NEWSLETTER
I fell asleep on the couch watching Star Wars on TNT. And when I woke up, I expected to turn on the TV and see the resumption of a Star Wars marathon. Instead, 27 Dresses was on. And I’m not going to complain – because that movie is a guilty pleasure favorite – but I was a bit out of sorts this morning.
• At this time next week, I fully expect to be writing about a wonderful football experience. That we’re even getting professional football at this point is a win. Happy Game Week!
• How is everyone BUT Allen Robinson getting an extension these days?
Steelers and Cam Heyward finalizing a four-year extension with a total value of $71.4-million, sources tell ESPN. Negotiated by @PerrettM of Element Sports.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 7, 2020
• Don’t get me wrong. I still have faith the two sides can come to a deal. But that we’ve reached this point without much public optimism that an extension will be agreed upon is bothersome. It’s not as if it needs to get done now. There is nothing stopping the Bears and Robinson’s representatives from getting a done at any point between now and free agency, but sooner is better. Especially since there is a case to be made the Robinson’s asking price should have gone up since the start of the offseason. Robinson wants to be a Bear. GM Ryan Pace says he understands how important Robinson is to the team and was preaching patience when last asked about an extension. But at some point, my patience will run out. I’m only human.
• I suppose the Bears have leverage in that they can retain Robinson on the Franchise Tag next offseason, but that should be viewed as a last resort. The Bears should want Robinson locked into a roster spot for the rest of his prime. Sure, they could go year-to-year with it — but why?
https://twitter.com/AllenRobinson/status/1303009112486285314?s=20
• For what it’s worth, Pace is scheduled to speak at 1 p.m. CT today. It’s his annual before-the-season press conference. Hopefully, he sheds light on some relevant things.
• Watching Roquan Smith hit people gets me hyped:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE1u15fl_9f/
• It’s always good to have a checklist because it helps keep focus on what’s at hand:
Mitch Trubisky is grateful and excited for the opportunity to continue leading the Bears. As a reminder for everyone, print this checklist of demands from Matt Nagy and Co. to keep nearby on Sunday afternoon for the most complete evaluations: pic.twitter.com/AogGP0pMbV
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) September 7, 2020
• If Trubisky checks all the boxes above, he’ll be able to take advantage of this:
https://twitter.com/BrandonThornNFL/status/1302799059229593600?s=20
• Even in defeat, Nick Foles just wants to be helpful (via the Bears’ website):
“Whatever wisdom I can give [Trubisky] as it pertains to the emotions of the games s it pertains to the plays going into the game, the philosophy, the philosophy, the thought process, how you do third downs, how I think during games. So whatever it is, I look forward to helping him in any way possible.”
• Hot Take: If the Bears could blend Foles’ processing ability with Trubisky’s raw athleticism, the Bears’ quarterback issues would be solved.
• Josh McCown is living the dream and I hope he quarterbacks forever:
Josh McCown wants to be a coach, and he'll essentially be a player-coach — virtually — for the #Eagles in 2020 while making $12,000 a week on the practice squad. A smart insurance policy for Philly, and on-the-job training for McCown while living at home in Texas.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 6, 2020
• Speaking of old friends, I see Kevin White made the 49ers’ practice squad. I’m sure he was striving to make the big club out of camp, but here’s hoping he can reach that pinnacle sometime in the near future. It would be nice to see a player’s hard work pay off in an epic comeback story,
• Running backs remain readily available on the market:
Former Patriots’ RB Lamar Miller is visiting today with the Buffalo Bills, per source.
RB Devonta Freeman, who visited Jacksonville this weekend, was unable to reach agreement with the Jaguars, so he remains a free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2020
