Bears Biggest Contract Decision, Floyd’s Potential Sophomore Breakout, and Other Bullets

Feb 12, 2017

It’s been a while since we’ve had a Sunday without football, and we won’t have another for a while — but we can get through this together.

Every team has tough decisions to make this offseason, but does anyone have one as difficult as what the Bears have to do with Alshon Jeffery? Bleacher Report’s Justis Mosqueda breaks down each team’s biggest contract situation. It’s not just the contract, though, because the Bears have the salary cap space to comfortably fit Jeffery and a major payday. It’s a complex situation between a player and team where neither has strong points of leverage. Jeffery loses negotiation leverage because of an injury-plagued past and a PED suspension that has kept him from out of a significant number of games. The Bears lose leverage because dumping Jeffery would leave them without a clear-cut No. 1 receiver — which would also complicate matters for whoever the Bears next quarterback happens to be.

[adinserter block=”1″]

If you missed it, we wrote yesterday about the interest in Jeffery around the league if the Bears part ways.

We could get some clarity on the situation (and others) on Wednesday, which happens to be the first day teams can hand out the franchise tag to players. I encourage you to read up on the different types of franchise tags and look at the other important calendar dates coming soon.

From wide receiver to quarterback, Dan Graziano of ESPN dissected and ranked every quarterback situation in the NFL. Unsurprisingly, the Bears rank among the worst with fourth lowest ranking in the league. Let’s just say when “Matt Barkley showed some things” is the lead sentence in summation of your quarterbacking situation, it’s less than ideal. For what it’s worth, six teams Graziano deemed to have quarterback situations ranking in the top 10 made the playoffs, four of the top six played in the conference final, and two of the top four are in the NFC North.

Jordan Howard finds himself listed among good company in this graphic:

Pictured or not, who is the best RB going into the 2017 season? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/pa235H0JIR

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 11, 2017

[adinserter block=”2″]

You already know about the contributions Howard, Ezekiel Elliott, and Dak Prescott made as rookies in 2016, but ESPN’s Matt Bowen has a list of 10 rookies who could break out in their second season. It’s an Insider story, so I won’t give you too much, but it’s worth noting that Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd didn’t quite make the cut. HOWEVER, Floyd is among the fringe five on the outside looking in. Bowen writes that even though Floyd has the speed to get to the quarterback, he needs to add upper-body weight to add power to his speed game. Floyd had seven sacks, a forced fumble and a touchdown in his first season with the Bears.

The Raiders and head coach Jack Del Rio agreed to a well-deserved four-year extension. Oakland went from 3-13 the year before Del Rio became head coach, to 7-9 in his first season and 12-4 in 2016. The Raiders were one win from locking down the No. 2 seed, but a Week 16 season-ending injury to quarterback Derek Carr and Week 17 loss to the Denver Broncos derailed those dreams. Del Rio was an assistant for John Fox in Denver from 2012-14 and both signed head coaching deals in 2015.

Valentine’s Day is Tuesday, so (1) don’t say we didn’t warn you and (2) get something nice for someone you love. But if you don’t have any plans yet, here’s an idea from Comcast Sports Net Chicago:

Don't have any plans this Valentine's Weekend?

Just Akiem Hicks (@The_Dream99) and Chill. #CSNValentines pic.twitter.com/DFPzcdZoYp

— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) February 11, 2017

[adinserter block=”3″]

written by

Luis C. Medina

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Chicago Bears

Bears to Host Practice with Bengals During Training Camp

During his press conference this afternoon, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced that the team will host the Cincinnati Bengals for a live practice during training camp. The practice will take place on Thursday, August 15, ahead of their preseason...

Patrick K. Flowers

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Bears

Explaining Another Caleb INT, Punter Prowess, Manti Te’o on TV? And Other Bears Bullets

The last day of Bears mandatory minicamp is today. Here's hoping everyone (present company included) finishes the week on a high note. In case you missed it: We've got some news, notes, nuggets, tidbits, and highlights from Day 1 and...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Bears

Vikings Reveal New Winter Warrior Jerseys — Which They’ll Debut vs. the Bears

A team in the NFC North is set to debut a new uniform this season. Unfortunately, it is not the Chicago Bears. The Minnesota Vikings dropped a video on Thursday morning revealing the eye-popping, fashion-forward new uniform look. Check it...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Day 2 Minicamp Notes: Best and Worst of Caleb, Injury Absences, More

Another day of Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp shenanigans. Let's get into it: Caleb Williams hooks up with Velus Jones Jr. I'm not even going to waste time with a wordy intro. Instead, I just want you to enjoy this throw...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

What About a Teven Jenkins Extension?

