ASHKUM BEAR

I started watching, will have to finish later, but pretty cool. Ive only drafted a couple times, but the playing gm is interesting woth restructures etc.

The issue is we are 5 million in the hole. Every restructure pushes more cap into 27 and 28. I believe they cut Edmunds and restructure DJ to add 32 million. Take 8 mil for rookie pool, 5 mil to get under cap, which leaves about 19 million to sign a starting S and LB and have emergency cap to spend in season. Draft, they need to nail a starting DT, S, and possibly LT and DE. They can create a little more with restructures but they lose future cap or increase the dead cap making it harder to cut those players down the road. I would talk to Thuney about an extension to retire here.

He might if he thinks he can still get one last big payday after the extension expires. Or if he wants a shot at winning superbowl, maybe he takes less. On another note, David Montgomery has expressed he'd like out of Detroit. It would be a good story if he came back but a) looking at ways to create cap and b) him and Monangua are both thunder guys.

That is true, BJs motto is you have to block to get the rock. Speaking of pass pro, the oline kicked butt: Thuney #2 IOL, Wright #4 OT, Dalman #8 IOL, and Jackson #12 IOL. The Bears will need to shake some cap. Swift can be a extension candidate, but doubtful he does this to lessen his pay when guys like Breece Hall are expected to get 10 mil/year for 4. Swifts 8.8 mil is modest next year. My guess is he would look for 4 years to finish his career with another big pay.

First place schedule and a maxed out cap. How much do the Bears restructure and make future years tighter. Edmunds cut gives them operating money, 15 mil, for draft and emergency. Restructure Moore for 17 mil, but if so expect him to be around at least two more years. Might not be popular, but a Swift cutting frees up 7.5 mil and they could draft a guy rd 3 or 4 to replace him while signing a vet.

Another option for LT that we hear yearly is Darnell Wright. Yes, its better to leave him alone, but its an option. The list is Benedict, Kiran, Thuney, and Wright until Trapilo is healthy enough to return. Does using another high pick make sense? They won't know much about Kiran until after the draft that they dont already know. You'd think a light turns on eventually.

Yeah, NE is decent, but lucked into their schedule and overall a weak AFC. We might have played Sea better, but have a ways to go yet before being favored. The Bears were very lucky as well. Those 7 come backs could have went the other way and the tone is different. They need to make some big improvements just to pass up GB and Det. Don't expect GB to be a push over. Then even tougher is the NFC west.

One take away from the game is Defense still wins with a great running game. Darnold, a mediocre plus QB with those two factors can win. This is not saying a great QB cannot. The Bears need to get their defense upgraded and eventually a top tier RB that can take control of the game. This somewhat says 2 years out, but anything can happen.

Of course, I think Edward's is back due to respect more so than his play last year. Edmunds has to be a cap casualty, thats a ton of money with savings if let go. Hypolite has a ways to go. Can they resign Demarco Jackson and then draft a late round prospect.

This needs to be fixed and if the WRs are at fault, so is coach Randel El. They have a lot of work on getting on page with Caleb for routes and securing catches. If they had that, no doubt they would have played another game and 4000 yds would be history. If DJ wants to stay and be part of the legend, rework that contract and get to work on raising your level. The D needs a lot of work, but do it with multipliers. I believe that starts front and center with the two DTs. They will push the pocket and help the DE, LB, and DBs. DE is a need, but get the horses in front of the cart first. Get a 3rd rd or after DE to develop and compete with Dayo, Booker, and Turner.

Cunningham has his first player issue, James Pierce DE was arrested on felony domestic charges. He also jist fired Ryan Pace...

I just dont see all the de's gone before pick 25 either. This class is not very deep, so if we dont see a premium position at 25, id be happy to move down to a qb needy team that passed in the top of the draft wanting the 5 yr contract to take one. Maybe we can get a 2027 2nd rd pick and the 5th pick rd 2 in this draft

You do see different, sometimes worse when top 10 prospects are there and you want to take them but want a more realistic feel. Ive been taking Lomu LT the last couple.

All I can find is 32-1/8 arms searching for his draft profiles.

Have to check it out bc draftbuzz seems to take the position you want out of the picture. Every time all the DEs are gone, but then Averell Reese Edge/LB or RB Love is there at 25. Their algorithm seems off.

Id be happy with Ozzys teammate who is a rd 2-3 prospect. He played LT at BC, while Ozzy played RT.

My guess, week 13. BJ said only be a late return.

In Bears news, Theo Benedet signed a 1 year extension. At least the Bears have one guy to help hold the LT spot. 1 yr at 1 million.

I feel like I am watching Grumpy Old Men 3. If you acted this way on Facebook or X, the backlash would be 10 fold. This post is brought to you by Natte Light 🤣

If the Bears do trade him, it will be for a 3rd or 4th rd pick. The dream scenarios of landing Crosby takes a lot more work to fit his salary that will need to be done ahead of time since the league cannot accept the trade if it puts the Bears over. Plus they need a plethora of Safeties and inside D-linemen. So I see a 3rd at best and maybe use that created cap on another Edge (Mack?)

I am good with keeping him if they can get his contract renegotiated. I would have a talk and let him know hes either getting traded or renegotiating. Give him performance bonuses to encourage excellence. The Bears need cap, re-haul the defense, and have many talented players to feed, so he is the first contract eyes are on.

Id be happy if you and your sponsor are right.

Only if they fire the HC after 1 year. I think he will be a good OC and maybe should have been more here with all those 4th down and goals we blew.

Fingers crossed! No better way to re-tool the Defense and keep the offenses cupboard full.

The 2026 salary cap is said to be around 301 to 305 million. The Bears are sitting around 304. They can make a few salary adjustments and move 1 or 2 players to add enough to sign a notable player, their draft picks, and in season operating needs. It will be a tight year but don't think they will sit on their hands.