Tag: Bobby Massie

Redskins sign former Bears OT Cornelius Lucas to 2-year deal

The Bears have lost another depth player to free agency, this time swing tackle Cornelius Lucas, who signed a deal with the Redskins.

The Chicago Bears have lost another depth player to free agency, this time on the offensive side of the ball.

Former Bears offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas is signing a two-year deal with the Washington Redskins, according to Ian Rapoport. The contract is valued at $5.3 million.

Lucas served as Chicago’s backup swing tackle last season. But he ended up getting some significant starting time for the Bears last season after Bobby Massie suffered a high-ankle sprain that sidelined him for the final five games of the season.

Where things currently stand, Lucas’ deal with the Redskins likely adds another compensatory pick for the Bears. According to Over The Cap, it would likely be a seventh rounder. That would give Chicago four compensatory picks for 2021.

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What position should Bears address in NFL Draft, not free agency?

While quarterback and tight end have dominated the offseason conversation, the Bears need plenty of work on the offensive line.

The Bears have several issues to address this offseason, especially on offense following an abysmal outing in 2019. While quarterback and tight end have dominated the conversation, Chicago needs some work on the offensive line.

While the Bears are ultimately stuck with what they’ve got at tackle for next season in Charles Leno and Bobby Massie, who collectively account for $18.6 million in salary cap space in 2020, they do have a vacant right guard position that needs to be addressed.

Given Chicago’s salary cap situation, Bleacher Report believes the Bears should steer clear of addressing offensive guard in free agency and look to the NFL Draft for a young prospect.

There’s plenty of talk circulating that the Bears intend to add a veteran quarterback to challenge 2017 second overall pick Mitchell Trubisky. But no matter who the starting quarterback is in 2020, that signal-caller will have a much better chance of success if the team improves an offensive line that ranked 20th or worse in both run blocking and pass protection last year, according to Football Outsiders.

Adding that veteran under center will eat up most of the team’s $16.6 million in cap space, so the best chance at bettering the line will be on Day 2 in April.

While the Bears could target offensive tackle in what’s a deep draft class, that might ultimately help them nab a top-three guard such as Georgia’s Solomon Kindley or Kentucky’s Logan Stenberg with pick 43.

There was plenty of blame to go around on offense last season, but the offensive line didn’t make it any easier on a struggling Mitchell Trubisky both in run blocking and pass protection.

Given the amount of money invested in the Bears offensive line, the group simply has to be better. That, and they need to find a right guard to replace the retired Kyle Long.

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New mock draft has Bears trading down, acquiring TE and OT in 2nd round

The Bears have offensive needs they need to address this offseason, and the 2020 NFL Draft would be the perfect place to start.

The Bears have offensive needs they need to address this offseason, and the 2020 NFL Draft would be the perfect place to start.

In The Draft Network‘s newest mock draft, analyst Benjamin Solak has the Bears targeting tight end and offensive line in the second round — and making a trade in the process.

The Bears sent the Jets the No. 43 pick in exchange for their No. 48 overall pick, as well as acquired an additional fifth round selection (No. 140).

Ultimately, the Bears still get their guy in Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins, who Solak has them selecting with the No. 48 overall selection.

The Bears’ trade down was a good one, as they grab a target from earlier in the round while grabbing a fifth in return. Doesn’t feel like much, but their cupboards are bare this year, and they need more weapons on offense to survive with Mitch Trubisky at QB

Chicago needs to address the hole at the tight end position, and it wouldn’t be out of the question for them to draft a tight end like Hopkins, who fits perfectly in a Matt Nagy offense, and bring in a veteran through free agency.

Like tight end, there’s plenty of work to be done on the offensive line. Solak has the Bears drafting LSU tackle Saahdiq Charles with the 50th pick.

Saahdiq Charles is one of my favorite developmental tackles that. nobody talks about. He’s not ready to step in and start in Year 1, but the Bears can keep Bobby Massie and Charles Leno installed as starters through this year and re-evaluate after Charles bulks up.

