header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Bears Vikings Set the Price, Rank....

Vikings Set the Price, Rank the WRs, Learning Curves and Helping Hands, and Other Bears Bullets

Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
May 14, 2023
Chicago Bears

Spending my Saturday taking a day trip on the road to get some fresh air was good for the soul. I should do that more often.

  • Ooh! Some weekend transaction fun:

    • The Vikings are Trading Za’Darius Smith to the Cleveland Browns

  • One year after signing Za’Darius Smith away from the Packers as a free agent, the Vikings sent the pass-rushing sack artist to the Browns. That was quick. But not unexpected. Minny was needing cap space. Cleveland was searching for pass-rush help. It makes sense why this deal came together. So instead of seeing Smith twice in 2023, the Bears will see him only once (since the Browns pop up on the Bears schedule). When I saw the news cross the wire, a part of me was bummed. But only because I was holding out hope that Smith would be a post-June 1 cut or a late-in-the-preseason cut candidate Chicago could target. After all, the Bears still need edge help.

  • The good news is that GM Ryan Poles is actively looking for help at defensive end. And the way he was speaking about it on radio interviews on Friday makes me think he is lining up his options. Maybe something isn’t imminent this weekend. But Poles has a way of making moves after publicly making his intentions known. At a minimum, it is something to keep tabs on in the coming days and weeks.

  • And in a bit of more good news, maybe the cost of doing business in a trade won’t be all that wild. Minnesota is getting fifth-round picks in 2024 and 2025 from Cleveland in the deal. In addition to Smith, Cleveland also receives 2025 sixth and seventh-round selections. It makes me wonder if the Bears can send that 2024 fourth-rounder it got from the Eagles to a team as part of a package. Shout out to Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mesah (who interviewed with the Bears, mind you) for laying the groundwork for what should be a relatively light acquisition cost for veteran defensive end help.

  • Adding DJ Moore to this receivers room makes everything look better:

  • The difference a year can make isn’t lost on me. Darnell Mooney should settle in nicely behind Moore. In all honesty, he’ll probably need that because he is coming off an injury-shortened 2022 season. That Mooney is coming back and doesn’t have to be force-fed the ball or pushed too hard in the recovery process is something we shouldn’t overlook. Even if the Bears were to slow-play Mooney’s return, having someone like Chase Claypool behind Moore can help Chicago’s offense stick the landing. It isn’t that a Mooney-Claypool tandem wasn’t enough help for Fields. It’s just that neither was fully operational at the same time for QB1. That’s what happens when one player had to fight through learning the playbook mid-season and the other was hitting their stride only after struggling early in the regular season while adjusting to a new offense.

  • At some point, I’ll need to prepare myself just in case Moore doesn’t pick things up quickly in his new offense. But this is where having guys like Mooney (1+ year under his belt in the offense) and Claypool (half a year + a full offseason) should be helpful. It’ll be fascinating to watch this group grow.

  • That Week 1 Bears-Packers ticket is looking pricy!

  • The get-in price isn’t as high as a Taylor Swift ticket. But some of the secondary market prices for that Bears-Packers game give me some flashbacks.

  • Best wishes and Happy Mother’s Day to all:

    • https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1657740221599961088?s=20

  • An addendum: Sending love to those who have lost their mothers, mothers who have lost their children, step-moms, and so many other motherly figures. And to everyone else under the umbrella who I can’t think of immediately, may you have a wonderful Sunday.

  • Some things are bigger than football:

  • It’s impossible for me to not think about this as the last Mother’s Day game my mom would have. But what a good time we had watching our favorite player hit a walk-off homer:

  • Here’s one for the hockey moms:

    • Read More

    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

    NFLPA Rookie Premiere 2024, Caleb and Rome, Early Fantasy Rankings, and Other Bears Bullets

    Wrapping up a weekend of shenanigans with dog-sitting duties. We're going to have walks, belly-rubs, and movie naps today. I'm looking forward to it. But first, I've got to push these BN Bears Bullets across the finish line. Check it...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 19, 2024
    Montez sweat bears de
    Chicago Bears

    Bears Watchability, Identifying “Must Win” Games, One Idea For NFL’s International Plan, and Other Bears Bullets

    My social calendar unexpectedly filling up in May has been a pleasant surprise. As is projected 80-degree weather on a Saturday afternoon. Cheers, friends. Sure, the Chicago Bears 2024 strength of schedule doesn't look all too daunting. And it sure...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Bears

    Heads Up! Tyrique Stevenson is Poised For a Breakout

    A tip of the cap to the Chicago Bears social media team, which is doing a heckuva job keeping fans engaged in what has turned into a fun offseason. Their latest Q&A endeavor asks Bears players who they would choose...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 17, 2024
    Chicago Bears

    It’s Here And It’s Perfect: EA Sports College Football 25 Trailer Released

    Today EA Sports released the trailer for College Football 25 and it's absolutely perfect. The graphics look amazing, Chris Fowler sets the stage, each team shown has its own unique entrance and tradition, and in just two short months it...

    Matt Rooney Matt Rooney
    May 17, 2024
    Top 5 New York Jets Free Agent Targets
    Chicago Bears

    Around the NFL: Get Ready for a Hefty Serving of Aaron Rodgers, How Much Will it Cost to Watch Every NFL Game in 2024? More

    The NFL schedule makers felt they were entitled to a re-do when it comes to cramming Aaron Rodgers down our throats, and they took full advantage of it. Plus, how much will it cost to watch every NFL game in...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 17, 2024
    bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington
    Chicago Bears

    Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington to Attend NFL’s Coaching Accelerator Program

    Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington will take part in the upcoming NFL Coach Accelerator Program that will take place at the league meetings taking place in Nashville next week. This isn't Washington's first rodeo, as the former Buffalo Bills...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 17, 2024
    bears head coach matt eberflus
    Chicago Bears

    HBD Coach Flus, Andy Dalton’s Side Hustle, College Football’s Big July Date, and Other Bears Bullets

    It's a Friday. We finally made it. I can't believe I get to see your face. Making it to a warm-weather Friday in spring has me feeling better than I do on other days of the week. And it's got...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 17, 2024
    bears schedule release video Caleb Williams Rome Odunze
    Chicago Bears

    The Chicago Bears 2024 Schedule is HERE (Dates, Times, More)

    Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, Kyler Gordon, and Teven Jenkins are among the Chicago Bears players who took starring roles in the team's 2024 schedule release video drop. Here it is in all of its glory: The...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 15, 2024
    bears draft pick Austin booker
    Chicago Bears

    Austin Booker is the Third Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

    Another one is in the books for the Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft class as the team announced that Austin Booker has signed his rookie deal. This is what it looked like when Booker put pen to paper at Halas...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 16, 2024
    bears qb Caleb Williams
    Chicago Bears

    NFL Schedule-makers Gifted Caleb Williams and the Bears a Soft Landing

    If Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears get off to a good start this season, someone at Halas Hall should send a gift basket of Italian beef, tavern-style pizza, hot dogs, sport pepper Malört, and other Chicago delicacies to the...

    Luis C. Medina Luis C. Medina
    May 16, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    How to Watch

    How to Watch Royals vs. Tigers: Live Stream or on TV

    On Monday, Michael Wacha will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals (29-19) against Reese Olson and the Detroit Tigers (23-23), with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium.The article below will provide you with everything...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Panthers vs. Rangers Stanley Cup Semifinals Game 1 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, May 22, 2024

    The oddsmakers are predicting a close contest between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers on Wednesday in New York City, with the Panthers given moneyline odds of -115 and the Rangers at -105.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Panthers vs. Rangers...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

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

    The Houston Astros (21-26), with Framber Valdez on the mound, host the Los Angeles Angels (18-29) who will start Reid Detmers, at 8:10 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Houston-Los Angeles matchup in the...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Braves vs. Padres: Live Stream or on TV

    The Atlanta Braves (26-15), led by Marcell Ozuna, host Jurickson Profar and the San Diego Padres (23-24) on Monday at 12:20 PM ET.See how to watch the Atlanta-San Diego matchup below.When is Braves vs. Padres and when does it start?This...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Cardinals vs. Orioles: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The St. Louis Cardinals (20-26), with Sonny Gray on the hill, host the Baltimore Orioles (29-15) who will start Dean Kremer, at 7:45 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.Find out how to watch the St. Louis-Baltimore matchup below.When...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Twins vs. Nationals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Pablo Lopez takes the ball for the Minnesota Twins (24-22) when they visit starter Mitchell Parker and the Washington Nationals (20-25) at 6:45 PM ET on Monday.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Brewers vs. Marlins: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday, in a series opener at LoanDepot park, Joe Ross takes the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers (27-19) against Ryan Weathers and the Miami Marlins (15-33), with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Rays vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Taj Bradley will take the ball for the Tampa Bay Rays (25-23) when they host starter Tanner Houck and the Boston Red Sox (23-24) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 6:50 PM ET.Keep reading to find...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Guardians vs. Mets: Live Stream or on TV

    Ben Lively will take the ball for the Cleveland Guardians (30-17) when they host starter Tylor Megill and the New York Mets (21-25) on Monday, with first pitch at 6:10 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Yankees vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Marcus Stroman takes the mound for the New York Yankees (33-15) when they host starter Logan Gilbert and the Seattle Mariners (25-22) at 7:05 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch New...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    More Posts

    more bears news

    NFLPA Rookie Premiere 2024, Caleb and Rome, Early Fantasy Rankings, and Other Bears Bullets

    Montez sweat bears de

    Bears Watchability, Identifying “Must Win” Games, One Idea For NFL’s International Plan, and Other Bears Bullets

    Heads Up! Tyrique Stevenson is Poised For a Breakout

    It’s Here And It’s Perfect: EA Sports College Football 25 Trailer Released

    Top 5 New York Jets Free Agent Targets

    Around the NFL: Get Ready for a Hefty Serving of Aaron Rodgers, How Much Will it Cost to Watch Every NFL Game in 2024? More

    bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington

    Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington to Attend NFL’s Coaching Accelerator Program

    bears head coach matt eberflus

    HBD Coach Flus, Andy Dalton’s Side Hustle, College Football’s Big July Date, and Other Bears Bullets

    bears draft pick Austin booker

    Austin Booker is the Third Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

    bears qb Caleb Williams

    NFL Schedule-makers Gifted Caleb Williams and the Bears a Soft Landing

    2024 NFL Schedule Release Videos

    My Favorite 2024 NFL Schedule Release Videos

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    REPORT: Cubs Trade Richard Lovelady to the Rays

    Hendricks Will Get More Chances, Many Injury Updates, A Possible New Scandal, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Latest News

    How to Watch Royals vs. Tigers: Live Stream or on TV

    Panthers vs. Rangers Stanley Cup Semifinals Game 1 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, May 22, 2024

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

    How to Watch Braves vs. Padres: Live Stream or on TV

    Cardinals vs. Orioles: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Twins vs. Nationals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Brewers vs. Marlins: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Rays vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    How to Watch Guardians vs. Mets: Live Stream or on TV

    Yankees vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Blue Jays vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Mets Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners Series May 20-23: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Washington Nationals vs. Minnesota Twins Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Miami Marlins vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    REPORT: Cubs Trade Richard Lovelady to the Rays

    Hendricks Will Get More Chances, Many Injury Updates, A Possible New Scandal, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.