Bearstalk

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 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 …

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

So who do we draft as a QB to develop if Rex and Kyle fall short of expectations? Everyone seems concerned about QBs in the draft who have problems with mechanics, speed, agility, athleticism, quick release, Big School competition, etc... There have been many QBs drafted who had all of these attributes that flopped as NFL QBs. Ryan Leaf, drafted #2 in round 1 of the 1998 draft. Cade McNown drafted #12 in round 1 of the 1999 draft. How can we forget Rick Mirer drafted #2 of the 1993 draft. All of these QBs had all the qualities we have discussed necessary to become an NFL Star QB. But there have been QBs who lacked these attributes that succeed…

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.

Let Berrian walk and take a chance on Walker.

Barely a half hour into free agency, and the Vikins have set up a Friday visit with Bears receiver Bernard Berrian. Berrian wants a contract that pays out $24.5 million over the first three years, and that includes $12 million guaranteed. He would provide a deep threat for the Vikings' West Coast offense. Have a guy who can stretch the field opens up the various underneath routes in the system. source: pft

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.

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.

Just saw on NFL network that the Chargers released OT Shane Olivea. He isn't that old and OT is a huge need, what are your guys thoughts on this, I for one would shell the dough to get a proven vet on this line like shane. Chargers OL has been pretty darn good the last few years.

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 …

PFT is reporting that Andre Davis was just re-signed to a 4yr/$16m deal w/ an $8m bonus. Yes, that is right. $8m bonus. Same amount we offered Berrian. Yea, I know we offered Berrian more money overall, but if Andre Davis is going to get $8m, what the heck will a good WR get. I fear the combination of a huge salary cap jump (meaning many teams w/ huge cap dollars to spend) combined w/ a very weak crop of FA WRs, will lead to very mediocre WRs getting paid big bucks and good WRs getting ridiculous money. More than ever, I think this deals sells me that we need to sign short term solutions at WR. After that, we can (a) see if Hester/Bradley/Hass can develop (…

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Check the bottom of this article from the Suntimes. Bears must have felt there would be some interest. http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...-bear29.article Peace

cant sleep, drunk, and bored so why not.... 1st Round: Jeff Otah OT ( really think about mendy or stewart here 2nd Round: Dre MOore DT Maryland 3rd Round: Tom Zbikowski Safety ND I hope he falls to the 3rd round, i doubt it but eh whatever.. 3rd Round: Jordy Nelson WR K State 4th Round: Franklin Dunbar OT Middle Tennessee St. 5th Round: DEnnis Dixon QB Oregon is he there in the 5th??

Jonathan Vilma according to ESPN and many other sources was given permission to seek a trade to anyone besides the Patriots. I for one am a huge fan of Vilma and thinks he would be amazing alongside Urlacher. Although you would be moving him from his MLB position to an OLB position but with his skill and youth I really think he would still shine in Chicago. Do you think there is any interest from the organization and what do you think it would take to get him? Jonathan Vilma Can Fly Away

I thought it would be a good idea to start a FA Tracker thread with the period opening tomorrow (or actually 11pm tonight). Here is one of many Trackers: http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/fa?bcsi_scan_...F/1kQEAAAAGMHAB

The surgery Cedric Benson underwent to repair his fractured ankle required a small plate to hold the bone together. A source told the Chicago Sun Times that the plate and surgery "may cost him a step." Really, how much slower could he be? Benson can trigger a $1.73 million bonus by rushing for 701 yards in 2008, but probably won't get there. The Bears seem likely to find a new starting back this offseason.