Teven Jenkins is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which means the Chicago Bears will soon hit a crossroads regarding what to do with their starting left guard. Bear Report's Zack Pearson sets us up for Teven Jenkins...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

Tory Taylor Was the Day 2 Star of Bears Minicamp

We'll have a fuller roundup of mandatory minicamp shenanigans later in the afternoon. But before we get to those, we clearly need to discuss Chicago Bears punter Tory Taylor, who apparently stole the show during Wednesday's practice. https://twitter.com/AdamHoge/status/1798429242449129586 Herb Howard...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

Dynasty Rankings: 2024 Top Twelve Dynasty Rookies

The NFL has become a year-round sport. Since the final second ticked off of another Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory on February 11th, the league has dominated sports highlights and headlines with the likes of the NFL Combine, a busy free...

BN Staff

Jun 04, 2024

Ja'Marr Chase for Monday Night Football promos 12.4

Chicago Bears

Around the NFL: Browns Extend Stefanski and Berry, Ja’Marr Chase Next for WR Mega-Deal? More

NFL Notes — On Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns extended coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. Stefanski has been with the team for five seasons, leading them to two playoff appearances. He received his second NFL Coach of the...

Patrick K. Flowers

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

Keenan Allen Delivers an Update on Potential Extension With Bears

If the Keenan Allen trade came as a surprise to you, just know that you are not alone. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles also felt similarly when pulling off the trade with the Los Angeles Chargers to acquire the...

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Minicamp Roundup, D Talks Smack, Watch Out For Tight Ends, and Other Bears Bullets

There are just 95 days until the Chicago Bears play a meaningful football game. For now, we'll allow mandatory minicamp OTA practices hold us over. ICYMI: The Bears had perfect attendance at Tuesday's practice. No holdout drama at Halas Hall....

Luis C. Medina

Jun 05, 2024

Picks

Padres vs. Diamondbacks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, June 6, 2024

The San Diego Padres (32-33) will look to Fernando Tatis Jr., red hot after a four-hit game, to lead them in a matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks (29-33) on Thursday at 9:40 PM ET on ARID. The Padres are -124...

Data Skrive

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Can Ian Happ Keep Up His Cincy-Heroics? Cubs vs Reds Series Preview

Cubs vs Reds — The Cubs did not have a great time facing the Reds last weekend, squeezing out just one win over three games despite Javier Assad and Justin Steele both throwing in that series (as well as Ben...

Michael Cerami

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Make a Big Change in the TV Booth

In the wake of The Athletic releasing their rankings of NHL television crews (based on a fan survey), the Blackhawks are making a big change in the booth. Chris Vosters is out as the play-by-play voice. Veteran broadcaster Rick Ball...

Tab Bamford

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | June 6, 2024: No Shortage of Offense for Iowa, Triantos Powers the Smokies, More

There was no shortage of offense for Iowa in a doubleheader split with Toledo, and the Smokies topped the Barons thanks to a solid day for James Triantos. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report |...

Patrick K. Flowers

Jun 06, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears to Host Practice with Bengals During Training Camp

Patrick K. Flowers

Jun 06, 2024

Picks

Thursday’s WNBA Picks and Predictions – June 6

The New York Liberty versus the Atlanta Dream is a game to catch on a Thursday WNBA schedule that includes two exciting contests.Keep reading and you'll find WNBA picks and predictions for each and every contest on today's slate.WNBA picks...

Data Skrive

Jun 06, 2024

Picks

Padres vs. Diamondbacks Probable Starting Pitchers – June 6

The San Diego Padres (32-33) look to end to a four-game skid as they host the Arizona Diamondbacks (29-33) on Thursday at 9:40 PM ET.The Padres will look to Randy Vasquez (1-3) versus the Diamondbacks and Slade Cecconi (1-4).Padres vs....

Data Skrive

Jun 06, 2024

NBA

Memphis Grizzlies Mock Draft: 9th Overall Pick Leads to Creative Guard

The Memphis Grizzlies are poised to make some exciting moves in the 2024 NBA Draft. This Memphis Grizzlies Mock Draft focuses on them adding the best player available. With the 9th, 39th, and 57th picks, they have the opportunity to...

Connor Allen

Jun 06, 2024

Betting

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $150 for Mavericks & Celtics Game 1 and More

At long last, Game 1 of the NBA Finals has arrived! Tonight in Boston, the Celtics and the Mavericks will finally get going in the NBA's championship series. That means for the first time in several days there is NBA...

Matt Rooney

Jun 06, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Celtics vs. Mavericks: Live Stream or on TV

The Boston Celtics will meet the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.The Celtics enter this matchup on the heels of a 105-102 victory over the Pacers on Monday. In their last matchup on Thursday, the Mavericks earned...

Data Skrive

Jun 06, 2024

Bears Biggest Contract Decision, Floyd’s Potential Sophomore Breakout, and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular