Bearstalk

I'm not blaming the media, like a desperate politician. However, is it me, or no matter what, the Bears (and I'm just talking ownership, management, and coaches)look like morons in the press. Much of it I believe is deserved, however there's some of it that just seems like it's prepetuating a non-existant myth. The only good thing you hear about the organization is Hester. Much of it obviously deserved. I think it does make a good story, especially when the team's record is what it was last season. As much as the media loves the Pat's, it seems like they bash teams like the Raiders, Lion, Caridnals, Bengals and Bears regardless. I'm necessarily "tire…

from the Suntimes http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...t022908.article Peace

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ag9c...o&type=lgns INDIANAPOLIS – Eyeing the free agent bloodbath on the horizon, Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo preached “sobriety in the marketplace” – the act of keeping your head, spending money wisely, and not corrupting prices in the NFL’s free agent period. “Because you have the money,” Angelo said, “doesn’t mean you have to spend all the money.” In a way, it sounded like a verbal white flag from the team most likely to get raided when free agency begins on Friday. Of all the years to allow talented free agents to get to the open market, Chicago gambled and stumbled upon the worst. A solid period …

The Redskins are not believed to be interested in free agent LB Lance Briggs, according to the Chicago Sun Times. It looks like Briggs overestimated the market. He hasn't even made a visit yet to our knowledge. If he makes it through the first wave of free agency, Denver, Cleveland, and Tampa Bay could up their efforts to pursue him.

This has become a joke with JA and FA.

Free agent Bernard Berrian is reportedly en route to Oakland. The Vikings couldn't get him signed immediately, not that they're entirely out of the running. Berrian is the deep threat big-armed JaMarcus Russell needs and Al Davis has tons of cap room, even after the Tommy Kelly signing.

The Bears are working to set up a visit with free agent WR Bryant Johnson. It'd be Johnson's first visit. He could be in Chicago by early next week. It's no surprise that the overrated wideout isn't being highly sought after.

Broncos released WR Javon Walker, according to ESPN's Michael Smith.

With the lack of activity in the offseason and the team's willingness of letting starters like Berrian and Briggs go, as well as special team contributors like Ayanbadejo and Gilmore, I am thinking more and more that JA and the Bears are going to spend the next season or two rebuilding the team to make them better for the future rather then putting all our resources into just for the next year or two. I can't say this is a bad idea, but it would suck to see the Bears suck for a year or two, if not more. But with the young talent and future the Lions, Vikings, and Packers have, we might not be able to compete in the NFC North for more then maybe a year or two.

49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz immediately phoned Isaac Bruce Thursday night after learning of Bruce's release from the Rams. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that if Bruce gets on a plane to San Francisco Friday, it won't be for a formal visit. It will be to sign a contract

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that the Jaguars agreed to terms with Jerry Porter

Link. Although the Bills are reluctant to use cap space since they are actually a small market team, after last year, this is a good signing. Sort of helps replace London fletcher, bolsters a LB corps that was very weak after Pos got injured, and he's only 28.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...e022908.article Not a big deal, as far as I'm concerned. I'd just use a pick in the 6th/7th to get the best remaining blocking TE available. They don't tend to go early.

The Bears and Brian Urlacher are discussing a restructuring of his contract. Urlacher signed a nine-year deal in 2003, but will make just $3.95 million this season, as salary inflation has far exceeded the increments in his agreement. The timing is bad for Urlacher, though, as he suffered with a sore back for much of last season, and still won't be able to run for two more weeks after undergoing neck surgery. Source: Chicago Tribune Michael Turner is visiting the Falcons Friday. Atlanta, looking for a power rusher, is the most logical landing spot for Turner. We wouldn't be surprised if he signs Friday. The Lions, Bears and Saints are also said to be actively …

WILLIAMS LINES UP VISITS Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that Falcons free-agent linebacker Demorrio Williams has already lined up visits with the Chiefs, Bucs, and Bears. Williams plays on the weak side. In Chicago, he could be the replacement for Lance Briggs.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks Dolphins strike first February 29, 2008 7:00 AM When the clock struck midnight, the Dolphins were off and running. Miami signed former 49ers guard Justin Smiley to a five-year, $25 million deal, which includes $9 million in guarantees. Smiley started 49 games in his four seasons with San Francisco. He started the first eight games of the 2007 season before suffering a right shoulder injury and undergoing surgery. Smiley will immediately start for the Dolphins, in part, because he has a pulse. I'm sure Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano talked to his friend George Warhop about Smiley before signing him. Warhop is …