What it Looks Like When New Eyes Are On Old Problems (And Other Bears Bullets)

Aug 02, 2022

Is it just me, or are spiders infinitely more aggressive this year than they were at this time last year?

In a show of solidarity with Brett at the BN Blogathon, I plan on being on #HugWatch as the Bears set forth with their first practice with pads of the summer. Few things get my football juices going like that first padded practice at training camp. And nothing ushers in football season like the sound of pads clashing against each other. It’s a beautiful thing.

As for #HugWatch, that is an obvious reference to Teven Jenkins’ situation. In case you spent your Monday napping, the Bears are reportedly taking calls from teams with an interest in acquiring the 2021 second-round pick. This offseason saw Jenkins’ stock spiral on the surface, as he went from top left tackle on the depth chart before sliding over to right tackle … and eventually into a place where he was RT2 by the end of minicamp. It has been a wild ride, to say the least. And it could only get wilder if he ends up off this roster after a stint on the trade block.

You’re probably wondering how we got here. And that’s fair. This post provides a nifty timeline, while this thread from Da Bears Blog’s Jeff Hughes chips in with additional perspective:

And while that is a serious concern, most teams didn’t see it as a deal breaker & had Jenkins on their boards as a 2nd/3rd round prospect.

2. Personality.

This is not “character”. This is personality. Jenkins is supposedly a very good guy and teams liked him.

(2/4)— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) August 2, 2022

One friend told me IN THE SPRING, that the combination of Poles-Flus-Morgan would seriously test Jenkins’ resolve.

Since that note I have constantly repeated the question, “How does this leadership view Jenkins?” Not where. How.

I think we have our answer.

(4/4)— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) August 2, 2022

I suppose this serves as a timely reminder that some prospect stock drops aren’t solely a product of subterfuge.

Cap numbers worth keeping in mind in the Jenkins situation:

If/when Bears trade T Teven Jenkins, they’d have:

– $865K dead cap 2022
– $1.04M cap savings 2022
– $1.73M dead cap 2023 https://t.co/HYrl8fG0ke— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) August 1, 2022

The potential $1.04 million in cap savings is nice to add to the pile. But two years of dead cap money for a player who isn’t on your team anymore stings.

Oof. All of this reminds us how Charles Leno Jr. was taken for granted in some Bears circles. You never know what you got ’til it’s gone. And what the Bears had was a solid left tackle who didn’t miss games and wasn’t a detriment to your team’s attempts at winning football. Sigh. One last parting gift from Ryan Pace.

But hey … maybe there is a chance Jenkins and the Bears can kiss and make up at some point this summer. Part of me hopes they do. I hate the idea of giving up on a player with that size and skill. And I definitely am wary of the possibility of a Jenkins bounce back elsewhere in a situation where a team unlocks his potential. That would look ROUGH for the Bears’ new-look front office. And, frankly, the Bears aren’t in a place to discard a second-round pick who plays a position of need. I hope all parties have enough flexibility to have a willingness to work something out.

I suppose it could be worse: Tashan Reed (The Athletic) reports that Alex Leatherwood — a Raiders first-round from last year — is working with the third team. Leatherwood was one of college football’s best offensive linemen at Alabama two years ago. So to see him tumble down the depth chart like this is wild. The inexact art of unearthing quality offensive linemen is something else. It’s not like they grow on trees or anything.

This is the type of stuff that gets lost when folks steadily beat the drum for a new regime:

New regime was never married to most players on this roster. Did evaluations and weren’t big fans of Jenkins. Clear now. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 1, 2022

There was always a real chance that new eyes looking at things would reveal some things. Perhaps maybe we should take this as a sign that this regime really likes Justin Fields (despite their inability to add impact pieces around Justin Fields).

Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus delivered a bummer of an update regarding cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., whose hamstring injury will keep him out a bit. “We thought it was less,” Eberflus said, via 670 The Score. “They’re saying it’s not progressing the way it is, so it’s going to be a little bit longer.” Graham is in the mix of players vying for playing time as the team’s top slot cornerback. The summertime competition was presumably going to be Graham against Tavon Young, but maybe Kyler Gordon makes sense in that spot. Then again, that still opens up a hole at the boundary corner.

With that in mind, it is worth noting that Xavier Rhodes (who was with Eberflus in Indy last year) remains a free agent. And as we’ve seen on the other side of the ball, the Bears aren’t afraid of a late-summer signing. I imagine if they don’t like what they see from the cornerback position over these next few weeks, we could hear about them kicking the tires on Rhodes or a number of other potential free agent fits. Not that there is a splash move coming down the pipeline, but this is the time to work around the edges.

I now have Super Mario Bros music playing in my head:

We knew these helmets looked familiar pic.twitter.com/si4rirLXtG
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 1, 2022

As we turn the page to Week 2 of camp, Josh Schrock (NBC Sports Chicago) shares what he has learned about the Bears to this point. Meanwhile, Alyssa Barbieri (Bears Wire) highlights seven Bears who were most impressive in Week 1.

Are we going to get another crosstown deal between the Cubs and Sox?

The White Sox Have Inquired on Mychal Givens – Can We Compare to Last Year's Ryan Tepera Deal?https://t.co/wgoghhMkFX pic.twitter.com/Ji4p5woZ6T— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) August 2, 2022

Bummer: None of the six Blackhawks prospects made Canada’s World Junior Championship Tournament roster. But Connor Bedard, who projects to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, made the cut. Perhaps Chicago’s hockey team will be lucky enough to add him next summer.

Offseason? What offseason? The Bulls continue to put in work:

Several Bulls Have Reportedly Planned to Meet for Group Workouts This Weekhttps://t.co/H0mRt3Miq1 pic.twitter.com/OH6uiQrAlW
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) August 1, 2022

written by

Luis C. Medina

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

What About Byron Murphy II as a Bears Target With the No. 9 Pick?

I'm starting to wonder if maybe University of Texas star Byron Murphy II fits the bill as a Chicago Bears draft target.. In his latest at NBC Sports Chicago, Bears insider Josh Schrock wonders if Chicago's football team could be...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

One Pundit Thinks Trading Up to Draft Joe Alt Makes Sense For the Bears

The idea of the Chicago Bears drafting a butt-kicking offensive tackle is something that continues to pop up. Perhaps Notre Dame's Joe Alt is something on the team's radar. NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah opines Alt could be someone...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks To Surround Caleb Williams

The winds of change are howling through Halas Hall. After years (decades) of searching, the Chicago Bears appear set to finally land their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, with the top overall pick. This signals a new era for the Bears, but the...

Ryan Noonan

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Draft Day is Coming, NFC North QB Prospect Watch, Crews, Warren, and Other Bears Bullets

The Chicago Cubs finished a winning road trip with a series win against the defending NL champs. Taylor Swift has a new album that drops at 11 p.m. CT. And the Chicago Bears will usher in a new quarterback era...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How Will Quarterback Chaos Unfold In First Round?

Only one week remains until the biggest event of the NFL offseason — the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams is going first overall unless something totally unexpected happens. But outside of that, there are still so many questions left to...

Matt Rooney

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Mock Draft Trade Proposals Seem to Target One Particular Position

I had a great visit with my therapist today. Between that and an afternoon cold brew, I've got enough in me to power through an evening Bears post. Let's dig into some recent mock drafts that are giving off a...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

Sounds Like the Bears Will Consider Taking Brock Bowers If They Stay at No. 9

For all the discussion about the big three wide receivers who could be on the Chicago Bears radar on NFL Draft weekend, a different high-profile pass-catcher is apparently garnering some interest from the team. All-American tight end Brock Bowers had...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Hire Ted Crews as Special Advisor to President Kevin Warren

The Chicago Bears continue building out their organizational staff around President Kevin Warren. And their latest addition arrives to Halas Hall with three Super Bowl rings in tow. The team announced the hiring of Ted Crews, who has spent the...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

I Don’t Hate Trading Up, Cairo Reaches Out, Jed Chimes In, and Other Bears Bullets

Maybe it's just me, but Wednesdays are starting to feel like the new Mondays. Ick. There are just 8 days until the 2024 NFL Draft. We're almost there, friends. We've almost made it. The best pre-draft stat you'll see comes...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 17, 2024

Johnny newton Illinois Illini bears draft target

Chicago Bears

The Bears Had Eyes on Illini DT Johnny Newton Today

Even though the Chicago Bears have plugged several notable holes this offseason, one biggie remains. And it leaves me to ask a pertinent question: Who wants to play the 3-technique defensive tackle role? Perhaps Illinois' Johnny Newton is the answer....

Luis C. Medina

Apr 16, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – Friday, April 19, 2024

Today's NBA playoff slate has two quality competitions in store. Among those contests is the Sacramento Kings taking on the New Orleans Pelicans.NBA prop bets for today's games are available, so if you're interested in placing a bet or building...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Betting

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Gets $200 with Latest New User Offer

Are you eager to dive into the exhilarating world of sports betting? Look no further than the brand new DraftKings promo code offer, designed specifically to welcome new users. DraftKings, a powerhouse in the United States online sportsbook industry, is...

Matt Rooney

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Cubs vs. Marlins Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Chicago Cubs (11-7) host the Miami Marlins (4-15) on Friday to start a four-game series, with the first pitch at 2:20 PM ET from Wrigley Field. The Cubs are listed as -173 favorites, while the underdog Marlins have +144...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, April 19, 2024

There are 15 matchups on today's MLB schedule, including the Baltimore Orioles playing the Kansas City Royals.One of the best ways to wager on baseball is via MLB player prop bets. There are props for each of today's matchups, and...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Cubs vs. Marlins Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The Miami Marlins (4-15) begin a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs (11-7) on Friday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is at 2:20 PM.The Cubs will give the nod to Jameson Taillon and the Marlins will turn to Andrew Jacob...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Reds vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

Nick Lodolo will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds (9-9) when they host starter Tyler Anderson and the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) on Friday, with first pitch at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out how to watch the...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

NBA Picks

Kings vs. Pelicans Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Kings are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 9:30 PM ET. The over/under...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Nick Foligno Calls Out Blackhawks Teammates, Says Changes Are Needed

The Blackhawks put the worst regular season of more than 70 games in the history of the franchise to bed on Thursday night in a manner that sums up the season fairly well. Connor Murphy was banged up and Nikita...

Tab Bamford

Apr 19, 2024

NBA Playoffs Odds - Mavs vs. Clippers 1st Round

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavs vs Clippers Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

It's a first-round matchup with a history of fireworks! The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers lock horns once again in the NBA Playoffs. This year marks the third time in five years these two teams meet in the opening...

Brian Twining

Apr 19, 2024

What it Looks Like When New Eyes Are On Old Problems (And Other Bears Bullets)

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular