Around the League: Keenum to D.C., DRC’s Retirement Ends, Broncos Clearing Safety Space? More

Trade rumors surrounding Jordan Howard and Roy Robertson-Harris (seriously) are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s happening in the latest round of the NFL rumor mill.

Let’s take a spin around the league.

  • A pair of Bears opponents in 2019 appear to be on the verge of cutting a deal that sends a quarterback out east:
  • The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala reports Denver and Washington are working through a trade that would send quarterback Case Keenum to our nation’s capital. Should this deal go through, Denver would receive a sixth-round pick in 2020 and half of Keenum’s guaranteed money for 2019. Sending a seventh-round pick is a small price for Denver’s front office to pay to send Keenum away. Remember when Keenum was a hot free agent commodity and was supposed to be The Guy for the Broncos last year? Ahhhh, memories. Keenum never came close to replicating his career year with the Vikings, but because Washington will be without Alex Smith next year and Colt McCoy isn’t going to strike fear in the heart of opposing defenses, it’s wise for that team to create a competition for the starting role between two capable backups.
  • In case you missed it, Joe Flacco will be the Broncos’ quarterback in 2019 once their trade with the Ravens officially goes through when the league year begins.
  • Elsewhere in the world of 2019 Bears opponents, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia weighs the pros and cons of the Eagles acquiring Jordan Howard. The Eagles were viewed as a “sleeper” fit for Howard before the trading deadline last year and their running backs room leaves a lot to be desired from top to bottom, so I suppose it makes sense for Philly to try and cash in on the final year of Howard’s rookie deal. And since that front office employs some former Bears talent evaluators, perhaps they’re more willing to take a gamble on Howard.
  • Prince Amukamara is excited that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie’s retirement turned out to be short-lived:
  • DRC is a pro’s pro and an interesting name to add to the cornerback market. He has 160 games (121 starts) and two Pro Bowl appearances under his belt. Rodgers-Cromartie won’t command major dollars, but could be a fit for the right team at the right price. We’ll keep an eye on his status once free agency begins and some of the movement starts taking place.
  • The timing for this transaction is curious:
  • https://twitter.com/AP_NFL/status/1103491218120544258

  • The Broncos parting ways with their starting strong safety before Adrian Amos hits the market is definitely going to raise eyebrows, especially since Amos has already discussed Denver as a fit. Stewart was a Pro Bowl defender in 2016 and started 15 games during the Broncos’ Super Bowl championship run in 2015. Perhaps we can add Stewart’s name to the list of defensive backs to keep an eye on if Amos isn’t back in the fold with the Bears.
  • Here’s the latest in the Antonio Brown sweepstakes:
  • I’m not sure what’s the rush to get this deal done for Pittsburgh. Racing to get deals done doesn’t usually tend to end well for the team looking to push a player out the door. The Steelers have made it clear that they won’t settle, but setting artificial deadlines when they’re unnecessary seems like a questionable way about doing business.
  • Other news out of Pittsburgh has Maurkice Pouncey’s extension with the Steelers as being a noteworthy one:
  • Bears center Cody Whitehair is eligible to sign an extension right now. Pouncey is more experienced and established at the position, therefore, his extension is going to be pricier than what Whitehair will likely command. But it’s always good to keep in mind what’s happening elsewhere in the market when thinking about your own team’s future expenditures. Perspective is always key.
  • While deals for players who happen to play positions the Bears need to fill this offseason, Erik Bacharach of the Tennessean reports punter Brett Kern has agreed to a four-year extension with the Titans. Bacharach cites an NFL Network report of the deal being worth $12.55 million with a $2.2 million signing bonus. Kern has been with the team since 2009 and has aged gracefully, making the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons. Once your team has a respectable punter, it’s tough to let him hit the open market. Keep that in mind when thinking about Pat O’Donnell as free agency opens up next week.
  • Sometimes you have to give credit where it’s due. So here I am tipping my cap to the Raiders for doing what the Bears haven’t been able to do:
  • The Raiders locked-in kicker Daniel Carlson on an exclusive-rights free agent deal. You might remember Carlson as the kicker the Vikings cut after tripping up in the team’s tie against the Packers in Week 2. Well, Carlson found his stroke after joining the Raiders as he went 16-for-17 on field goal attempts in 10 games. He didn’t even miss an extra-point! Meanwhile, the only team with kicking problems on par with the Bears is the Vikings, who signed Dan Bailey to replace Carlson. Bailey put up a disappointing performance in 14 games, connecting on just 75 percent of his field goals. He missed seven field goals and an extra point, which isn’t great (and it’s actually really bad when you realize three of his misses came in the friendly confines of a dome stadium).
  • An old friend finds a new home:
  • Harold Jones-Quartey hasn’t suited up for an NFL game in two years, but he is just 25 and could provide safety depth for a Chiefs secondary that could use all the help it can get.
  • Move over, Bears. There is a new leader in the clubhouse when it comes to paying top dollar for block-first tight ends:
  •  

    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.

    more bears news

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Defensive Linemen

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

    And Now Penei Sewell Has Signed a MASSIVE Extension With The Lions

    Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hard at work today! It's fitting that just a day before the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit, the Lions have locked up two franchise, homegrown cornerstones just hours apart. This morning,...

    Take a Look at the New Chicago Bears Stadium Renderings

    The Chicago Bears unveiled plans for their downtown lakefront stadium proposal on Wednesday. And as you might expect, it is very kind on the eyes: https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1783185834490888461 The Bears even gave the project a code name — The Burnham Park Project: The...

    Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

    We have a new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL! According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have made Amon-Ra St. Brown the richest wideout in the NFL with a four-year, $120 million contract extension...

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Offensive Linemen

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

    Stadium Stuff, Rome and Caleb, New Bears Hires, and Other Bears Bullets

    The 2024 NFL Draft is just one day away. Soon, we'll get to hear those magic words: "The Chicago Bears are on the clock." And they'll mean something! ICYMI: The Bears, who are set to have a press conference at...

    Ian Cunningham is Getting an Extension From the Bears

    Ian Cunningham is set to stick around for a little while longer. The Chicago Bears assistant general manager is getting some years tacked on to his contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. No details on how many more years are...

    The Bears Are Expected to Ask For Some Public Money For New Stadium

    If you have followed pro sports stadium projects in the past, then you probably are aware that taxpayers tend to end up footing a hearty chunk of the bill. And while the Chicago Bears have not yet made public their...

    Bears GM Ryan Poles Isn’t Necessarily Looking to Trade For More Draft Picks

    Ryan Poles has done well in creating a bevy of picks in each of his first two NFL Draft classes as Chicago Bears general manager. And even though the Bears have a league-low four picks in this week's NFL Draft,...

    Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: 4.0

    We’re just over 24 hours from the NFL Draft, and all I can say is finally. Finally, we’re done with the speculation. I’ll never forget the Bears Twitter Civil War of 2024 centered around the Caleb Williams vs. Justin Fields...

    Latest News

    How to Watch Twins vs. White Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    Bailey Ober takes the ball for the Minnesota Twins (9-13) when they host starter Mike Soroka and the Chicago White Sox (3-20) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday.The article below will provide you with everything you need to know to...

    Astros vs. Cubs: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Thursday, going for a series sweep, Michael Busch and the Chicago Cubs (14-9) play the Houston Astros (7-17), with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM ET at Wrigley Field.The article below will give you everything you need to watch...

    Royals vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Salvador Perez and the Kansas City Royals (14-10) host Daulton Varsho and the Toronto Blue Jays (13-11) on Thursday in a rubber match, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.See how to watch the Kansas City-Toronto matchup below.When is Royals...

    Yankees vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (16-8) host Abraham Toro and the Oakland Athletics (9-15) on Thursday in a rubber match, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need to watch New...

    Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

    For the second straight night, the Cubs are jumping all over the Astros in the first inning. After a couple hits from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to get things going, Michael Busch hit a sac fly, Christopher Morel walked,...

    Phillies vs. Reds: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Philadelphia Phillies (15-9), led by Alec Bohm, visit Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds (13-10) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday in the rubber match of the series.The article below will provide you with everything you need...

    How to Watch Brewers vs. Pirates: Live Stream or on TV

    The Milwaukee Brewers (14-8), with Freddy Peralta on the mound, visit the Pittsburgh Pirates (13-11) who will hand the ball to Mitch Keller, at 12:35 PM ET on Thursday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch...

    How to Watch Dodgers vs. Nationals: Live Stream or on TV

    Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (14-11) visit the Washington Nationals (10-12) on Thursday, with first pitch at 4:05 PM ET, and the Dodgers looking for a series sweep.The article below will give you everything you need to know...

    Magic vs. Cavaliers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 3 – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The Cleveland Cavaliers are slight 1.5-point underdogs for Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Thursday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on NBA. The Cavaliers have a 2-0...

    Welcome Back to Iowa, Brennen Davis: Rocket Homer in His First Game Post-Rehab

    What a road it's been - continues to be - for Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis. The former top prospect was on a rocket ship to Triple-A in 2021, and then mostly lost the last two years to various injuries....

    more bears news