Chicago Bears Stage Free Agency Coup
This is the Bears biggest offseason ever in terms of free agency. It all essentially happened in one day. Here is a breakdown of exactly what occurred and how it could impact the Bears. I’m not purely drinking kool-aid today, but as a Bears fan its hard not to.
“The Catch” — Julius Peppers
Wow. This was the big pick-up. Peppers was by far the best free agent out there talent-wise, and the Bears went out and made it happen. No excuses, no mistakes, they just got it done. They signed him to a 6-year deal at about $12 million a year with $40 million guaranteed. Peppers rejuvenates a defensive line that seemed completely unable to get to the quarterback last season. With Adewale leaving and Peppers coming, Brown will most likely be moved to the other side.
Here’s where I say something that most Bears fans won’t like. The guy reminds me of Ben Wallace a bit. Hear me out. He is the “best free agent” on a market lacking great free agents. Like the Bulls, the Bears have gone out and overpaid for him as a result. Wallace’s declining skills and interest in the game proved his undoing. Peppers skills seem to be just fine, but his focus and concentration have been questioned and may be a problem. I’m not trying to be too negative, just looking at the reality of the situation.
“The Doubt-Maker” — Chester Taylor
Why the doubt-maker? As great an all-purpose back as Taylor is, are we forgetting someone? Matt Forte perhaps? Sure they are going to say they are just trying to create a solid 2-headed backfield that is the norm in this league, but is there more going on here? Forte didn’t have a great year last year, and this casts a lot of doubt on management’s confidence in the kid. All that being said, Taylor brings a dynamic runner to the backfield that the Bears lacked last year. Will he be able to overcome the horrible deficiencies in the Bears O-line? I’m guessing not, but with the new blocking tight end in town, maybe the run game will be different…
“The Martz-Man” — Brandon Manumaleuna
Ahh, Martz got what he wanted. A blocking tight end. Manumaleuna is one of the best and a good blocking tight end can cover up a lot of offensive line issues. Although this might be the most under the radar pick-up of the three big signings, it may turn out to be the best one. He can help give Cutler more time, and hopefully help Taylor/Forte break some runs to the outside. But what does this mean for Greg Olsen?
More To Come…?
Greg Olsen? Well this opens the door to a possible trade. Olsen for NE’s second rounder? Olsen for Brandon Marshall? Olsen for Anquan Boldin? We’ll see what happens, but this seems like the logical next step for Angelo and crew. There are also some strong rumblings about the Bears signing Antrelle Rolle, the veteran safety. That would be a great pick-up, since the Bears secondary is questionable at best and pure garbage at worst.
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Comments
Comment from bitternutz
Time March 8, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I disagree about comparing Ben Wallace to Peppers for multiple reasons. First, Wallace was a glorified role player who had tremendous holes in his game (such as shooting and passing the ball). Peppers is a Hall of Fame talent. Second, the Wallace signing was stupid because the Bulls were a above average defensive team the year before (thank you Scott Skiles) and needed offense, specifically in the post. Paxson is retarded, so he signed an offensive liability . The Bears need a pass rush and Peppers should certainly provide it. Maybe Wallace and Peppers share some personality characteristics, but the strategies behind the signings are incomparable.
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Comment from South Side Sheik
Time March 6, 2010 at 10:09 am
…And Boldin goes to the Ravens for a 3rd and a 4th round pick. You’ll have to settle for Aromashodu as your big punishing wideout next year Stormin Norman.