Warren Brings Hope, Schultz’s Audition, Maher Goes Parkey, Chip in Ball, Lamar Sweepstakes? And Other Bears Bullets

Jan 17, 2023

Another season of The Bachelor premiers six days from today. This means I’ll probably be sharing thoughts about it at the top of Bullets a week from now. Consider this fair warning.

The Bears are set to introduce Kevin Warren as the franchise’s new president/CEO at a ~~10 a.m.~~ noon press conference. Some recommended reading from ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, who spoke with a bunch of NFL execs and college head honchos to give some more additional background and depth on the new guy in charge.

Over at the Daily Herald, Jim O’Donnell paints Warren as someone whose presence should give Bears fans a reason to believe about the future. Mind you, this isn’t to say that Warren is perfect. But the overall vibe is that his arrival should provide an upgrade to what the Bears previously had at the top of their organizational pyramid.

I’m not sure how many questions Warren will get regarding the Bears’ stadium plans in Arlington Heights. And even if he got ’em, I’m not sure how he could properly answer them in a manner that would be satisfactory to everyone who wants answers. But it would still be nice to (1) hear the questions and (2) check out how Warren answers them.

This is an astute observation:

remaining playoff Head Coach backgrounds

JAX – offense – Doug Pederson
KC – offense – Andy Reid
NYG – offense – Brian Daboll
PHI – offense – Nick Sirianni
CIN – offense – Zac Taylor
BUF – defense – Sean McDermott
DAL – offense – Mike McCarthy
SF – offense – Kyle Shanahan— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 17, 2023

As you know by now, the Bears hired a defensive-leaning head coach last offseason (Matt Eberflus) and passed on hiring Brian Daboll (who was essentially the people’s choice). From a Bears fan’s perspective, the hope is that Eberflus can follow Sean McDermott’s path. But for that to happen, Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy will need to do for Justin Fields what Daboll did for Josh Allen. Admittedly, that feels like a tall task. However, it wasn’t that long ago when Allen was a QB with loud tools and unique athleticism who was needing some weapons around him to help unlock his upside. Trading for Stefon Diggs to be Allen’s WR1 and rebuilding that offensive line were good starting points for Buffalo. Ideally, Bears GM Ryan Poles has a copy of the Bills’ blueprint somewhere in his office.

One target whose performance last night justified my desire to get him to town when free agency opens its doors was Cowboys tight end, Dalton Schultz. Schultz, who is playing on the Franchise Tag this year, caught seven passes for 95 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. He also had a key block that sprung a first-down run. No, Schultz won’t be the most popular free agent target on the market. However, he is someone Chicago should consider as an upgrade to their passing attack in an offseason that appears to be lacking serious receiver talent at the moment. Simply put, the Bears should be open to alternative pass-catching options who aren’t receivers. Perhaps teaming Schultz and Cole Kmet as tandem tight ends in a way that was similar to how the Patriots deployed Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski could be fun.

Logic suggests Dallas running back Tony Pollard won’t make it to free agency. The Cowboys’ top rusher last night (15 carries, 77 yards) has out-played Ezekiel Elliott, but his future with the team is uncertain. Will Dallas dump Zeke? Does Jerry Jones have it in him to do that to one of his favorite picks? The Cowboys can use the tag just once. Would you use it on Pollard? Or Schultz? And if you’re a Bears team looking to add explosive weapons to the offense, would you rather have a RB who could team with Khalil Herbert or a TE pairing with Kmet? These are questions worth asking.

Let the record show Schultz and Pollard have been on our radar for a minute. And in the case of Schultz, it goes back a bit.

Could we see a Lamar Jackson trade sweepstakes?

Are Lamar Jackson Trade Rumors About to Pop Off?https://t.co/u40s8qNgK0 pic.twitter.com/ywbHZPSl4s
— Bleacher Nation NFL (@BN_Touchdown) January 16, 2023

My early guess is that yes, we can. And yes, we will. It could be fun to follow from afar — especially since we won’t be stressing about the Bears’ need to get in on the action. However, part of me wonders if it could throw a wrench in Chicago’s plans to trade the top pick. I’ll probably want to expand on this later. But if Jackson truly hits the market, we’ll find ourselves rooting for anyone who isn’t the Texans, Colts, Raiders, Falcons, or Panthers to land him.

