The Chicago Bears Quiet Offseason

by Brandon on Mar 19, 2009 2:00 PM CDT in News Comment 8 comments

Are the Bears a cheap organization? If you follow the link and read the article, you'll learn that the Bears aren't cheap in free agency. But they sure don't use free agency to sign any quality players.

While the Packers are using free agency to resign and sign backups, Chicago is using it to try and find a couple low cost starters.

OL Frank Omiyale was signed right at the start of free agency to provide depth and compete at left guard and right tackle. Because they've just lost OT John St. Clair to Cleveland, it looks like he'll be the right tackle.
S Josh Bullocks was signed away from New Orleans on a 1 year, $525,000 contract and has been plugged in as one of the starting safeties. The former 2nd round pick was a bust in New Orleans, so he's no sure thing. Bears fans are not excited about the move.

Poll

Are the Bears doing the best they can in free agency?

Yes, build through the draft

48 votes

No, they aren't doing enough to improve their team (Yes!!!)

185 votes

233 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

It's frustrating, to say the least

It seems as though a lot of teams are using FA to gain some better talent. You guys have done a way better job than we have. That said, our GM Jerry Angelo is a draft-first guy. We build through the draft, “develop,” then re-sign them to usually ridiculous contracts. Problem is, sometimes we draft really poorly.

Anyways….what’s the consensus around here for your first pick? I originally thought Orakpo or Malcolm Jenkins would be perfect for you guys.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Mar 19, 2009 2:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I want Orakpo or Raji

though some steam is gaining on this blog to draft a left tackle, it seems. Chad Clifton’s run blocking absolutely eroded last year. However, I still think getting the right personnel for our 3-4 should be the first priority of the draft.

Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words—"mank" and "ind". What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
-Jack Handey

by jobe on Mar 19, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, being a Texas fan also

I can tell ya everything about Rak. Helluva athlete. I’d obviously hate to see him go to you guys, but he’ll be a really solid player for you, especially in the 3-4 transition period.

Who could you guys take at tackle? All signs seem to be pointing to Smith and Monroe being drafted before your spot. Since he decided to go stupid, Andre Smith would be a reach. I was high on Oher at the beginning of draft time, but he’s starting to slip down boards. Any chance you try to trade up and get either Smith or Monroe?

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Mar 19, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats why i'm not high on drafting a tackle

I’d think we’d have to reach for one. Andre Smith is out of the question and I see Oher as a right tackle for the first couple years of his career.

by jobe on Mar 19, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a right tackle

The “problem” with Oher is that he doesn’t have Andre Smith length arms. I guy like ex-Badger, Cleveland’s LT Joe Thomas, has long arms that can reach out and put a hand on an elite speed rusher even if he gets a step on him. But Oher might not be able to reach out like that. Still Oher is a fantastic athlete, not just some big dude who is best suited to pancaking players on the strong side. The downside for Oher is that he might eventually become a Pro Bowl guard instead of a Pro Bowl left tackle.

I’d be excited about taking Oher at number 9, but I would prefer drafting an elite outside LB, pass rusher.

by Brandon on Mar 21, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember when they hired Lovie

that some thought that was just a way to save money, by hiring a coach with little name recognition. I never bought that excuse and will never buy an excuse like that, it’s pure garbage.

by jobe on Mar 19, 2009 5:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that was proven false

after the SB year. He got quite a hefty raise, so if that was Angelo’s plan, it backfired horribly. lol

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Mar 19, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Bears...

are a joke. Living in the Chicago area, it is funny to listen to the grown men on the SCORE whine about the Bears. Angelo doesn’t know what he is doing. I feel bad for Lovie Smith. You can’t turn crap into gold.

by massey1984 on Mar 19, 2009 10:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs