After seeing Chicago’s baseball teams put up a football score last night, I can’t help but wonder what it will look like in three years when offenses really get it together. Yeah, it was a wild one.
• Alright, let’s cross another destination off the list of soft landing spots for Nick Foles:
Trade: Jaguars are sending QB Gardner Minshew II to the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional 2022 sixth-round pick, per sources. The 6th-round pick could go to a 5th if Minshew plays in 50 percent of the plays in three games this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2021
• This feels like a win for multiple parties. Gardner Minshew II gets a fresh start outside of Trevor Lawrence’s shadow. The Eagles get a quality QB2 with starting experience for the cost of a sixth-round pick. And the Jaguars don’t lose Minshew for nothing. The only “losers” in this situation are Jalen Hurts (who now has to look over his shoulder because of the Minshew factor) and the Bears (who have one fewer trade option for Foles). Then again, if Foles was going to Philly, it would’ve probably been done long before today.
• Sigh. I don’t want to do the revisionist history thing. And I don’t want to play the woulda-coulda-shoulda game on the last Saturday of the preseason. But I wish the Bears could’ve plucked Minshew (at the cost of a conditional sixth-rounder) back in March. Remember, there was a time Chicago was connected to Minshew in trade talks (even after adding Andy Dalton). Granted, Minshew probably wasn’t available at that price back in March. But I can’t stop myself but wondering what the Bears could look like had they been able to pull that off.
• Maybe the savings in not signing Andy Dalton could have been put toward retaining Kyle Fuller. Or taken a more serious run at signing offensive tackle Morgan Moses. Perhaps given more consideration for a deal to bring in cornerback Bashaud Breeland. Don’t get me wrong. I’m cool with the Bears’ QB situation going forward with Justin Fields. However, I’m not cool with the asset management (and haven’t been for a while).
• This stings: The Jaguars were able to get more for unloading Foles’ contract than they did for Minshew, who has performed better and is on a rookie deal. That’ll stick in my craw for a little bit.
• Trades are coming, friends. And while I’m unsure of what kind of noise the Bears can (or will) make, it is notable to see shakeups already ahead of Tuesday’s roster cut-down date. Because in addition to the Minshew move, the Dolphins and Ravens struck a deal that sends OL Greg Mancz from Baltimore to Miami as part of a trade for late picks, per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. I imagine the Bears are OK with Alex Bars, Elijah Wilkinson, and Larry Borom as depth players along the line. But there is no such thing as too much help at that position.
• If anyone needs me, I’ll be browsing the Texans roster in search of change-of-scenery candidates:
Two #Texans players being heavily discussed in league circles as trade candidates, per sources: pass rusher Shaq Lawson and safety Lonnie Johnson. Both players are used to prominent playing time but are second on Houston's depth chart as of now.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 27, 2021
• Don’t get it twisted. I already know this would be a fruitless endeavor. But you never know what you’ll find while diving into the deepest parts of the roster churn. Sometimes it’s a bag of nothing. Other times, it’s a Chanel suit at a discount store in the Ogdenville mall that opens doors allowing you to hang with Springfield’s elite. But you won’t find out unless you check out what’s available.
• Now, this is a cast of characters:
Unclaimed off waivers: Sterling Hofrichter (Falcons), Duke Williams (Bills), Dominik Eberle (Panthers), Michael Joseph, Javon Wims (Bears), Anthony Hines (Cowboys), DeVontre Odoms-Dukes (Broncos), Josh Imatorbhebhe, Tim Jones (Jaguars), Evan Baylis, Antonio Callaway (Chiefs)
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 27, 2021
• There will be players with different prospect profiles who come available who might pique teams interests after Tuesday’s cuts. But it’s not as if there aren’t players available now. For instance, Josh Imatorbhebhe had some pre-draft buzz as a wideout from Illinois. Antonio Callaway’s name stands out because was an über-talented receiver while at Florida. Although, his off-field issues were a red flag back in 2018 and I’m not sure he would be an ideal fit for this Bears team now. And while I won’t go as far as to suggest the Bears should go after these specific players. Instead, what I’m suggesting is to keep your eyes open for post-hype sleepers and others who might merit a deeper dive.
• Stephanie Stremplewski (NBC Sports Chicago) writes about Zach Miller’s continued pursuit of music stardom. Admittedly, country music isn’t my bag. But to each their own. Maybe you’ll like it.
• This is certainly honorable:
The @Titans have invited the football teams of Waverly Central High School (@waverlytigerfb) and Waverly Middle School as their guests to Saturday’s preseason matchup against the @ChicagoBears.
Waverly Central’s football facility & equipment were destroyed in last week’s floods
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 27, 2021
• Look who’s back:
Today, we welcome back an old friend. pic.twitter.com/rzPnjNRISP
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 28, 2021
• I see that the incentives laid out by the NFL are working:
After NFL fine, Isaiah McKenzie gets vaccinated. https://t.co/OYKfYBPpZZ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 28, 2021
Isaiah McKenzie just posted this on Instagram, days after being fined by NFL for mask violation as unvaccinated player. #Bills pic.twitter.com/LtVfVNPtWe
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) August 28, 2021
• Maybe I’m foolish. And if that’s the case, it won’t be the first time. Undoubtably, it won’t be my last either. But I still stand by my feeling that there will be an ample number of players who get vaccinated against COVID-19 because they don’t want to let their teammates down. Players so often talk about being a band of brothers. So when something like this comes along, players tend to want do right by those they’re going to battle with on Sundays. Here’s hoping this decision helps McKenzie stay healthy and keeps the Bills avoiding any issues with COVID protocols. And if inspires a teammate or fan to follow suit, then so be it.
• A snap-shot of the Bulls offseason after the Lauri Markkanen trade (it happened!):
So basically …
Bulls trade:
Lauri Markkanen
Thaddeus Young
Tomas Satoransky
Garrett Temple
Al-Farouq Aminu
Daniel Theis
2025 protected 1st
Three 2ndsBulls Get:
Lonzo Ball
DeMar DeRozan
Derrick Jones Jr.
A 2022 protected 1st
A 2023 2nd
$8.3mil trade exceptionMajor W.
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) August 27, 2021