Like tight end, the offensive line was a huge area of concern for the Bears in 2019, especially in the run game. Chicago has invested a lot of money in the offensive line, but they certainly didn’t get the production they would’ve liked in 2019. While Charles Leno and Bobby Massie are locked up at tackle for 2020, bringing in a player like CHarles would be building toward the future.

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5 causes for concern for Bears in 2020

The Bears are expected to make plenty of moves this offseason. But there are reasons to be cautious about the Bears heading into 2020.

Things can certainly change in a year. At this time last season, the Bears’ only real concern was replacing beleaguered kicker Cody Parkey. They had a young core in place that was coming off a strong 12-4 season, and there were high expectations for their offense to take the next step and their defense to continue dominating.

Fast forward, and the Bears have several needs that far outweigh their kicker, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

The offseason has just begun, and the Bears are expected to make plenty of moves. But if the season were to start today, here are five reasons to be cautious about the Bears in 2020.

1. Mitchell Trubisky’s regression

Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

The one glaring issue that serves to potentially hold the Bears back from championship contention is quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Trubisky was expected to take the next step in his development last season, but he only served to be arguably the most disappointing aspect of Chicago’s offense.

While the Bears remain publicly committed to Trubisky as their starter for 2020, that’s not set in stone in February. The Bears will likely bring in veteran competition/insurance for Trubisky. But given Ryan Pace’s job figures to be tied to the quarterback he traded up to get and took over Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, you figure the Bears will give him one last chance in 2020.

The Good News? Trubisky can’t get much worse in 2020, right? Especially with new offensive coaches in Bill Lazor and John DeFilippo.

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QB, OL, DB among Bears’ biggest offseason needs

The Bears have plenty of needs to address this offseason if they hope to turn around a disappointing 2019 season.

With the offseason in full swing, the Bears have plenty of needs to address if they hope to turn around a disappointing 2019 season, where they went 8-8 and missed the playoffs.

As far as the Bears’ biggest offseason needs, NFL.com believes the Bears need to address the quarterback position, as well as offensive line, secondary and even tight end.

I know GM Ryan Pace said in the direct aftermath of a massively disappointing 2019 season that he’s sticking with Mitchell Trubisky as his QB1, but he has to find someone at the position who can help his team win games in the event that his prized former No. 2 overall pick continues to sputter. It’s not listed here, but tight end help should be a priority, as well.

While the Bears remain publicly committed to Mitchell Trubisky as their starting quarterback in 2020, things can certainly change between now, training camp and the start of the season.

The Bears are likely to target a veteran quarterback in free agency, although they could also bring in a young prospect to develop behind Trubisky.

Chicago would serve well to invest in the offensive line, even as they remain strapped for the 2020 season with tackles Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie. The Bears have an out with both Leno and Massie following the 2020 season, and if that’s the goal they need to have replacements in place.

Tight end is another important offseason need, especially considering the embarrassing production (if you could call it that) by that group in 2019. While Trey Burton is expected back — as his dead money hit of $7.5 million would be too great — the same can’t be said for Adam Shaheen. The Bears have shown interest in several tight ends in this pre-draft process, which only indicates that tight end is a big priority this offseason.

Then there’s the defense, which has far fewer needs. Although defensive back is certainly at the top of that list. With cornerback Prince Amukamara likely to become a cap-casualty — as Chicago could save $9 million by cutting him — and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix likely to hit the free agent market, the Bears need to find replacements opposite Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson.

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Bears Week 17 Inactives: Rashaad Coward, Bobby Massie out vs. Vikings

The Bears have released their list of inactives ahead of today’s season finale against the Vikings, and there are no real surprises.

The Chicago Bears have released their list of inactives ahead of today’s season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

There aren’t any real surprises. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and nose tackle Eddie Goldman were previously ruled out, as was wide receiver Taylor Gabriel.

But cornerback Prince Amukamara, who was questionable ahead of today’s game, is officially active. Amukamara’s future in Chicago could be in question, but he figures to once again split reps with second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver, who could take his job next year.

