Bearstalk

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.

As expected, Moose was signed by Carolina, but they also released Carr. Would we be interested in signing Carr as a backup instead of Griese? Carr played with Berrian at Fresno State and played pretty well together. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Aq0c...p&type=lgns

Fox Sports latest Mock has the Bears taking Mendenhall -- with both Baker/USC & Otah/Pittsburgh still available in the 2nd round. What do you think?? By the way - my first post -- long time reader (even at the old site). Mock

Jonathan Vilma is in Detroit Wednesday to take a physical. Vilma, the No. 12 overall pick in 2004, is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, which he underwent in November. He has experience in a Tampa 2 defense like Detroit's, having played for Herm Edwards 2004-2005. If he's cleared physically, a trade could be announced on Friday.

Citing two NFL sources, AOL Sports' Sean Jensen reports Randy Moss is expected to sign a "multi-year deal" to stay in New England. Jensen writes from Minnesota, so he probably has close ties to Moss or his agent. Jensen believes the contract is expected to be for three years and $30 million with $12-15 million guaranteed. A lot of news that comes out at this time of year is misdirection, but this makes sense. Jensen adds that impending free agent Lance Briggs is slated to sign with San Francisco.

There's mention that SF isn't interested in Briggs. I figure it to be a smokescreen since they will get their hands slapped by the NFL soon I imagine. If true, I suppose it increases the chances of our singing him. They also mention the possibility of the Bears trading for Warner in their note on Orton. Sounds like an interesting possibility...that probably should have happened years ago, and not now. http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

Good riddance. He can't say shit about Rex, now.

Just pointing out that there's one more bad WR who's hit the market the Bears might be interested in after some team over-pays for Bernard Berrian. According to PFT, Washington paid 10 million AND gave up a 3rd & 4th round draft pick for Lloyd's services. As PFT wrote, "For that investment, the Redskins got 23 catches for 365 yards in 2006 and two catches for 14 yards in 2007. He never caught a touchdown pass as a Redskin." He was in that massive free agent group Redskins fans were so proud of that included Antwaan Randle-El and Adam Archuletta. Gentlemen, that is exactly why you shouldn't get pissed when the Bears don't go broke trying to get a guy.

Patriots RB Kevin Faulk was reportedly arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession Friday night when was caught with four joints at a Lil' Wayne concert in the Cajundome. The drought of Patriot arrests has ended with Faulk and DB Willie Andrews getting caught this month. While going to the Cajundome is usually asking for trouble, Faulk might be the first person in history to get caught by a concert security check. If he wasn't in the league's confidential drug program, Faulk's playing status shouldn't be affected

There's a ton of love for Faneca but I've heard little about Flozell Adams. The guy is a pro-bowl LT. The fact that he turns 33 in May is a major problem, but you hope to get 3 years out of a guy like that. Let Tait move back to the RT position, I'll be honest, I haven't been a big fan of signing a guy, especially since he'll cost an arm and a leg. But I was sitting here trying to think what we could do that would allow us to draft Mendenhall. There are damn few tackles available in FA, and Adams is the only one who is any good. IMO, if we don't sign Adams (assuming no other good tackle becomes available, and they usually don't) we pretty much HAVE to d…

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reports that the Patriots are expected to release LB Rosevelt Colvin today. His $5.5 million base salary combined with a foot injury sealed his fate. We're still surprised because they are very thin and old at the position. Colvin quickly becomes one of the most intriguing names available at linebacker, while the Patriots need to add a lot talent to the position. Feb. 26 - 2:39 pm et Source: Boston Globe

Which mock drafts are the most reliable? Whose opinion do you trust the most? (I'm getting excited for the draft............. if you can't tell)

Josh Barrett:6'2 225 4.35 AZ State Kenny Phillips: 6'2 212 4.55 (un) Miami Quentin Demps: 6' 203 4.37 UTEP Barrett May not last till 2nd Round

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3265157 Former 1st rounder getting traded now for a 6th rounder. What a shame. I'm afraid this could be the precursor of the Vikings making a hard push for Berrian when the time comes.

Zach Zaidman on the SCORE said something interesting tonight when talking about the defense. I'm paraphrasing, but he said, "A major problem with the defense, the way I saw it being in the locker room, there were far too many "Me's" and not enough team guys. Too many guys were worried about putting up big stats so they could get paid. There was the hang-over from the Super Bowl and other guys had just gotten paid." I thought this was interesting as hell. Previously we've just assumed the defensive woes were a combination of injuries, having a new OC, and playing a more difficult schedule. This sounds like there are more chemistry issues and conflict within the …

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

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…

Let's say that the Bears do the smart thing and get an OL in the first round. Otherwise 99% of us would go crazy (like I did when they drafted Benson). With this year's WR class, it seems there is a great possibility to draft a stud in several of the first few rounds. There is a distinct possibility of having a good one in the fourth round. Desean Jackson will be gone when the Bears 2nd comes up. After that, it's almost a toss up among many there. Mario Manningham (had a bad 40 time, could slip) Early Doucet Malcolm Kelly Limas Sweed (will probably be gone after his good 40 time) James Hardy Devin Thomas Andre Caldwell Earl Bennett Adariu…

Full Story FYI on some the measureables... 40: 4.78 (T-4th among QBs) Vert: 28.5 (5th among QBs) Broad Jump: 9.02 (T-2nd amont QBs) 3 Cone: 6.82 (1st among QBs)