NEWSLETTER
I love the annual wave of rule-change proposals that come every NFL offseason. Because even though only a select few ultimately get pushed through, the others present fun talking points and a look at what could be coming down the line.
With that being said, I think this is one that will pick up steam once an official proposal gets handed in:
Sources: The Bills have submitted a rules change proposal to the NFL that would bar interviews for front-office and coaching positions until after the conference title games, and hirings until after the Super Bowl.
Owners could vote on it this offseason. Would be a BIG change.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 3, 2021
Conveniently enough, this proposal comes after Bills OC Brian Daboll and DC Leslie Frazier were passed up for head-coaching positions. One reason could be because of the current system in place. Maybe giving everyone equal playing field and at the same time could be beneficial to candidates and teams.
Owners could vote on it this offseason. And if enough give it a green light, it could be in place for the 2021 season. So let’s keep an eye on this as it develops. Let’s face it, this is something to keep tabs on with Bears GM Ryan Pace entering the final year of his deal and Matt Nagy with just two seasons left on his own.
• If you had to do it in order to make it happen, you’d likely (and begrudgingly) trade Khalil Mack as part of a package for Russell Wilson. But the loops that need to be conquered and hurdles that need to be cleared in order to get that type of deal done are taxing. We discussed that (and more) in the wake of yesterday’s latest wave of chatter.
• A series of tweets that I wanted to share:
The rift between Russell Wilson and the Seahawks is happening because Wilson believes he's a top 5 QB all time and he also believes that he isn't currently even viewed as a top 10 QB all time. He thinks Seattle is holding him back with certain decisions [personnel/scheme].
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 4, 2021
So now we have a Russell vs Pete standoff but let's not forget Caroll was criticized for years for being too nice to Russell so the dynamic has now shifted the other way.
Wilson wants to play in an offense that allows him to look like an MVP QB and his own team doesn't trust him
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 4, 2021
• The Russell Wilson-Pete Carroll dynamic is an interesting one. It’s wild to think that the Seahawks “don’t trust” Wilson. But if Wilson feels those vibes, then I can understand why there is a fracture in that particular relationship. Moreover, I see why the Bears would land on his list of acceptable landing spots in a deal. Wilson could come to Chicago and create an offense tailored to him. And by that, I mean an offense hat lets Wilson throw as often as his heart desires.
• Think about this, Wilson has had 8 games with at least 40 pass attempts since the start of 2018. In the same time, Bears quarterbacks have had 13 such games. The breakdown: Mitchell Trubisky had 8, while Nick Foles chipped in with 5 during his stretch as a starter. Heck, Foles had almost as many in 2020 in a part-time starting role as Wilson had in three years worth of starts. So let’s think of it this way: Imagine a quarterback with Wilson’s accomplishments and skills getting the freedom to operate in a manner that allows him to throw that often when necessary. Makes me giggly just thinking about it.
• Even if the Bears make a splash in the quarterback market, I’d still like a developmental arm behind QB1. Remember, Foles isn’t here forever. So I’ll still have eyes on draft-eligible QB prospects, especially potential late-round potential gems. Consider Texas’ Sam Ehlinger to be on my radar after seeing this:
Sam Ehlinger working with Patrick Mahomes’ trainer…
77 yard dot😳
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 6, 2021
• Ehlinger isn’t really tools-y. In fact, his best tools are intangibles. But if he can create some more throwing power to go along with his moxie, my views on him could change. Especially with his college head coach now working with the Bears.
• This makes sense to me:
One thing NFL teams are valuing during this year’s Covid-impacted draft cycle are which players made big jumps from ‘19 to ‘20 tape. Reason? Proven work habits. Strong indicator those players found creative ways to work outside the structure of their school’s strength program.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 6, 2021
• Double-dipping for some Sunday reading over at Bleacher Report. Kristopher Knox has red flags for the NFL’s to free agents. And as someone who’s confessed to you that he tends to ignore red flags, I’m reading (and sharing) this in order to be cognizant of that kind of stuff. Meanwhile, teammate Alex Kay suggests the Bears shouldn’t re-sign Allen Robinson. There really isn’t a good argument not to bring Robinson back in 2021. After all, he was the team’s best and most consistent offensive force. And he is beloved for his work in the community. But at least one person puts forth the idea. Gotta hear both sides, I guess.
• Something to look forward to in May:
News: The NFL is targeting the 2nd week of May to publish the 2021 schedule, after the draft for the second straight year.
Full story in #SBJFootball newsletter (🔒) https://t.co/mGt50ko1r5
— Ben Fischer (@BenFischerSBJ) March 4, 2021
• The Bears’ list of opponents is a doozy. But to be honest, I have my eyes set on a date with Vegas above anything else on the 2021 schedule.
• NFL Network was showing free agency showcase games yesterday. And while Allen Robinson balled out in the win against the Falcons, I found myself remembering how much hope I had for the season after this Nick Foles throw to Anthony Miller:
“I need you to run to the ‘L’ in the end zone. Just run there, and I’ll find you.”pic.twitter.com/c4zbyqO6O5
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) March 6, 2021