This is a fun thing to think about:

Barring Justin Fields, there's no #Bears player I'm more excited to see in 2023 than Eddie Jackson.

Credit to Williams & Eberflus, they know how to use #4 — he had a FABULOUS 2022, and that's without a DL in front of him! Overhaul the DL and let's see him next year😈— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) January 16, 2023

Jackson would be near the top of my list of players I’m excited to see in 2023. Especially if I’m not allowed to pick Justin Fields. Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, and Darnell Mooney would also occupy high-priority spots. Hopefully, there are some free agents and draft picks who can make strong cases to also make the cut.

News of the Cardinals bringing on Monti Ossenfort to be their new GM was met with a sigh of relief by me. Mostly because, by doing so, Arizona passes on hiring Bears Assistant GM Ian Cunningham. First order of business for Ossenfort: Trading receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Bears. 😉

If I was running the Vikings, I’d see this statement from Justin Jefferson and do anything and everything to make him happy. But that’s just me. I’m built different:

Justin Jefferson on extension: If they want me here, I'm here. https://t.co/V1iWUIKBHV
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 16, 2023

If JJettas was asking me for advice, I’d tell him not to take an extension offer and wait out free agency. From there, go visit Chicago and take the large sack of money that awaits. But that’s just me being a dreamer who thinks big (and with a little bit of a Bears bias). Then again, if the history of receivers eligible for extensions has taught us anything it’s that negotiations are about to get loud and public. Bring on the drama, Minny!

Some clarification about the chip in the ball situation:

The chip in the football can tell you where the ball was at any given moment.

It cannot tell you the moment the player is down. A chip in the ball is still only half the equation. https://t.co/H7ajmtJqrr— Lee Sharpe (@LeeSharpeNFL) January 16, 2023

At a minimum, I like that we’re even having the discussion about modernizing the game in this way.

What is worse: Your performance draws comparisons to Cody Parkey or getting trolled by THE DICTIONARY!?

Even the dictionary is trolling Brett Maher … the DICTIONARY IS TROLLING! 🤣🤣🤣

h/t @MerriamWebster pic.twitter.com/9uwb92nMpT
— Bleacher Nation NFL (@BN_Touchdown) January 17, 2023

I guess that is something for Cowboys kicker Brett Maher to answer after he missed four PATs. He should consider himself to be lucky that the Cowboys won.

AHEM! You can follow the coverage of the NFL as a whole over at BN NFL. Check out the Twitter feed. And don’t forget to like us on Facebook.

We’re halfway home in Hawkeytown:

#Blackhawks at 41: Half-Way to Mission Accomplished? https://t.co/z9V9tMe1dl pic.twitter.com/T3ocrrcjp7
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) January 16, 2023

The Bulls are in Paris this week. And DeMar DeRozan is joining the party:

Bulls in Paris: DEMAR IS BACK! But Lonzo Probably Won’t Behttps://t.co/h6XJRY7fT9 pic.twitter.com/CDPCm4Hiw3
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) January 16, 2023

Nick Madrigal is still a Cub. And he’ll apparently get reps at third base. (BN Cubs)

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

Happy NFL Draft Day! (And Other Bears Bullets)

Today is the day we've been waiting for since the NFL regular season ended. It's NFL Draft Day! The Chicago Bears have the first pick. Unless something unexpected happens, it'll be USC quarterback Caleb Williams getting the nod. Now that...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Defensive Linemen

The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

Luis C. Medina

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

And Now Penei Sewell Has Signed a MASSIVE Extension With The Lions

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hard at work today! It's fitting that just a day before the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit, the Lions have locked up two franchise, homegrown cornerstones just hours apart. This morning,...

Matt Rooney

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

Take a Look at the New Chicago Bears Stadium Renderings

The Chicago Bears unveiled plans for their downtown lakefront stadium proposal on Wednesday. And as you might expect, it is very kind on the eyes: https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1783185834490888461 The Bears even gave the project a code name — The Burnham Park Project: The...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

We have a new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL! According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have made Amon-Ra St. Brown the richest wideout in the NFL with a four-year, $120 million contract extension...

Matt Rooney

Apr 24, 2024

Joe alt notre dame bears offensive line target NFL Draft

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Offensive Linemen

Luis C. Medina

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

Stadium Stuff, Rome and Caleb, New Bears Hires, and Other Bears Bullets

The 2024 NFL Draft is just one day away. Soon, we'll get to hear those magic words: "The Chicago Bears are on the clock." And they'll mean something! ICYMI: The Bears, who are set to have a press conference at...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

Ian Cunningham is Getting an Extension From the Bears

Ian Cunningham is set to stick around for a little while longer. The Chicago Bears assistant general manager is getting some years tacked on to his contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. No details on how many more years are...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

The Bears Are Expected to Ask For Some Public Money For New Stadium

If you have followed pro sports stadium projects in the past, then you probably are aware that taxpayers tend to end up footing a hearty chunk of the bill. And while the Chicago Bears have not yet made public their...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears GM Ryan Poles Isn’t Necessarily Looking to Trade For More Draft Picks

Ryan Poles has done well in creating a bevy of picks in each of his first two NFL Draft classes as Chicago Bears general manager. And even though the Bears have a league-low four picks in this week's NFL Draft,...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 23, 2024

Picks

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – April 25, 2024

In a Thursday NBA playoff schedule that includes three competitive matchups, the Denver Nuggets versus the Los Angeles Lakers is a game to see.Searching for NBA player prop bets for today's games? This article features NBA player props for every...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Bears

Happy NFL Draft Day! (And Other Bears Bullets)

Luis C. Medina

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Dodgers vs. Nationals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

After a four-hit game last time out, Will Smith leads the Los Angeles Dodgers (15-11) as -199 favorites against the Washington Nationals (10-13). Action gets underway from Nationals Park at 4:05 PM ET on Thursday, live on MLB Network.Los Angeles'...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 4, Astros 3 – April 24, 2024

The Cubs did all their scoring in the first, and made it stand up for the win with generally good pitching and generally good defense. Jameson Taillon looked solid again in his second start, locating well, giving up no barrels,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Mariners vs. Rangers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

Expect a display of power when Caleb Raleigh (6 HR) and the Seattle Mariners (12-12) take on Adolis Garcia (7 HR) and the Texas Rangers (13-12) at Globe Life Field at 2:35 PM ET live on BSSW. Raleigh and the...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Padres vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

The San Diego Padres will take the field against the Colorado Rockies (6-19) on Thursday. The game begins at 3:10 PM ET on SDPA, with the Padres listed as -150 favorites on the moneyline.San Diego's Randy Vasquez gets the start,...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Dodgers vs. Nationals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 25

After winning three games in a row, the Los Angeles Dodgers (15-11) play on the road against the Washington Nationals (10-13) at 4:05 PM ET on Thursday.The Dodgers will give the nod to Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1) versus the Nationals and...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Royals vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

The Kansas City Royals (15-10) are favored on the moneyline (-121) in Thursday's contest against the Toronto Blue Jays (13-12). First pitch is at 2:10 PM ET on SNET. The Blue Jays, with +166 odds, are favored against the spread...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Astros vs. Cubs Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

Expect a display of power when Jose Altuve (6 HR) and the Houston Astros (7-18) take on Michael Busch (6 HR) and the Chicago Cubs (15-9) at Wrigley Field at 2:20 PM ET live on SCHN. Altuve and the Astros...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, April 25, 2024

The Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Guardians take the field for one of 10 exciting matchups on the MLB slate today.Below you'll discover MLB player prop bets for each and every game on today's slate -- MLB prop bets...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Warren Brings Hope, Schultz’s Audition, Maher Goes Parkey, Chip in Ball, Lamar Sweepstakes? And Other Bears Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular