Arlington Park Chatter, 13 New Tryouts, Braxton’s Big Challenge, and Other Bears Bullets

There is so much to get to from a football perspective today. And yet, the allure of discussing the Bears’ stadium antics has me in a trance. But I’m not alone.

  • For instance, The Tribune (Robert McCoppin and Gregory Pratt), Sun-Times (Fran Spielman), Daily Herald (Christopher Placek), and The Athletic (Jon Greenberg) all have write-ups worth reading. And NBC Sports Chicago’s Ryan Taylor chips in with five things to know about the Bears’ letter discussing Arlington Park and a roundup of their least favorite things about Soldier Field. There is so much to take in, so clear some time.
  • One thing that won’t go away is conversation surrounding the possibility of the Bears getting taxpayer money for their stadium project. It’s the elephant in the room. We can’t not discuss it. In their statement addressing the Arlington Park project, the Bears declaring: “While the Bears will seek no public funding for direct stadium structure construction, given the broad, long-term public benefits of this project, we look forward to partnering with the various governmental bodies to secure additional funding and assistance needed to support the feasibility of the remainder of the development.” is a sticking point with me. Mostly because it was a clever and wordy way to work around hoping to get some taxpayer assistance on the project. And while I think there might be some back-and-forth on this topic in the days, weeks, months, and years to come, I wonder if the perspectives of suburbanites in the Arlington Heights area differ that much from city dwellers when it comes to being willing to foot part of the bill. This will make for a fascinating storyline to follow.
  • I think Michele Steele nails it with the proper perspective in this tweet:
  • And yet, that the Bears put if so many times in their announcement serves as a reminder that this is far from a done deal. We’ve got a long time before things become officially official. So get comfortable. This could be a bit before everything gets hashed out.
  • As for the playing surface at the Bears’ current residence, Jarrett Payton has an update:
  • Meanwhile, the Bears revealed their Week 1 depth chart:
  • You’ll want to check out the notes sprinkled throughout the post above. However, I want to caution you to not look too deeply into this depth chart for meaning. Not only can it change on a whim, the first injury report of the week coming out later today could likely give us a better idea of how this collection of talent will work together. Don’t get me wrong. Starting games is cool. But how the players are deployed during the game to stay fresh and keep opponents on their heels is important, too. And honestly, I’m going to have an additional interest in seeing who finishes games more than who starts them.
  • Who will be in that circle of trust in the secondary? How will running back carries split? Which receivers will join Darnell Mooney on the field in crunch time? With so many new players in tow and a coaching staff that will have its first game in four days, we’ll see how it all shakes out together. And in real time.
  • A whole mess of dudes were at Halas Hall on Tuesday:
  • Kurt Benkert is the most amusing name on the list. Benkert was a Packers quarterback who has familiarity with Luke Getsy and the Bears system. And while that might’ve been helpful for tryout purposes, I hope the Bears were able to successfully coax any useful Packers-centric information they could out of a former Aaron Rodgers understudy.
  • Five wide receivers? Yeah, I think that group will see ample turnover throughout the season, particularly at the bottom part of the depth chart. Two defensive backs? A pair of offensive lineman? And two defensive linemen? If you want to think ahead, expect those position groups to work out in bunches this season on the tryout circuit.
  • Kristopher Knox (B/R) offers up the best free agent options remaining for each of the NFL’s 32 teams. For the Bears, he lists wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. It’s not that I don’t have an interest in Hilton. Adding a receiver with his résumé would be nice. But I think it is very clear that the Bears are focusing on developing their in-house options. And if they were to venture outside-the-building, I think they would lean on a younger player.
  • I bet Braxton Jones is up for the challenge:
  • Bleh. I don’t like this development:
  • The folks who do the 2K rankings and the people putting together the Madden ratings must get together in a room each summer and plot out how to make the most people mad. Not gonna lie. It’s impressive:
  • One of my favorite Cubs players might be coming back (but not as a player):
  • 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

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Miami Marlins (0-1) are favorites (-132) on the moneyline when they square off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) Friday at 7:10 PM ET, live on BSFL.Miami's Andrew Jacob Puk and Pittsburgh's Martin Perez have been named the starters for...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) and Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) meet Friday at Tropicana Field, starting at 6:50 PM ET on SNET. The Rays are -122 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Blue Jays are favored against the spread...

    Astros vs. Yankees Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The New York Yankees (1-0) visit the Houston Astros (0-1) for a road game on Friday at 8:10 PM ET.The Astros will look to Cristian Javier versus the Yankees and Carlos Rodon.Astros vs. Yankees Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

    Bet $5 with FanDuel Promo Code, Win $200 Bonus Including NCAA Tournament

    This weekend is packed with great sports action including the NCAA Tournament, MLB, and NBA for bettors. Check out the FanDuel promo code to score a $200 bonus if your first $5 bet wins! If you live in NC, you...

    DraftKings Promo Code: Get $150 for $5 Bet on College Basketball and More Sports

    This time of the year on the sports calendar is truly special with the MLB season starting, college basketball in full swing, and much more! Don't miss out on the chance to grab a bonus by using the latest DraftKings...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) play on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at Tropicana Field. The game is set to start at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will call on Aaron Civale versus the Blue Jays...

    Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday in Miami against the Miami Marlins (0-1). First pitch is at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will call on Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and Game...

    Duke vs Houston Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

    We have a couple of number-one seeds in March Madness action tonight including Houston (32-4) as the Cougars take on Duke (26-8). Check out the odds and more for Duke vs Houston which tips off tonight at 9:39 pm ET...

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...

    Fanatics NC Promo Code Scores Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Over 10 Days: Dive into North Carolina Sports Betting

    After a long wait, legal sports betting has finally arrived in the Tar Heel State. Fanatics NC, along with host of other sports books are up and operating in North Carolina. This exciting development opens doors for fans to wager...

    more bears news