The Bears 2025 Free Agency Thread

[justanidiot]

The big Q is, if Jeanty is gone by the time the Bears are on the clock, do you think Poles would take Omarion Hampton in his place? He has been skyrocketing up the boards the past month or so and is now considered a 1st round lock. But 10 may be considered a bit high nonetheless. Otherwise, it does seem as if someone in the trenches would be the obvious choice.


Triple ditto here amigo!

I think Brady is playing Jeanty against the league trying to get someone to give up their first and next years first to trade up. The Raidas are going to be the most interesting team to watch because why should brady have to have a 60 million dollar quarterback on his team. I think his perfect world is getting a guy like Purdy at the end of the draft

Saquan Barkley really changed the importance of NFL running back again.

 

[justanidiot]

Just saw this one

The Bears met with Georgia LB Jalon Walker extensively at Georgia’s Pro Day, per Tony Pauline.
Jalon Walker is a versatile linebacker/edge rusher from Georgia, entering the 2025 NFL Draft as a junior. At 6'2" and 245 pounds, he combines explosive athleticism—highlighted by a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the Combine—with a high motor.

Guess cutting Edmunds or Edwards will free up some cash.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Just saw this one

The Bears met with Georgia LB Jalon Walker extensively at Georgia’s Pro Day, per Tony Pauline.
Jalon Walker is a versatile linebacker/edge rusher from Georgia, entering the 2025 NFL Draft as a junior. At 6'2" and 245 pounds, he combines explosive athleticism—highlighted by a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the Combine—with a high motor.

Guess cutting Edmunds or Edwards will free up some cash.

Edmunds carries a ginormous 13m dead cap hit, whereas he's owed 17m, so this only results in a 4m savings. With Edwards, it's 3m in dead cap, and he's owed 7.5m this season. Together that still only frees up 8.5m, which isn't too bad. However, we're doing so at the expense of our entire starting LB unit from last year. Remember, we already let Sanborn walk. And frankly I'd hate to see Edwards in particular go. Perhaps next to Jaylon Johnson, he's arguably been the Bears best and most consistent performer on the defense.

 

[wood20ks]

The big Q is, if Jeanty is gone by the time the Bears are on the clock, do you think Poles would take Omarion Hampton in his place?

No I dont think Hampton would drafted at 10 if AJ is gone.....

If Jeanty is really what we desire

Its just my guess AJ is the pick at 10 with signing of the o-lineman.....

My barber today says he is hoping the tightend from Penn State Warren at 10.....
I do not see that pick happening myself......we missed that boat last season.

 

[BearsWillWin]

another spot that should be filled by a draft pick already on our roster. I guess we see what the deal is and if he makes the roster. What should we be down to now, 5 million left?

16 million.

 

[BearsWillWin]

Edmunds carries a ginormous 13m dead cap hit, whereas he's owed 17m, so this only results in a 4m savings. With Edwards, it's 3m in dead cap, and he's owed 7.5m this season. Together that still only frees up 8.5m, which isn't too bad. However, we're doing so at the expense of our entire starting LB unit from last year. Remember, we already let Sanborn walk. And frankly I'd hate to see Edwards in particular go. Perhaps next to Jaylon Johnson, he's arguably been the Bears best and most consistent performer on the defense.

There's next to no chance either of those guys are gonna be cut. I could see Edmunds being traded if it's determined he doesn't fit the scheme. But even that's probably unlikely?

 

[justanidiot]

Edmunds carries a ginormous 13m dead cap hit, whereas he's owed 17m, so this only results in a 4m savings. With Edwards, it's 3m in dead cap, and he's owed 7.5m this season. Together that still only frees up 8.5m, which isn't too bad. However, we're doing so at the expense of our entire starting LB unit from last year. Remember, we already let Sanborn walk. And frankly I'd hate to see Edwards in particular go. Perhaps next to Jaylon Johnson, he's arguably been the Bears best and most consistent performer on the defense.

We have been tough on D tackles the past few years, but alot of schemes, like the Everfluke defense is sacrificing the tackles so the linebacker can shine. I noted Sanborn having 15 tackle games when he was in the middle. Most of what I remember with Edmunds was him running away from the football, i.e. running with his back turned into the secondary. Year one it was alot to cover for Eddie Jacksons horrid play. Last year it happened more when they lost Brisker, so dont know if its not trusting the safeties or scheme.

I thought the Lions had a great core of linebackers with Rodriguez and Campbell, both were quickly replaced by Anzalone, pure speed and determination.

Maybe I just came to the conclusion that the bears need a safety. Either way, I dont think either guy is going to be long for the bears, just taking a linebacker at 10 is most likely someone who is going to play.

 

[BearsWillWin]

, but alot of schemes, like the Everfluke defense is sacrificing the tackles so the linebacker can shine.

No, it's not. That's not what happens in any variation of a Cover 2 defense.

You're not "sacrificing" tackles...you're expecting tackles to fill their gaps and eat up blockers. You want the tackles to push forward and collapse lanes.

I noted Sanborn having 15 tackle games when he was in the middle.

I can only find a single game where Sanborn was credited for 15 total tackles, not solo ones, and it was against the Jets in 2022.

Most of what I remember with Edmunds was him running away from the football, i.e. running with his back turned into the secondary.

That's what the MLB does in Eberflus' defense. He gets depth to take away the mid to deep middle of the field.

. Year one it was alot to cover for Eddie Jacksons horrid play.

No, it's just how the scheme works.

Last year it happened more when they lost Brisker, so dont know if its not trusting the safeties or scheme.

It's how the scheme is built. In a typical cover 2 the middle of the field, especially the seams, are a weak spot for the defense. The version Flus runs is meant to cover those weak spots at the cost of leaving the immediate front vulnerable if the line doesn't contain running lanes.

Maybe I just came to the conclusion that the bears need a safety.

I came to the conclusion you have no clue what you're watching and just make stuff up to compensate.

just taking a linebacker at 10 is most likely someone who is going to play.

They aren't taking a linebacker at 10.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

They aren't taking a linebacker at 10.

Interestingly enough, the SAM is the only position left where we don't have a starter. But it's also the least important or better stated, the least played position on the D. So there is no chance in hell we're using our 10th pick on a SAM. In fact, I'd be shocked if any of our first 4 picks are used on an LB.

 

[justanidiot]

Interestingly enough, the SAM is the only position left where we don't have a starter. But it's also the least important or better stated, the least played position on the D. So there is no chance in hell we're using our 10th pick on a SAM. In fact, I'd be shocked if any of our first 4 picks are used on an LB.

Yeah, I dont know what the professor said about my post, probably dissected it and called me stupid a few times since I ignore him/it.

I could see a middle linebacker chosen and used at sam until the middle is opened up to give him a year in the system, since he would be the one calling plays in 2026-7. At least that is some of the plan ahead shit I hope Poles starts working on so there is no need to sign a free agent linebacker again next year. I mean Edwards and Edmunds are supposed to be top of the line cover guys too, which would make one of them fit better at sam.

Sanborn got put out there when he was the worst of the cover guys instead of putting Edmunds out there and replacing Sanborn with Gordon for most of the time anyway. Fluke had Edmunds chasing someone in the secondary so much anyway when he blitzed a little guy and had Edmunds try to cover a back.

So its need, or plan with best player available to be the next hall of fame middle linebacker for the chicago bears. We are due.

 

[Jiddy]

McCaskeys made it clear that their family intends to own the Bears for a long time. ie not selling

Welp, there goes the offseason 3-peat.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

McCaskeys made it clear that their family intends to own the Bears for a long time. ie not selling

Welp, there goes the offseason 3-peat.

The following YouTube video covers three basic subjects.
1. It confirms Jiddy's take that the McCaskeys will retain ownership for the foreseeable future.
2. It gives a bit of an update as to how the Bears will move forward with respect to a new stadium.
3. It covers the tush push decision postponement, with the Bears confirming they are on the banning side of the coin.


