Alaskan Grizzly

Of course. I agree with CTHustle that it is sad to see the D implode as quick as it did. Despite what you think, Peppers did have a few good plays left in him. I understand the money part of it, I do, but if he were paired with Houston on the other side whose to say he couldn't have been great again? Now we have Houston on one side and (TBD) on the other. The defensive scramble isn't as bad as some of you are making it out to be. The players that are still with the team, Tillman and Melton immediately come to mind, are still technically part of the team. Why are they not negotiating with them? Instead Emery's ego is getting in the way. To me safety and pass rush were of importance. He sort of addressed it in one regard but immediately subtracted it for a nullified gain. Speaking of "building now"; that is what they did on offense last year. Now what happens if Cutler stinks it up (highly probable) and the offense comes out and falls flat on its face? McCown probably won't be around to help. The D won't be able to pick up the slack. Who of Emery's defensive draft picks do you see coming out and taking the lead? So far most of them have been less than stellar.

I don't know much about numbers but I think he'd cost too much. I agree it would be nice to have a player of his caliber. Just not at his age, injury past and money

Will probably be available soon. Was thinking this earlier this week and heard someone mention it on NFL AM; what if Chicago were to look at him as a slot receiver?

Just as a side note; where it appears the Bears are plodding along in FA, Denver is setting up for another run (or two) to the Super Bowl. Added TJ Ward and Aquib Talib today and looking like Demarcus Ware will soon be joining Von Miller along the front seven... Yikes.

Have to agree with 4ever. Having Peppers on the team is better than not for the exact reAsons he mentioned. I feel a de-stabilizing "shift in the force" with Peppers and Urlacher gone and Tillman visiting TB. ... And they resigned DJ Williams....

So with Hester and his "one dimensional" contribution possibly leaving Chicago, maybe a player like Sproles could be the replacement? He's multi dimensional (to include returning kicks) and is familiar to OC Kromer. Not exactly the 'change of pace' back I think most envision, especially with Bush gone. But maybe a good option as third down back behind Forte(?)

Exactly. DJ hasn't done much of anything the last two years. And as you pointed out Briggs has been turd-like for the better part of the last years. He appears to want to reunite with his friends. Maybe since some appear to be heading to TB perhaps a trade could be engineered? As far as having D. Ware play LB in different schemes I think he's proven rather versatile these last few years since playing (hand in the dirt) DE vs his "traditional" OLB. And so what if it were 3-4 vs 4-3? Something tells me the team is going to show hybrid versions of 3-4 AND 4-3 schemes next year... Maybe at the same time(?). And he has great leadership qualities (from what I hear) which would prove ideal for players like Bostic, McClellin and Greene.

If he did play LB I would prefer him any day over DJ Williams. Suppose that's too late now.

Was just released. Would Chicago be able to use him? More importantly would he cost much? Ratliff and he reunited??

If should be noted that the fudge packers also are trying to get Houston. All the more reason to bring him to Chicago.

In just an initial peek at his stats I have to say he's not a bad prospect. Since joining the league 4 years ago he's progressively gotten better culminating with 56 tackles and 6 sacks last year. And he's 26 and he's probably cheaper. Could be a great pickup.

Like Peppers, Cracker is a shell of his former self. LOL

Well... There is Jared Allen and Julius still to consider. ...

Actually yes I was. LOL (that's for you Stinger)

Douchebag... I was one of those people. But it seems a moot point now that Cutler signed his long term deal ( not smart) and now, allegedly, teams are talking to McCown as a starter. So McCown (smart) will more than likely leave Chicago (not smart). I just thought it best to move on...

HILARIOUS!!! And now one of them is bragging about stamina...

I'm with you. I think Peppers could bounce back for one more good year but for how much? ($$$) I agree that Bennett is never going to be as good as Peppers was but will they be equal at this point in their careers?

I have to admit that I don't get on the site a whole lot this time of year. And when I do I see a lot of mock draft talk (not my thing) and numbers regarding FA. After a bit it starts to glaze me over similar to how Patrick Starfish looks regularly. Thanks for the breakdown. It does make more sense to go Bennett especially given the numbers and the possibility in a 2 for 1 deal like Bennett/Ratliff vs Peppers. That and the age factor. Although Pep has proven himself Bennett is still in the proving stage of his career.

So in essence a swap Peppers (out) for Bennett (in )? That's kinda the feeling I get . What are the cost comparables? I'm sure someone's made the notation somewhere(?). I know Peppers cap hit is a certain amount but if Bennett were signed in the $8-$10mil/year range (that's his probable range isn't it?) is it better / worse overall than Peppers? The only real advantage I can see right now is that Bennett has age (and I'm assuming cost) since last year Peppers had more total tackles: 46 to 31 and was only one less in sacks 7.5 to. 8.5. This coming from Bennett playing for a better defensive team than did Peppers last year.

Regardless, the first hurdle to overcome is him re-signing. And since he's already said he has no desire to play Safety (so we know it was a topic of discussion) that limits his options. Yes, he WAS playing at a pro-bowl level BEFORE his injury, but Hester WAS returning KOs and punts for TDs not all that long ago. Just sayin' I think for him to sustain his career he'd be better served to contemplate a FS position....eventually. Seems a few other players (with the examples noted above) did so successfully.

HIPPA rules may apply. And Trestman is an attorney .. There is that possibility.

That's more like the Cracker we have all gotten to know. Actually, Jason made or agreed with some of your points above. He laid out the first part of the last point you made (having a good year) and provided suppoting data to it. As far as the second part of that, it too is conjecture (him slowing down). I think it safe to assume he might have been able to topple the current return records had players like Steltz not been on the team...all we can do now is look back at 'what might have been'. Buuuuttt... The fact that he had that impact (potential if you will ) and still affected other teams' game plans, means something. That very potential that either he returned it well enough for favorable field position or caused the oppostion to kick away from him makes him worth something. Not sure what financially but at least another year or two. Regardless of his job as "only a specialist" he was a factor in just being in the stadium. That and his potential still put him above most other returners. On the other hand and considering the BIG picture; he doesn't have much else to offer the team. The team needs a fair number of bargain players that can do more than just return. Financially they aren't in a postione to be fickle but instead have to be frugal. Emery has made it pretty clear he isn't all that concerned with tradition if it interferes with the budgetary plan.

Wow look who's become the peacemaker? And with Jason involved no less.

Released from Denver. Since Tillman doesn't want to play S and apparently Emery doesn't have much in the way of loyalty, would the Bears have use of him as a potential Safety?

Sounds as though it's confirmed that Hester will be released on March 11 . Just saw on NFL AM. Reported by Nicole Zaloumis. She's a great reporter.