Right guard Rashaad Coward was downgraded to out Saturday while right tackle Bobby Massie has been ruled out. With Coward and Massie both out, the Bears could get a good look at rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars, who figures to line up at right guard if he gets playing time. If not, Ted Larsen will get the start at right guard for the injured Coward.

Here’s a look at the full list of Bears inactives:

It was previously reported that the Vikings were expected to rest some of their starters, including quarterback Kirk Cousins. While Cousins is active, he figures to serve as Sean Mannion’s backup today.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off at noon CT on FOX.

Prince Amukamara questionable, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman out vs. Vikings

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Vikings, and several starters are out or doubtful.

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of the game against the Vikings, where several starters are out or in doubt for Sunday.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (elbow) did not practice all week, and he’s been ruled out against Minnesota. Hicks finishes the 2019 season with five starts, after dealing with an elbow injury that landed him on injured reserve for eight weeks.

Nose tackle Eddie Goldman remains in concussion protocol after sustaining one in last week’s game against the Chiefs.

On the offensive line, Bobby Massie was limited in practice for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain against the Giants in Week 12. But Massie is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game, as is right guard Rashaad Coward, who suffered a knee injury last week against Kansas City. This could open the door for rookie Alex Bars to play at right guard in Chicago’s season finale.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara was limited for the second straight practice, and he is listed as questionable against the Vikings. Amukamara’s future in Chicago is cloudy, especially considering second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver has impressed in the short time he’s been on the field this season. If Amukamara can’t go, look for Toliver to get the start. Even if Amukamara plays, look for him to split reps with Toliver.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off at noon CT on FOX.

Bears DT Akiem Hicks not listed on Wednesday’s injury report

The Bears released their injury report for Wednesday, where Akiem Hicks, Roy Robertson-Harris and Javon Wims weren’t on the injury report.

The Chicago Bears returned to practice in preparation for a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, and there was some reassuring news on the injury front.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was not listed on Wednesday’s injury report, which is good news considering he re-aggravated his dislocated elbow against the Packers last Sunday. Hicks fought through the discomfort, and he was a force on the field playing with essentially one arm.

Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and right tackle Bobby Massie were the only names on the injury report, where they both did not practice. which is good news for defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris (who missed last Sunday’s game with a foot injury) and receiver Javon Wims (who was active but recovering from a knee injury).

Inside linebacker Danny Trevathan was placed on injured reserve earlier Wednesday, following a dislocated elbow suffered six weeks ago against the Lions.

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Bears Week 14 Inactives: Prince Amukamara out vs. Cowboys

The Bears released their list of inactives ahead of tonight’s game against the Cowboys, and CB Prince Amukamara has been ruled out.

The Chicago Bears have released their list of inactives against the Dallas Cowboys, and it’s not good news for the defense.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara has officially been ruled out with a hamstring injury, which means that Kevin Toliver will get his second career start opposite Kyle Fuller.

Receiver Taylor Gabriel, tight end Ben Braunecker, linebacker Danny Trevathan and Bobby Massie were previously ruled out.

The Bears and Cowboys will kick things off at 7:20 p.m. CT.

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Bears Week 13 Inactives: Taylor Gabriel, Ben Braunecker among inactives vs. Lions

The Bears released their inactives against the Lions, which includes the absences of Taylor Gabriel, Ben Braunecker and Sherrick McManis.

The Chicago Bears released their inactives ahead of today’s game against the Detroit Lions, and there are no real surprises considering Wednesday’s practice report.

Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, tight end Ben Braunecker, right tackle Bobby Massie, cornerback Sherrick McManis, tight end Adam Shaheen, linebacker Danny Trevathan and defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson are all inactive for this Thanksgiving Day game.

With Gabriel’s absence, wide receiver Riley Ridley is active for the second time in his career and figures to get some action today.

The Bears are thin at tight end with Braunecker and Shaheen being inactive, which leaves them with Jesper Horsted and JP Holtz at tight end.

On the offensive line, Cornelius Lucas will start for the injured Massie, who is expected to be out for a few weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars is also active for the Bears.

Here are the Lions’ inactives, who will be without Matthew Stafford, Jamal Agnew and Damon Harrison.