then you are setting the market for those FAs instead of letting prices settle down a bit.  Still if that's your best shot and you really want a mid-level guy like Halapoulicaati Vaitai OT (had to copy/paste that) then just go get him and don't wait for the competition to show up later.  He still makes our team better but that's not hard to do when Leno was the starting LT last year.  

That contract for Vaitai is likely going to be higher than the proposed 3/$24 deal simply because FAs usually earn more than we expect, or maybe he gets a surprising amount of guaranteed money on it.  That will be true with the new CBA deal likely getting approved before FA.  I say likely because as Sam Acho explained it, about 68% of the players will get 20% pay raises.  The elite 10-15% players who might make hte news with their comments they just don't have as much say in the situation.  Those in the middle will likely depend on where they are at in their career.  If you are close the end of your career (i.e. Trevathan) but likely have enough to get one more decent contract do you want to go into this season with labor uncertainty to the point teams will prefer 1yr deal for you?  Do you want to risk a lockout next season and give up millions?  For NFL players it's vastly different than how the rest of us view our career.  

If I were a bottom-50%-of-the-roster player nothing Aaron Rodgers complains about regarding money matters to me if I know I a yes vote gets me a 20% raise the next 1-3 years.  Also, more games equals more opportunity for the bottom of the roster players, which oculd lead to a decent deal with some guaranteed money.  We'll have more playoff teams as well and that too is another paycheck.  Just looking at the Bears' roster I see just 14 players earning more than $2mil.  Obviously we'll add a few more soon but still we may lose one or two as well.  

[Stinger226]

In the past few years we went after a few players but the money went to high , we didn't match it.  A. J Bouyer comes to mind. He will aggressively go after a few but I don't see Pace getting in a bidding war with anyone.  I think all of their acquisitions will be from the second tier. Trying to resign some of our own FAs may be right out of the blocks. 

[AZ54]

11 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

In the past few years we went after a few players but the money went to high , we didn't match it.  A. J Bouyer comes to mind. He will aggressively go after a few but I don't see Pace getting in a bidding war with anyone.  I think all of their acquisitions will be from the second tier. Trying to resign some of our own FAs may be right out of the blocks. 

I agree on our FAs except he might let Kwit  test the market with intent to match

[Stinger226]

We have to get a strong safety.  Lots of vets out there.  I think they bring in a 2nd tier type 4-5 mil a year. Choices:

Anthony Harris- justin Simmons- HaHa Willbe to expensive. 

McCourty and Rashan Jones to old

Tru Boston- D. Randle- Vonn Bell- karl Joseph-Tony Jefferson Jeff Heath, - Clayton Geathers- Adrian Phillips- Jimmie Ward- Travon Wilson 

This group will probably have some more expensive contracts in it than we can not afford. 

I think Jeff Heath , Adrian Phillips, clayton Geathers-, and Travon Wilson are all within our price range. 

WHO DO YOU WANT?  

I prefer Vonn Bell but don't think we can afford him. So I prefer Adrian Phillips and possibly Clayton Geathers because he has spent time with Pagono before. 

 

 

 

[AZ54]

1 hour ago, Stinger226 said:

We have to get a strong safety.  Lots of vets out there.  I think they bring in a 2nd tier type 4-5 mil a year. Choices:

Anthony Harris- justin Simmons- HaHa Willbe to expensive. 

McCourty and Rashan Jones to old

Tru Boston- D. Randle- Vonn Bell- karl Joseph-Tony Jefferson Jeff Heath, - Clayton Geathers- Adrian Phillips- Jimmie Ward- Travon Wilson 

This group will probably have some more expensive contracts in it than we can afford. 

I think Jeff Heath , Adrian Phillips, clayton Geathers-, and Travon Wilson are all within our price range. 

WHO DO YOU WANT?  

I prefer Vonn Bell but don't think we can afford him. So I prefer Adrian Phillips and possibly Clayton Geathers because he has spent time with Pagono before. 

 

 

 

I like Vonn Bell or Karl Joseph.  Either fits what we need.  Bell might not be the most athletic safety but he has good leadership on the field.  I think he'd be a good fit in our locker room.  

[Stinger226]

I hope we can get one of these guys 3 yr 13 mil. would fit. 

