Soldier Field Upgrade, 81 Sets of NFL Eyes on Watson, Risk in Glennon Deal, Beast Mode Rumors, and Other Bullets

The rapid-fire transaction period of free agency might be in our rearview mirror, and we’re in a period in which news is more likely to trickle out than represent a big splash.

  • The Chicago Bears have started to make off-the-field headlines this offseason, but not in a negative way. Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business reports the team is upgrading the Wi-Fi at the stadium and eliminating the $1.99 fee fans had to pay to access the internet. The upgrade comes tied to a corporate sponsor (Verizon) and brings the long-time home of the Bears into the 21st century. That means if you’re at the stadium, you can do things such as keep up with The Ten-Yard Line on Twitter without draining your phone. Just a suggestion ….
  • A total of 81 NFL representatives were at Clemson’s pro day, which featured national championship-winning quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Bears weren’t one of the teams represented in Clemson, S.C., and also they were arguably the team most well represented keeping eyes on Watson. His performance on Thursday was something else, but it’s not the last you’ll hear of his workouts as teams will schedule a private individual workout prior to draft day.
  • Watson could still be on the Bears’ radar, but a lot would have to happen between now and the draft for that kind of move to make total sense. Even still, Watson would join a quarterbacks room with an established starter in the building – albeit one who comes in with a short-term contract. Bleacher Report NFL analyst Gary Davenport lists the Bears’ deal with Mike Glennon as one of the riskiest deals signed by a member of this free agent class. Even though Davenport believes the contract isn’t as bad as initially believed and cites Peter King as a pundit who believes the deal is a good one based on the rising cost of starting quarterbacks, Davenport notes the calculated risk the Bears are taking on by hitching their wagons to a player who hasn’t made a start since 2014.
  • Much of the risk in signing Glennon is tied to the $18.5 million number the Bears will pay in guarantees. It’s a big number, but one that doesn’t handcuff the Bears over a long period of time. It’s the kind of guarantee that lessens the sting if Glennon doesn’t live up to his contract or if the Bears find a long-term solution that is better than Glennon. In the end, not all risks are created equal.
  • Defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois was scheduled to visit the Bears on Saturday. Chicago has already reportedly added depth with an earlier free agent signing, but additional depth at that position won’t be turned away. But could signing Jean-Francois tip the Bears’ hand in the draft?
  • The Oakland Raiders are going to settle on a running back at some point this offseason, but will it be a player who didn’t run a single play in 2016? Oakland reportedly has an interest in retired running back Marshawn Lynch, whose contract rights are owned by the Seattle Seahawks. This comes as the Raiders waived goodbye to running back Latavius Murray. For what it’s worth, Lynch is in a holding pattern as he weighs his options. Lynch has yet to request a release from Seattle, which complicates matters here.
  • Former Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is on the list of NFL people who have been hurt because of the league’s offseason shuffling. The list features two quarterbacks, two running backs, and one receiver. Marinelli, who is the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, has his work cut out for him with the roster turnover his unit faces this offseason.
  • written by

    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.

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