Bearstalk

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 …

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2008...-on-faneca.html Jets close in on Faneca The free-agent signing period opened at midnight, and the Jets were expected the strike quickly. The target: Steelers LG Alan Faneca. The Jets are poised to make Faneca an $8 million-a-year offer and, barring an upset, they will get their man. The official announcement may not happen for a day or two, but those in the know believe it’s a fait accompli. It’s never done until the ink is on the paper, but the Jets are expected to outbid the Rams and 49ers. Faneca, 31, is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. He would fill a gaping hole at left guard, sliding between LT D’Br…

If Tommy Kelly can get $50 million over 7 years, what will Tommie Harris command? Kelly is now the highest paid DT. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AgXL...p&type=lgns

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.

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??