Soldier Field’s Future, LBs Cashing In, Finding the Next Forte, Thankful For Fields, and Other Bears Bullets
We’ve got a thing going on TOMORROW.
Michael has the deets:
I’m looking forward to fielding your questions on the Bears panel. It’ll be an AMA but in real time!
Be there (you can get your ticket here!) or be square.
- Chicago has a new mayor. But as Bears President/CEO Kevin Warren recently reiterated that even with new leadership at city hall, the franchise’s sole focus when it comes to a new stadium is in Arlington Heights. For what it’s worth, the Chicago Park District (which manages Soldier Field) is preparing for the Bears’ departure and in search of a new strategic vision for the property, per WBBM’s reporting. Maybe the new guy in charge has some good ideas when it comes to doing something worthwhile with the Soldier Field property when the time comes.
- As for the players who will suit up at Soldier Field (and eventually, the Arlington Park stadium to be named later), the upcoming NFL Draft is the next big thing in the player acquisition process. And even though the Bears appear to have locked in their running backs, Tulane’s Tyjae Spears still intrigues me. Kay Adams dropping a Matt Forte comp further piques my interest:
- I mean, if Spears is going to go full Forte, it might as well be for the team Forte made his name.
- Forte is one of those players from a previous era who I wish was available to play now because that guy would be a star now. He made just two Pro Bowls, but had five 1,000-yard rushing years in Chicago and had at least 1,200 scrimmage yards in each of his eight seasons with the team. In eight of those years, Forte reached at least 1,400 rushing + receiving yards. He should’ve scored more touchdowns, but that is less on Forte and more of a function of the general nature of the Bears offense. That guy was a real one.
- Back to Spears, Bleacher Report’s scout team gives the Tulane product a third-round grade. This team has more pressing needs than a running back, but I’m into looking at all possibilities that make for a more explosive offense. And bringing on a back who can do it as a rusher and receiver out of the backfield would add another layer to this offense. Maybe the Bears can find that on Day 3. But I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t already dreaming of Spears following in Forte’s footsteps.
- And, hey, the last skill-position player the Bears took from Tulane turned out to be fun. Just saying…
- There is still time to vote in this poll:
- I can imagine Roquan Smith feels great sitting atop this list. But I wonder how Roquan feels about seeing his replacement (Tremaine Edmunds) clocking in at just $2 million less than what he is getting from Baltimore.
- For as much smoke as there was surrounding the Bears and Bobby Okereke, part of me will always wonder if the Bears could’ve done something different with the $8 million in savings had they landed him at the price the Giants did. Honestly, I’m not all that bothered by it. Edmunds was a draft favorite of ours in 2018 and I’m excited to see what he can do roaming the middle of the Bears defense.
- Jarrett Payton is legitimately one of the kindest people I’ve met. And reading about his search for strangers who helped saved his son’s life after he suffered a seizure has me hoping he is successful in finding those who were helpful. As someone whose mother had health issues in public, it hits home when I think about times when strangers were helpful in a time of need. Good luck, JP. And best of health to your son. (Sun-Times)
- The Bears Care Gala benefitting women’s cancer research in the Chicagoland area is around the corner. You can get tickets via the Bears here.
- When I first saw this, my initial reaction was it sure is nice to not have to spin this into a “maybe the Bears can trade for this guy?” post:
- I’m thankful for Justin Fields. How about you?
- This’ll get you a 15-yard penalty, a letter from the Commissioner’s Office, and a few thousand buckeroos taken out of your game check:
- Watch highlights here from the Cubs’ 12-5 walloping of the Reds last night.
- The Hawks handed the Bulls a huge L last night. And yet, the Bulls qualified for the postseason play-in tournament. So … who’s really the big winner?
- Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks continue their quest to be bad for good players:
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