I wouldnt be surprised if we go into next season with whitehair/long/sitton/kush/jordan morgan as our interior players. i know it's a huge gamble, but that frees us up quite a bit to focus elsewhere.crueltyabc wrote:I think they should plan to spend on oline, too. Grasu didn't work out. Sitton and Long have health issues.
Massie has looked OK and even if we draft an OT I'm good with keeping Massie as depth (or letting the youngster sit and learn while he gets conditioned for the NFL). Considering our cap space and tendency for injuries in this group, I wouldn't mind having a guy getting paid $6m on the bench in Week 1 if Trubisky isn't immediately in danger when we have our first injury. There's no real way to spend on weapons for him, so lets spend on keeping him protected.
Also, this will be discussed in another thread, but I'm not sure we can play to draft oline high with the situation at CB and WR.
2018 Cap Space
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A lot of it depends on the offense the new guy wants to run. The Bears offensive live has been a mashup of different types of different styles of players. There are finesse guys in Leno and Grasu. Power guys in Massie and Sitton. And balanced types who may or may not be playing their best positions in Long and Whitehair (although it’s too late in Long’s career to really do anything about it).
If you look at some of the most successful lines in the NFL, they are compromised of similar players that fit a certain philosophy. Players shouldn’t have to be moved around constantly to find their best fit.
If you look at some of the most successful lines in the NFL, they are compromised of similar players that fit a certain philosophy. Players shouldn’t have to be moved around constantly to find their best fit.
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Yes, Young is not a great player. But... With basically the fragile Floyd and no other pass rushers on the roster, do you just add that as another guy to have to get in FA? What is the cost and value of re-signs Acho and Houston? How many spots do we open up that have to be filled?malk wrote:Willie Young has to be on the bubble too. Back loaded contract, marginal production and an injury means $5.4m looks like a lot. Only $900k to cut.
Mikefive's theory: The only time you KNOW that a sports team player, coach or management member is being 100% honest is when they're NOT reciting "the company line".
Go back to leather helmets, NFL.
Go back to leather helmets, NFL.
- The Marshall Plan
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They absolutely have to sign a #1 WR; Robinson or Watkins.ysleblanc wrote:CB Marcus Cooper
2018 salary-cap hit: $5.5 million.
Dead money (if cut): $1 million.
S Quintin Demps
2018 cap hit: $3.9 million.
Dead money: $666,667.
LB Jerrell Freeman
2018 cap hit: $4 million.
Dead money: $500,000.
QB Mike Glennon
2018 cap hit: $16 million.
Dead money: $4.5 million.
OLB Pernell McPhee
2018 cap hit: $8.075 million.
Dead money: $1 million.
WR Markus Wheaton
2018 cap hit: $5.75 million.
Dead money: $750,000.
Those would be my guesses...
Total dead money: 8.4M
Total Savings: 43.2M
Would push the cap room to 89.4M.
Here are the definite starters needed with that money(or via the draft):
Offense:
#1 WR
Defense:
#2 OLB
#2 DE(Unrein?)
#1 CB(Fuller?)
#2 CB(Amukamara?)
Obviously if they decide to draft a T early, Massie(500k dead and 5.6M savings) could be added to the cut list. Same for Sitton(667k dead and 8M savings) at guard. They might decide to use Bullard and RRH at De instead of signing a veteran. I would spend cap room and capital on creating a dominant pass defense, re-sign or upgrade at CB, then add at OLB and DE. The offense is largely intact except for a WR(free agency if it exists, Landy? Robinson?).
I’d like to see them throw money at Robinson or Watkins (I prefer Robinson), at least one of our two current cb’s (I’d be ok with both), and spend the rest in depth on the lines and linebacker.
Then draft a pass rusher in rd 1, wr in rd 2.
Then draft a pass rusher in rd 1, wr in rd 2.
crueltyabc wrote:I think they should plan to spend on oline, too. Grasu didn't work out. Sitton and Long have health issues.
Massie has looked OK and even if we draft an OT I'm good with keeping Massie as depth (or letting the youngster sit and learn while he gets conditioned for the NFL). Considering our cap space and tendency for injuries in this group, I wouldn't mind having a guy getting paid $6m on the bench in Week 1 if Trubisky isn't immediately in danger when we have our first injury. There's no real way to spend on weapons for him, so lets spend on keeping him protected.
Also, this will be discussed in another thread, but I'm not sure we can play to draft oline high with the situation at CB and WR.
Why would there not be a way to spend on weapons? there are some good FA WR plus you have the draft. I agree that depth is very important with this line, they seem banged up a lot in the middle. Morgan was a draft pick last year, I'm sure they are counting on him, Kush also plus Grasu. I would bring back Compton. In terms of bigger moves, I would not be against drafting tackle fairly early and battling for Massie's spot. Is there a FA guard better/more reliable than Sitton?
I would go after Landry before Watkins.The Marshall Plan wrote:They absolutely have to sign a #1 WR; Robinson or Watkins.ysleblanc wrote:CB Marcus Cooper
2018 salary-cap hit: $5.5 million.
Dead money (if cut): $1 million.
S Quintin Demps
2018 cap hit: $3.9 million.
Dead money: $666,667.
LB Jerrell Freeman
2018 cap hit: $4 million.
Dead money: $500,000.
QB Mike Glennon
2018 cap hit: $16 million.
Dead money: $4.5 million.
OLB Pernell McPhee
2018 cap hit: $8.075 million.
Dead money: $1 million.
WR Markus Wheaton
2018 cap hit: $5.75 million.
Dead money: $750,000.
Those would be my guesses...
Total dead money: 8.4M
Total Savings: 43.2M
Would push the cap room to 89.4M.
Here are the definite starters needed with that money(or via the draft):
Offense:
#1 WR
Defense:
#2 OLB
#2 DE(Unrein?)
#1 CB(Fuller?)
#2 CB(Amukamara?)
Obviously if they decide to draft a T early, Massie(500k dead and 5.6M savings) could be added to the cut list. Same for Sitton(667k dead and 8M savings) at guard. They might decide to use Bullard and RRH at De instead of signing a veteran. I would spend cap room and capital on creating a dominant pass defense, re-sign or upgrade at CB, then add at OLB and DE. The offense is largely intact except for a WR(free agency if it exists, Landy? Robinson?).
Mikefive wrote:Yes, Young is not a great player. But... With basically the fragile Floyd and no other pass rushers on the roster, do you just add that as another guy to have to get in FA? What is the cost and value of re-signs Acho and Houston? How many spots do we open up that have to be filled?malk wrote:Willie Young has to be on the bubble too. Back loaded contract, marginal production and an injury means $5.4m looks like a lot. Only $900k to cut.
I would definitely keep Young at this point. Lot of worse players to cut to create cap space. I would look at drafting and signing edge rushers before cutting Young. At this point I would be fine with Young-Houston as #3-4 OLB. Cut McPhee and go after a top end FA or 1st rounder.
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That's how I would do it for now too. I really liked what Houston showed us at the end of the year and I like Young. We have the cap flexibility to sign a legit name #1 WR and a pass rusher.ysleblanc wrote:Mikefive wrote:Yes, Young is not a great player. But... With basically the fragile Floyd and no other pass rushers on the roster, do you just add that as another guy to have to get in FA? What is the cost and value of re-signs Acho and Houston? How many spots do we open up that have to be filled?malk wrote:Willie Young has to be on the bubble too. Back loaded contract, marginal production and an injury means $5.4m looks like a lot. Only $900k to cut.
I would definitely keep Young at this point. Lot of worse players to cut to create cap space. I would look at drafting and signing edge rushers before cutting Young. At this point I would be fine with Young-Houston as #3-4 OLB. Cut McPhee and go after a top end FA or 1st rounder.
McKnee kneeds to go. That just didn't work out.
With the QBs that'll be taken at the top of the draft, we're going to have a great shot at one of the better defensive players. It might happen.
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I think you're more impressed with the FA WRs than I am, and a lot more confident that we'll get our top choice. Now that we have Nagy, though, I think we can do more without a Julio Jones type of WR because he's good with smaller guys and a guy like Wilson will be inexpensive (relative to Landry). I've changed my opinion about drafting OL and now thinking OL/CB/OLB early, WR/CB/OLB later.ysleblanc wrote:crueltyabc wrote:I think they should plan to spend on oline, too. Grasu didn't work out. Sitton and Long have health issues.
Massie has looked OK and even if we draft an OT I'm good with keeping Massie as depth (or letting the youngster sit and learn while he gets conditioned for the NFL). Considering our cap space and tendency for injuries in this group, I wouldn't mind having a guy getting paid $6m on the bench in Week 1 if Trubisky isn't immediately in danger when we have our first injury. There's no real way to spend on weapons for him, so lets spend on keeping him protected.
Also, this will be discussed in another thread, but I'm not sure we can play to draft oline high with the situation at CB and WR.
Why would there not be a way to spend on weapons? there are some good FA WR plus you have the draft. I agree that depth is very important with this line, they seem banged up a lot in the middle. Morgan was a draft pick last year, I'm sure they are counting on him, Kush also plus Grasu. I would bring back Compton. In terms of bigger moves, I would not be against drafting tackle fairly early and battling for Massie's spot. Is there a FA guard better/more reliable than Sitton?
xyt in the discord chats
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Yeah, I'm not impressed with the FA group of WR's at all. Plus most of them probably won't even hit the market. Albert Wilson and a 2nd or 3rd round pick along with a few of the Bears holdovers isn't that bad of a situation.crueltyabc wrote:I think you're more impressed with the FA WRs than I am, and a lot more confident that we'll get our top choice. Now that we have Nagy, though, I think we can do more without a Julio Jones type of WR because he's good with smaller guys and a guy like Wilson will be inexpensive (relative to Landry). I've changed my opinion about drafting OL and now thinking OL/CB/OLB early, WR/CB/OLB later.ysleblanc wrote:crueltyabc wrote:I think they should plan to spend on oline, too. Grasu didn't work out. Sitton and Long have health issues.
Massie has looked OK and even if we draft an OT I'm good with keeping Massie as depth (or letting the youngster sit and learn while he gets conditioned for the NFL). Considering our cap space and tendency for injuries in this group, I wouldn't mind having a guy getting paid $6m on the bench in Week 1 if Trubisky isn't immediately in danger when we have our first injury. There's no real way to spend on weapons for him, so lets spend on keeping him protected.
Also, this will be discussed in another thread, but I'm not sure we can play to draft oline high with the situation at CB and WR.
Why would there not be a way to spend on weapons? there are some good FA WR plus you have the draft. I agree that depth is very important with this line, they seem banged up a lot in the middle. Morgan was a draft pick last year, I'm sure they are counting on him, Kush also plus Grasu. I would bring back Compton. In terms of bigger moves, I would not be against drafting tackle fairly early and battling for Massie's spot. Is there a FA guard better/more reliable than Sitton?
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Hopefully we start to become a draw for free agents. With a highly regarded new OC, a young QB on the uptick and a wide-open #1 spot, perhaps someone sees an opportunity to make a name for themselves. Normally I like a longer deal but in this case getting a wideout in on a prove it deal could give us the time to develop our own and get back some health.
The offensive line is my biggest concern though. There's a lot of money invested in Sitton and Long and both are becoming injury risks. A centre ripe for the new scheme would be a decent shot for me. Kick Whitehair out to RG and Long to RT. Hiestand to bring it all together.
The offensive line is my biggest concern though. There's a lot of money invested in Sitton and Long and both are becoming injury risks. A centre ripe for the new scheme would be a decent shot for me. Kick Whitehair out to RG and Long to RT. Hiestand to bring it all together.
"I wouldn't take him for a conditional 7th. His next contract will pay him more than he could possibly contribute.".
Noted Brain Genius Malk, Summer 2018.
(2020 update, wait, was I right...)
Noted Brain Genius Malk, Summer 2018.
(2020 update, wait, was I right...)
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Agree with your concern about the Oline. Assuming the Bears have successfully established a QB and scheme for the next several years, they need to set their OL for a similar period. I doubt Sitton (age + injuries) or Massie (scheme + ability) will be retained after this year, or that Long will last until the end of his '21 contract.
Bears need to establish a longterm OL pipeline that's more than UDFAs on the practice squad and dubious rent-a-players. Even Kush, if he recovers, is too old to be considered longterm. But Morgan, if he sticks next year, I would have to call true pipeline player even if he isn't all that good.
Bears need to establish a longterm OL pipeline that's more than UDFAs on the practice squad and dubious rent-a-players. Even Kush, if he recovers, is too old to be considered longterm. But Morgan, if he sticks next year, I would have to call true pipeline player even if he isn't all that good.
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Yeah, I'm not impressed with the FA group of WR's at all. Plus most of them probably won't even hit the market. Albert Wilson and a 2nd or 3rd round pick along with a few of the Bears holdovers isn't that bad of a situation.[/quote]wab wrote:
I think you're more impressed with the FA WRs than I am, and a lot more confident that we'll get our top choice. Now that we have Nagy, though, I think we can do more without a Julio Jones type of WR because he's good with smaller guys and a guy like Wilson will be inexpensive (relative to Landry). I've changed my opinion about drafting OL and now thinking OL/CB/OLB early, WR/CB/OLB later.
It's not a great group but there are a bunch of 2s and 3s. Or guys who have some potential. Most won't hit the market.
walterfootball.com/freeagents2018CB.php
Excluding the top couple, these guys might be worth a look.
Paul Richardson
Albert Wilson
Marqise Lee
Quincy Enunwa
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Just a thought, who are these two recievers:
Year Age Tm Pos No. G GS Tgt Rec Yds Y/R TD Lng R/G Y/G Ctch%
2017 wr 16 10 69 38 555 14.6 2 46 2.4 34.7 55.1%
2017 wr 13 7 62 42 554 13.2 3 63 3.2 42.6 67.7%
Anyway, I hope we give Mike Wallace a look. Everyone looks past older receivers but on a cheap contract, he could provide a quality veteran presence on a young offence. That and a much needed deep threat.
Otherwise, I'm not sure I'm a huge fan of any of them.
Year Age Tm Pos No. G GS Tgt Rec Yds Y/R TD Lng R/G Y/G Ctch%
2017 wr 16 10 69 38 555 14.6 2 46 2.4 34.7 55.1%
2017 wr 13 7 62 42 554 13.2 3 63 3.2 42.6 67.7%
Anyway, I hope we give Mike Wallace a look. Everyone looks past older receivers but on a cheap contract, he could provide a quality veteran presence on a young offence. That and a much needed deep threat.
Otherwise, I'm not sure I'm a huge fan of any of them.
"I wouldn't take him for a conditional 7th. His next contract will pay him more than he could possibly contribute.".
Noted Brain Genius Malk, Summer 2018.
(2020 update, wait, was I right...)
Noted Brain Genius Malk, Summer 2018.
(2020 update, wait, was I right...)
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Holy crap, I could spend hours on this. Actually I think I will. I'm going to put together my version and post a link.G08 wrote:If you're into this kind of stuff, because I know I am(!):
https://overthecap.com/calculator/chicago-bears/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If I was GM, I would have about $76 million available in cap space after some cuts.
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There's the Spotrac one too, www.spotrac.com/nfl/chicago-bears/cap/. That one will give you a link to publish your version which is a nice touch.Bears Whiskey Nut wrote:Holy crap, I could spend hours on this. Actually I think I will. I'm going to put together my version and post a link.G08 wrote:If you're into this kind of stuff, because I know I am(!):
https://overthecap.com/calculator/chicago-bears/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If I was GM, I would have about $76 million available in cap space after some cuts.
I still think I'm missing something about restructures though. Is there a rule that there's a minimum amount that you can restructure a base salary down by? I want to know if it is legal under cap rules to ask a player to take a pay cut rather than convert base salary into a signing bonus or other such net zero restructure.
Likely immaterial but I'd still like confirmation. Perhaps I should ask...
"I wouldn't take him for a conditional 7th. His next contract will pay him more than he could possibly contribute.".
Noted Brain Genius Malk, Summer 2018.
(2020 update, wait, was I right...)
Noted Brain Genius Malk, Summer 2018.
(2020 update, wait, was I right...)