[Alaskan Grizzly]

I say they draft one.  SS isn’t as much a need as OL, TE or even “backup” (competition - start worthy) QB.  
 

McKinney (Bama) and Delpit (LSU) are unquestionably the top two and depending on other teams’ needs could drop into the 2nd round.  But there are a few good players in the “Tier 2” level too.  
 

JR Reid (Georgia) is one Ive heard some chatter on.  He and Roquan are friends.  And outside of Floyd the Bears have done good with Georgia players as of late . 
 

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-safety-rankings-unique-class-lacks-elite-options-but-delivers-depth/
 

 

[Stinger226]

SS  is not a need? We literally do not not have one on the roster. The two safeties on the roster are Jackson and Brice with a futures contract. We are not going to not sign any in Free agency and wait until the draft and hope we draft someone you might like. I think they bring back Dion Bush, plus a free agent and draft one. 

[Alaskan Grizzly]

7 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

 

SS  is not a need?

 

Not when you’re talking about higher ticket FAs. (The theme of this thread).  I suspect that yes a player like Bush or even DHC (ick) could return but I don’t see them making a hard run if there becomes a fight for veteran FA safeties.  
 

[Stinger226]

The thread is FREE AGENCY THOUGHTS ( the theme of the thread)??? High ticket free agents??? , dumb  statement. In my posts on this thread I made the point we will be getting a 2nd tier SS. Pointed out that we won't be in on any of the top tier FAs. We already added a TE, we will not be in on a top tier TE.  OL only has a few high end players that will be expensive, we wont be in on. I started all our acquisitions will be 2nd tier,  the only potential expensive player will be what they decide to do at QB

Our needs are QB, TE, OL , SS , OLB, , we just resigned Trevathan so that takes ILB off the list. We will be adding FAs and draft picks at every position , no one is going to wait until the draft to fill needs. 

[Alaskan Grizzly]

What gets me about your responses is how simply offended you get by someone (namely me) that has a contrarian view from yours. You’re way too sensitive for someone who is as arrogant about your thoughts.  When you project a suggestion like a FA or draft pick it’s an absolute not a possibility.  That’s why I wonder if you’re not secretly Ryan Pace because 1) you’re so sure what the Bears are going to do and 2) are so offended when you’re wrong or in this case conflicted.  
 

I know it bothers you I was right about Cutler,  about Trubisky (so far) and that Nagy should’ve had starters play in the preseason last season and the season before (points I made and you made clear were ridiculous in your opinion).  These are just a few examples of where we’ve disagreed in the past and will continue to do so I’m sure.   Doesn’t bother me, so it shouldn’t bother you.  Maybe I’m wrong, maybe I’m not.  Don’t take it personal.  Make your pompous prediction and move on... 
 

Go Bears.   

[Stinger226]

To be honest I don't remember what your opinions on MT and Cutler were so I'm not sure how that bothers me. Everyone has differences of opinions, no problem with that but for example, as on this thread you say something dumb like SS is not a need that I call you out on. Then you say this thread is about (theme of most expensive free agents )with a heading of (free agent thoughts. ) I just call you out when you say dumb things. Don't take it personal , I'm not saying everything you say is dumb,  just once in awhile you make odd statements.  You have some spot on comments. I give you credit when you make a good call. Also you state that you don't agree with me on a bidding war on FA Ss will I clearly state we will only be going after 2 nd tier players. Just focus a little and you will able to make rational comments and we won't be having these throwing darts at each other all the time. 

[Stinger226]

In free agency so far:

Released Gabriel and Prince 

Signed Tre Robinson, Demetrious Harris, Trevathan and RRH.  

What do they do next? 

Probably release Floyd 

[BearFan PHX]

21 hours ago, Alaskan Grizzly said:

What gets me about your responses is how simply offended you get by someone (namely me) that has a contrarian view from yours. You’re way too sensitive for someone who is as arrogant about your thoughts.

I have been thinking the same thing. We can disagree with each other without being so condescending and stating opinions like cold hard facts, and calling people names when they dont agree. It isnt achieving the desired result of dictating from the point of an expert, it feels just internet fighty.

[BearFan PHX]

16 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

In free agency so far:

Released Gabriel and Prince 

Signed Tre Robinson, Demetrious Harris, Trevathan and RRH.  

What do they do next? 

Probably release Floyd 

agree

[Alaskan Grizzly]

1 hour ago, BearFan NYC said:

I have been thinking the same thing. We can disagree with each other without being so condescending and stating opinions like cold hard facts, and calling people names when they dont agree. It isnt achieving the desired result of dictating from the point of an expert, it feels just internet fighty.

My passion is Bears football.  I blame my forked tongue on my Irish roots!  “Sliante” to all of you my friends!!!

[Alaskan Grizzly]

Saw the rumor that someone else posted regarding the potential of HHCD coming back.  I suppose there are worse things that could happen.  But supports the idea SS isn’t as much a need, not enough to pay  a high price for another FA.  That is until we see what price Ha Ha costs the team...

In other news, the rumors for Derek Carr to Chicago are heating up:

https://beargoggleson.com/2020/03/14/chicago-bears-rumors-derek-carr-trade/

[Stinger226]

I think they move on from HaHa.  He played well but I think he doesn't fit the ideal SS role  on our team and that was why Jackson didn't have good numbers. . I will give you this argument.  It was dump of ME to suggest that we need Ss . I read where 90% of the NFL  teams only carry 2 safeties on their roster.  I don't know why I always question your wisdom, your always right.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

8 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

I think they move on from HaHa.  He played well but I think he doesn't fit the ideal SS role  on our team and that was why Jackson didn't have good numbers. . I will give you this argument.  It was dump of ME to suggest that we need Ss . I read where 90% of the NFL  teams only carry 2 safeties on their roster.  I don't know why I always question your wisdom, your always right.

I think you want a tweener FS/SS and a good FS these days. Then a tweenen LB/S for all these packages teams throw out. 

[AZ54]

6 hours ago, Alaskan Grizzly said:

Saw the rumor that someone else posted regarding the potential of HHCD coming back.  I suppose there are worse things that could happen.  But supports the idea SS isn’t as much a need, not enough to pay  a high price for another FA.  That is until we see what price Ha Ha costs the team...

In other news, the rumors for Derek Carr to Chicago are heating up:

https://beargoggleson.com/2020/03/14/chicago-bears-rumors-derek-carr-trade/

Any credibility for that site went out the window when I saw the next article below this one saying Chicago is the ideal place for washed-up TE JImmy Graham.  

[Alaskan Grizzly]

56 minutes ago, AZ54 said:

Any credibility for that site went out the window when I saw the next article below this one saying Chicago is the ideal place for washed-up TE JImmy Graham.  

Sure I get it.  Think there was one other site that mentioned it too.  And at this point it’s all rumor and conjecture.  Even the guy who posted the rumor tweet said ‘one of the teams’ was Chicago.  Meaning if there are discussions of Carr being traded, there may be a few suitors.  Nothing much of significance will probably happen until the 18th.  

[Alaskan Grizzly]

4 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

I think they move on from HaHa.  He played well but I think he doesn't fit the ideal SS role  on our team and that was why Jackson didn't have good numbers. . I will give you this argument.  It was dump of ME to suggest that we need Ss . I read where 90% of the NFL  teams only carry 2 safeties on their roster.  I don't know why I always question your wisdom, your always right.

Well thank you for finally seeing it my way... ?oh boy? 

Once again you over-react.  If the rumor is true about them re-signing HHCD it doesn't make much sense for them to try and sign a FA SS too.  For the record, and for as much as I like Clinton-Dix, I agreed with others (maybe even you) that he’s just another FS and we don’t need that.  I’d rather see a player like Amos back there where Jackson was able to roam more.  With Dix back there they split the field in half and aren’t able to play sideline to sideline.  Maybe with Amukamara leaving they’re less concerned about having to cover him over the top? 
 

Id have to read up on Paganos last defenses to see how he used safeties.  It might make more sense on where they’re headed.  

[Alaskan Grizzly]

14 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

I think you want a tweener FS/SS and a good FS these days. Then a tweenen LB/S for all these packages teams throw out. 

Not sure if someone else already talked about the player Kyle Duggar(?) But he sounds like the type of player you refer to. A ‘tweener’ LB/DB that played D2 ball.  Right in Paces wheelhouse.