While a part of me would love to see the McCaskeys sell, I believe they are at least slowly beginning to act like owners of a multi-billion dollar investment, not just a mom-n-pop team, and want it run like such. At this point I'm 100x more concerned with the direction they take on the stadium. And being since day one after the purchase of the Arlington racetrack property that I've been wanting the stadium built there instead of the lakefront, it does sound as if this is where the Bears will be building. I've felt all along that the lakefront was a negotiating tool in getting the Arlington folks to bring down the tax costs. And I'm gonna hold Warren to his word that there will be a shovel in the ground this year. It's already taken too damn long as it stands. As for the tush push, I'm generally for keeping it, altho it's kind of a meh issue in the big pic.

 

[averagejoe]

tush push decision postponement, with the Bears confirming they are on the banning side of the coin.

Mark Schelereth explained there are defensive alignments which are illegal (15-yard penalty) which prevents defenses from stopping it.

Personally, i like the play. The NFL should rescind the defensive penalty so its more fair.

 

[BearsWillWin]

Mark Schelereth explained there are defensive alignments which are illegal (15-yard penalty) which prevents defenses from stopping it.

Personally, i like the play. The NFL should rescind the defensive penalty so its more fair.

Totally agree.

Important to note the NFL is moving to using HawkEye exclusively for ball spotting. No more chain gang.


I was really disappointed they didn't remove the automatic first down for defensive holding. I really wanted that change to pass.

 

[wood20ks]

Lo at wanting to ban it.....

More teams ought to get who they think would be best fit to copy it.....

It works well for Philly,who's to say it won't work for everyone.....
Even if it didn't work for every other team,to bad so sad.....figure it out till you get it right......

 

[BearsWillWin]

Lo at wanting to ban it.....

More teams ought to get who they think would be best fit to copy it.....

It works well for Philly,who's to say it won't work for everyone.....
Even if it didn't work for every other team,to bad so sad.....figure it out till you get it right......

It works well for Philly because they have massive bodies up front. They have a guard the size of a tackle. But yeah, it can definitely work for others if they practice it and drill it until it clicks.

I think the complaint from a lot of other teams has been risk of injury to your center and guards. Even for the QB....if you don't get low quick you risk hits to the head.

I'm definitely not for banning it. Same way I felt about defenses in baseball using the shift. Teach hitters to go the other way. Banning it was not the right move.

 

[wood20ks]

I think the complaint from a lot of other teams has been risk of injury to your center and guards. Even for the QB....if you don't get low quick you risk hits to the head.

As much as Philly does it,have not seen much for injuries,nor have I heard of injuries from other teams......
If teams don't wanna do it cause of possible injuries,don't do call the play......

But if they are afraid their defense has to defend that play,then I could see the concern over their def players getting injured.....but still have not heard anything on the injury reports over the past couple seasons.....

 

[wood20ks]

I'm definitely not for banning it. Same way I felt about defenses in baseball using the shift. Teach hitters to go the other way. Banning it was not the right move.

Baseball banned the shift....??....wtf,thats dumb as shit.....

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Case Keenum to the pine bros rescue:

Report: Bears signing QB Case Keenum to one-year deal

The Bears will be the journeyman Keenum’s eighth team in his NFL career.

www.windycitygridiron.com

Edit: I just noticed these two additional signings as well:

Bears sign WR Boykin, DB Wade

Both players were added on one-year deals.

www.windycitygridiron.com

 

[justanidiot]

Case Keenum to the pine bros rescue:

Report: Bears signing QB Case Keenum to one-year deal

The Bears will be the journeyman Keenum’s eighth team in his NFL career.

www.windycitygridiron.com

Edit: I just noticed these two additional signings as well:

Bears sign WR Boykin, DB Wade

Both players were added on one-year deals.

www.windycitygridiron.com

I guess there are two ways to handle a rookie quarterback. One is make him feel safe, that nobody is there to take his job. I guess we tried that.

Second, is push him to perform by having him look over his shoulder.

This was the problem with Nick Foles. Nick signed to compete for the starting job, when he was brought in to support and mentor. Worst part was when Foles actually did dress, he was far away from the bench discussing the last series. Most of the time I saw Caleb on the bench last year he was just staring into space with nobody around him. I was hoping this got fixed simply by the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, because it wont be Ben Johnson who has to watch the field the whole game.

I dont know if Case Keenum is that guy.