Before things get going tomorrow, what do you think the Bears will actually do in FA (not what you want them to do or what you would do)? Here's my guess:

 

DISCLAIMER: I am not a capologist, so I have no idea how realistic this is. Sorry.

 

Chase Daniel, QB - New OCs tend to bring someone in who knows the system, and it's not like anyone was impressed with Jason Campbell last season. Plus, considering Cutler seems to be hurt at least once every year, Daniel might see this as a chance to get in some games, which he hasn't been able to do much in NO.

 

Sammie Stroughter, WR - I expect the Bears will add some low risk/high reward WR with the loss of Knox and Hester maybe switching back to full-time return man. Stroughter's had injuries, but has shown some slot ability in the past. Austin Collie might also fit the bill.

 

Sam Baker, OT - The bidding on Long and Bushrod gets out of hand, but the Bears need to get a LT out of FA, so they roll the dice on Baker hoping his injuries are behind him. As unremarkable as Baker is, he'd still probably be the best LT the Bears have had since Tait.

 

Anthony Fasano, TE - Similarly, the bidding for Cook goes beyond the Bears means and they take a clear upgrade, but less sexy name in Fasano. I could also see Delanie Walker getting a look.

 

Justin Durant, LB - Durant had some productive years in Jacksonville under Mel Tucker and the Bears need bodies at LB.

 

Bring back Lance Louis, Idonije, Jonathan Scott, and Urlacher.

 

 

I think they'll end up with Bushrod as their LT after losing out on a bidding war for Jake Long. They'll probably then sign Brandon Moore or some cheap FA Guard, and a FB. McCown will re-sign as a minimum salary backup QB.

Ben Watson, Louis Vazquez, Jason Campbell, Brian Urlacher, Lance Louis, and Israel Idonije.

Sign Long. Trade Melton for a second to use to draft a G, using the money to sign Loadholt. Sign Moore. Draft a Center in the 4th.

 

Then i wake up and remember last year. After the Marshall trade there wasn't much money left and they didn't make any major signings and stuck to the cap they had. So I'm keeping my expectations low, but can't help but be excited to see what happens.

 

So my actual prediction would be a low tier guard and tackle. Securing the Bears current players and maybe a WR and midgrade TE.

This is all pipedream stuff, but here goes:

 

FA

Dump: Bush, Davis, Spaeth, Campbell, Spencer if beneficial to the cap

Sign Bushrod. He starts at LT.

Negotiate for De La Puente. See if they'll take a 4th this year and a 3rd next year, or something similar. Just don't start off with a 2nd.

 

Draft

1st - Cooper in the 1st. He starts immediately.

2nd - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR

5th - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR

6th - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR

 

Post-Draft

Sign promising UDFA (or vet with something to prove) at FB, backup TE, and potentially backup QB.

This is all pipedream stuff, but here goes:

 

FA

Dump: Bush, Davis, Spaeth, Campbell, Spencer if beneficial to the cap

Sign Bushrod. He starts at LT.

Negotiate for De La Puente. See if they'll take a 4th this year and a 3rd next year, or something similar. Just don't start off with a 2nd.

 

Draft

1st - Cooper in the 1st. He starts immediately.

2nd - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR

5th - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR

6th - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR

 

Post-Draft

Sign promising UDFA (or vet with something to prove) at FB, backup TE, and potentially backup QB.

Dump Spencer and Campbell? They're FA's.

Dump Spencer and Campbell? They're FA's.

 

I don't pay much attention to the money/contract part of it, but the sentiment remains the same. Instead of "dump" just substitute "don't resign." Their replacements can be had for much less money with similar production.