Tag: Bears rumors

Dane Brugler believes that Bears will consider Byron Murphy at No. 9

If the top-three receivers are off the board at No. 9, Dane Brugler believes the Bears could have eyes for DT Byron Murphy II.

The Chicago Bears are preparing for a franchise-defining 2024 NFL draft. While there’s no question what they’ll do with the first overall pick (hello, Caleb Williams), they have a big decision to make with the ninth overall selection.

Will they take a player to add depth on defense or will they give Williams more help?

The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler shared his thoughts on what he believes could happen at No. 9. Assuming the top three wide receivers — Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze — are off the board, he thinks Chicago could target Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5375″ ]

Brugler noted that Murphy would fit in well with Matt Eberflus’s scheme, giving them the disruptive three-tech they’re missing.

This could be a great move for the Bears if it happened. They already traded for Montez Sweat last year and it turned their play on defense around. If they added someone like Murphy, they would solidify their pass rush in a big way.

During his pre-draft press conference, general manager Ryan Poles said an interior pass rusher, like Murphy, is “probably a preference when you have an outside guy.” And we know the Bears already have that guy in Sweat.

This is a very big draft for Poles. If Williams and whoever they take at nine turns into studs, Chicago could prosper for a long time. Brugler’s scenario makes a lot of sense for the organization.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Drafting Joe Alt would be smart for Bears if he fell to No. 9

If Joe Alt were to somehow fall to the Bears at No. 9, Ryan Poles shouldn’t hesitate to draft him.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the 2024 NFL draft, where they’ll officially welcome new quarterback Caleb Williams to the fold.

Outside of the No. 1 pick, the Bears also have the No. 9 pick, where there are no shortage of options depending on how the board falls. While unlikely, could Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt fall to Chicago?

Keeping Williams upright is one of the biggest keys for the Bears as they try to turn the franchise around. While Braxton Jones has been solid in two years, Alt could be the long-term answer at left tackle.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5375″ ]

Darnell Wright is already one of the best right tackles in the NFL, and it might be wise to keep him there. With Teven Jenkins and a few others able to move around a little bit, the addition of Alt would be amazing.

If the Bears were able to add a left tackle like Alt, they could be building an offensive line that they have together for about a decade or more. That could be a key to this team finally developing a quarterback and winning a Super Bowl. It’s an exciting idea.

Alt is a big boy (6’9″, 321 lbs) who will be a force in the NFL. Drafting a lineman with that type of size and skill is important in this league, and one team is going to be very happy with him.

The only problem with Alt is that there is very little chance that the Bears can get him. It would be stunning if he fell to No. 9 in the draft. They are using the No. 1 pick on Williams and Alt going 2-8 is very likely. However, if the impossible happened and he fell to them at nine, general manager Ryan Poles likely wouldn’t hesitate to make the move.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

How Keenan Allen trade impacts Bears’ draft plans

The Bears made a splash trading for receiver Keenan Allen. Here’s why the move shouldn’t impact their draft plans.

The Chicago Bears now have one of the NFL’s best wide receiver tandems with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, who were both acquired via trade over the past two offseasons.

Receiver was one of the team’s biggest remaining needs this offseason, and general manager Ryan Poles addressed it in a huge way.

So how does the Allen trade impact Chicago’s plans in the 2024 NFL draft?

Well, it shouldn’t necessarily change their plans so much as it serves as insurance. The dropoff after Moore and Allen on the depth chart is large. If one of the “big three” — Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., Washington’s Rome Odunze and LSU’s Malik Nabers — were to fall to the Bears at No. 9, they should absolutely draft him.

Harrison is a lock to go in the top five. Now, with the loss of Allen, the Chargers should be in the market for a receiver at No. 5. The third one could fall to pick No. 9, but it’s less likely.

But this is a loaded receiver class where there will be other top options on Day 2. Chicago should not be out on any of them just because they traded for Allen. He’s 31 years old and not a long-term answer. 

With that said, getting a WR2 is no longer the biggest need on the offense either. If there is a player at a different position that they like more than the top available receiver, they should do that at ninth overall. It is a matter of where they are in the draft and who is on the board.

Poles is a smart guy. He isn’t going to make poor draft choices because of the “win now” trades that he’s made. At this point, it is hard to question any plan that he may have.

Highlights of new Bears S Jonathan Owens

The Bears have signed safety Jonathan Owens. Here are some highlights of Chicago’s newest defensive back.

The Chicago Bears signed veteran safety Jonathan Owens to a two-year deal on Tuesday.

Owens comes to Chicago after spending one year with the Green Bay Packers, where he had a pretty good year. He totaled 84 tackles, including two for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups.

Before his one-year stint in Green Bay, he spent the first four years of his career with the Houston Texans.

This is a fun move for some people who know he’s the husband of Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles. She is one of the greatest American Olympians of all time, and now her husband is coming to Chicago.

In terms of football, Owens is going to be a great addition to the = Bears secondary. With some of the things they are doing on the defensive side of the ball, it is clear that they are going to have a very strong unit in 2024. Getting him out of Green Bay is a plus, as well.

These are some of the best Owens highlights:

Owens joins a safety room also featuring Jaquan Brisker, newly-signed Kevin Byard and Elijah Hicks.

Highlights of new Bears RB D’Andre Swift

The Bears are expected to sign RB D’Andre Swift in free agency. Their running back situation just got better for 2024.

The Chicago Bears are making a splash early in free agency. They agreed to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift to a three-year deal worth $24.5 million, including $15.3 million guaranteed.

This is a big move for the Bears as they bring him in to lead their running back room. After spending the first three years of his career with the Detroit Lions, he had a career year with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

In his Pro Bowl season, Swift rushed for 1,049 yards with 4.6 yards per carry and five touchdowns in 16 games. He added 39 receptions for 214 yards and a score.

On the Bears, he should be fed a lot. With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams likely to be joining Chicago next month, having a good running back is very important.

When you sign a guy like Swift, it’s clear that the Bears are trying to make some noise in 2024. After going 7-10 in 2023 and having two top-10 picks, they mean business now.

Watching Swift is very fun, and you can see that in some of his highlights:

As you can see by some of these highlights, this man knows how to run. He can make explosive plays and he can score when given the ball near the end zone.

Bears considered ‘serious suitors’ for RB Saquon Barkley in free agency

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, the Bears continue to be linked to running back Saquon Barkley as free agency draws closer.

We’re just hours away from the unofficial beginning of NFL free agency, and dots are starting to be connected when it comes to player interest and possible fits across the league. When it comes to the Chicago Bears, one player has continued to be linked as a possible option, and that is New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. That continued on Sunday morning with an eye-opening report.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, the Bears are considered to be “serious suitors” for Barkley’s services. He also lists the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers in that same category.

“The Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears are believed to be serious suitors. The rival Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys have interest, but aren’t expected to reach Barkley’s price point. Still, they shouldn’t be completely counted out because they are, at the very least, involved.”

Raanan’s report comes a few days after Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News had the Bears tied to Barkley as well. This year’s crop of free agent running backs is as deep as ever, and Barkley is widely considered to be the best of the bunch in a list that includes Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard, and D’Andre Swift. Raanan writes that the price for Barkley will be around $10 million per season, according to numerous NFL executives.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles hasn’t indicated he would be willing to pay top dollar for a veteran running back, but Barkley is a player who can be a game changer in the backfield. The 27-year-old running back is coming off a modest season in which he rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. He also added 41 receptions for 280 yards and four touchdowns as the Giants’ most consistent offensive player in an otherwise dreadful season.

With over $60 million in free cap space, the Bears could feasibly make a run at Barkley to improve their running game. Though Chicago was second last year in rushing yards per game (141.1), much of that production had to do with quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears would benefit from adding a player of Barkley’s caliber.

Bears should consider signing All-Pro safety Justin Simmons

The Broncos released All-Pro Justin Simmons, who joins a loaded free-agent safety class. Will the Bears target him?

The Chicago Bears are trying hard to become a powerhouse in the NFL. They are rebuilding from scratch under general manager Ryan Poles, who inherited a mess from the regime before him. Part of their recent climb is the good play of their defense, which has made strides over the last two years.

Now, they have a chance to make more upgrades during a franchise-altering offseason. A lot of people are focused on what they are doing with their offense, and rightfully so. However, there should be plenty of attention on the defense this offseason.

There have been some big veteran salary cap casualties ahead of free agency, but the most surprising has been the Denver Broncos cutting ties with All-Pro safety Justin Simmons. They cleared up $14.5 million in salary cap space. Now, Simmons will be a hot commodity in what’s turning out to be a loaded safety group for free agency.

The former All-Pro safety would be a great addition for the Bears secondary, which is already pretty good at cornerback and with third-year safety Jaquan Brisker. Following Eddie Jackson’s release earlier this offseason, Chicago has a hole to fill at that free safety position.

Since making his NFL debut in 206, no player has had more interceptions than Simmons with 30. He has been truly one of the best. A player like that would do wonders for everyone around him. The secondary and linebackers are already good and they are going to improve the pass rush through the draft and free agency. Doing all of that plus adding a ball hawk like Simmons would be very wise.

Bears and RB Josh Jacobs reportedly have ‘mutual interest’

ESPN 1000’s Jason McKie says Raiders RB Josh Jacobs and the Bears have mutual interest as free agency draws closer.

It’s looking more and more likely that the Chicago Bears will be adding a running back when free agency opens next week. First, there were reports that Chicago was expected to pursue running back Saquon Barkley. Now another name is being floated as an option: Josh Jacobs. And it sounds like there is interest on both sides.

Chicago Bears radio sideline reporter and ESPN 1000 Bears analyst Jason McKie was on Wednesday’s edition of the Chicago Bears Podcast with Pat The Designer and dropped an interesting nugget about Jacobs. “I know from his standpoint, Josh would love to be in a Bears uniform,” McKie said before revealing that his agent represents Jacobs as well. When McKie brought up the idea of Jacobs playing in Chicago, the agent had quite the response. “I texted him [Jacobs] would look great in a Bears uniform. He’s like, ‘hey, there’s mutual interest.’

McKie was quick to make things clear that this doesn’t mean the Bears are going all in to make sure Jacobs signs, but he did reiterate the interest on both sides.

Jacobs is entering free agency for the first time in his career after five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and is coming off a somewhat down season. He finished the year with 805 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, the lowest of his career, while playing in 13 games. In 2022, Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,653 and added 12 rushing touchdowns. Despite the 26-year-olds drop-off in production last year, Jacobs is still considered one of the top running backs on the market.

The Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have roughly $44 million in cap space available following the Jaylon Johnson franchise tag, and reports have them investing in a running back during free agency. Perhaps that running back will be Jacobs, who, interestingly enough, was selected in the 2019 NFL Draft using one of the first-round picks the Bears gave up in the Khalil Mack trade. That might be coming full circle if Jacobs signs with Chicago in free agency. Jacobs has a market value of $10.5 million next year, according to Spotrac and would be an excellent player to pair with Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert.

Bears expected to target these positions in free agency

The Bears have several needs to address this offseason, and it sounds like offense could be a focal point in free agency.

Free agency is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears have some big needs to address — edge rusher, safety, wide receiver, tight end and center. And it sounds like Chicago could look to reinforce the offense.

According to The Athletic, the Bears are expected to target wide receiver and running back in free agency.

One of the deepest and best positions in this year’s draft is wide receiver. But it’s a potential target position for the Bears in free agency, according to several league sources at the combine.

Another position one league source brought up was running back, and a belief from outside the building that the offense could benefit greatly from a dynamic back.

The Bears may not be able to draft one of the big three wide receivers in this draft because of their positioning, but it would be nice to have Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers. If they are unable to get one as expected, free agency could be the route for them.

Mike Evans (extension), Michael Pittman Jr. (franchise tag) and Tee Higgins (franchise tag) are already off the board. But some other targets could include Calvin Ridley, Marquise Brown, Gabe Davis and Tyler Boyd.

As for running back, it’s a loaded free agent group featuring Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, D’Andre Swift, Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs. The Bears could have a much-improved offense if they added a couple of these guys this offseason.

Chicago will  likely select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They already have DJ Moore and Cole Kmet in place, so adding a good receiver and/or running back to the mix would help Williams hit the ground running in the league.

This is an offensive league and the Bears need to start trending in that direction. General manager Ryan Poles controls the draft with that top selection, and he has a good amount of money to spend in free agency. If he does this right, they could be a very good football team soon.

Adam Schefter would be ‘very surprised’ if Bears don’t draft Caleb Williams

Adam Schefter reinforced his belief that the Bears will draft Caleb Williams at No. 1.

What are the Chicago Bears going to do at the quarterback position? Will they select a QB with the first overall pick? Will they keep Justin Fields? It is going to define the career and legacy of general manager Ryan Poles.

Everyone has an opinion. But when insiders like ESPN’s Adam Schefter speak, people listen. Schefter has been on the Caleb Williams to Chicago train for awhile now, and that’s only solidifying.

Schefter appeared on The Pat McAfee Show Monday and reinforced that belief that the Bears will draft Williams with the No. 1 pick.

“I’ve said all along that I’d be very surprised if the Bears didn’t go Caleb Williams at one,” Schefter said.

Speaking about how he thinks the Bears are going to select Williams led to him talking about the market for Justin Fields. It isn’t as big of a market as people may have thought when the offseason first started. At this point, the Bears need to take the best offer for Fields before they make this first overall selection.

“I don’t think the market for Justin Fields is as robust as the Bears and he had thought,” Schefter said.

Schefter isn’t always right when he makes claims like this, but this is in line with numerous reports coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine. The Bears need to hit on this quarterback decision, otherwise they are going to continue being a mediocre football team for the next decade.