Bears Trade Rumors

Smith might have to revamp staff, but it won't be easy
Comment
November 15
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Bears coach Lovie Smith learned a lot from his mentor, Tony Dungy, but he has been remarkably more patient than Dungy with his offense. Smith was working for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when Dungy began a run of three offensive coordinators in three seasons, a failed succession that eventually led to Dungy's firing. While Smith's offense never has been better than middle of the pack, he hasn't touched the Bears' offensive coaching staff since correcting the Terry Shea error after the 2004 season. Smith has rotated position coaches on defense -- he's on his fourth line coach and fourth secondary coach -- and he ran off coordinator Ron Rivera after Super Bowl XLI. But the offense has been the ..."
Jay Cutler fined $20,000
Comment
November 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"The NFL fined Bears quarterback Jay Cutler $20,000 for abusive conduct toward an official during Sunday's 41-21 loss to the Cardinals. Cutler argued with an official because he thought tight Greg Olsen was held on a third-quarter pass play. Cutler would have been out a lot less money if had he thrown a punch at an opposing player, considering Tommie Harris was fined $7,500 for punching an opponent in that game."
Chicago Bears have safety issues
Comment
November 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"One of the biggest question marks for the Bears on Thursday night against the 49ers might be how they line up at safety. Starting strong safety Al Afalava aggravated a bruised right shoulder he first suffered in the preseason, and his status appears to be questionable. Coach Lovie Smith said safety Kevin Payne has a back injury. Had the Bears practiced Monday, both Afalava and Payne would have been held out. If Afalava can't go Thursday, Craig Steltz might start alongside free safety Danieal Manning. The good news is cornerback Charles Tillman appears to be OK coming off a left shoulder injury. Like Afalava, Tillman did not finish Sunday's game against the Cardinals. "I'm 100 percent," ..."
Devin Hester misses 2nd practice
Comment
November 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"Another practice passed with Devin Hester standing on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but no one seemed overly concerned about the possibility of the Bears' top receiver missing Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Hester said he is looking forward to practicing Friday. In Hester's absence the Bears coaches were able to give Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu more practice reps, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. No secrets: An interesting dynamic exists whenever Bears coach Lovie Smith faces Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner because Smith was the defensive coordinator on Rams teams Warner quarterbacked for three years. Smith said he considers Warner a friend for life -- but they ..."
Devin Hester out of practice with ankle injury
Comment
November 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears receiver Devin Hester sat out Wednesday but said he expects to return to practice this week after suffering an ankle injury Sunday. Hester said a Browns defender fell on his ankle on a screen pass in the 30-6 victory over the Browns. "Just a little swollen," Hester said. "I'll be ready." Coincidentally, Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, a player the Bears considered trading for, is sidelined by a right ankle sprain but expects to play against the Bears. Scaling back? After the Bears scored just two touchdowns on seven trips to the red zone against the Browns, an upset Ron Turner said the lack of execution could lead to simplifying the offense."
Tommie Harris defensive about status with Chicago Bears
Comment
October 31
Chicago Tribune
 
"A serious Tommie Harris addressed the media Friday, his first public comments since his mysterious benching Sunday. Asked about the health of his left knee, Harris became a little defensive. "I don't even think that was an issue," Harris said. "I think somebody just made that up. So we'll just leave that alone." Asked if he had something to prove to Bears coach Lovie Smith, the three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle raised his tone a notch. "I don't have to show him anything," Harris said. "He knows what I can do. Everybody knows what I can do. I don't have to prove anything to anybody. "I prove it to myself. I owe it to my teammates. I owe it to this organization to get back to tip-top ..."
Look for changes at middle linebacker, left guard and defensive tackle
Comment
October 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"Changes are in the works for the Bears even if coach Lovie Smith refuses to divulge any information. He had a short fuse Wednesday when asked about possible lineup moves for Sunday's game against the Browns. Specifically, Smith was asked if the offensive line would remain status quo, as he proclaimed after a loss at Atlanta. It seems Josh Beekman is destined to replace Frank Omiyale as the starter at left guard. "I'm not going to talk about anything personnel-wise," Smith said with emphasis. "To me, that's pretty clear. If that's all you want to talk about, there's nothing else to talk about." Pressed on why he wouldn't disclose any changes, an irritated Smith snapped. "Just don't want to. ..."
Harris saga takes mysterious turn
Comment
October 26
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The curious case of Tommie Harris became more perplexing Sunday, when the Bears defensive tackle said his left knee wasn't the reason he was held out of the 45-10 loss to the Bengals. Harris did not practice last week and was listed on the injury report with a knee injury, but he worked out on the Paul Brown Stadium turf about two hours before kickoff. 'It wasn't true,'' Harris said when asked why his knee kept him out of the game. ''You talk to them. If you came here earlier, you saw, I worked out before the game.'' Harris was spotted on the field working out in shorts and a T-shirt, but it didn't appear to be anything overly rigorous. He was suspended for one game last season for conduct ..."
'Healthy' Harris out for Bengals game
Comment
October 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said Thursday morning on WSCR-AM (670) that defensive tackle Tommie Harris ''is healthy.'' A statement on Harris' health hasn't been that inaccurate since coach Lovie Smith announced at the start of training camp that Harris was ''100 percent healthy.'' Since Angelo's radio appearance, Harris has missed his second and third practices of the week, and he will be held out of the game Sunday at Cincinnati. A source said Harris has undergone extra treatments on his left knee after experiencing persistent pain since last week's game on the artificial surface in Atlanta. Marcus Harrison, who made his first career start against the Falcons, will move from nose ..."
Benson says he was blackballed
Comment
October 22
Washington Times
 
"Cedric Benson believes the Chicago Bears did all they could to keep him from signing with another team. Released in June 2008 after two alcohol-related arrests, Benson will face his former team when the Cincinnati Bengals host the Bears on Sunday. Although he insisted he's not out for revenge and won't try to send a message, Benson clearly has some bad feelings for the Bears. "I heard all the rumors that were said coming out of Chicago," Benson said. "Even the Bengals told me all the things, that they would call and inquire about me and get nothing but negative things. Just that I didn't work hard, that I was I guess a prima donna or I didn't work hard on the field, just wasn't focused. ..."
Lovie won't rule out changes in O-line
Comment
October 20
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Of all the problems the Bears' offense had Sunday night in Atlanta, the turnovers in the red zone trumped them all. The popular cry has been for change on the offensive line -- which coach Lovie Smith didn't rule out -- but just as in their loss at Green Bay, the Bears would have won if they had converted near the goal line. Instead, they were left to dissect what went wrong in a 21-14 loss in which they racked up 373 yards and should've had at least 10 more points. Smith cast blame on all three phases, but questions inevitably came back to the offense, which ranked 19th in the league entering Monday. The defense kept the Bears in the game and has played well with the exception of one ..."
Chicago Bears linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa re-injures right knee
Comment
October 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, who was carted off the field in the fourth quarter Sunday at Atlanta, sustained some cartilage damage to the same right knee he injured in the Bears' 21-15 season-opening loss at Green Bay, according to a league source. Tinoisamoa was scheduled to undergo an MRI Monday afternoon, and the results were not immediately available. His knee was extremely sore and swollen after the game. Tinoisamoa ruptured the posterior cruciate ligament in the knee against the Packers, and the Atlanta game marked his return to action after missing three contests. He forced a fumble against the Falcons before exiting. If Tinoisamoa is out for an extended period of time or done for ..."
Gaines Adams likely inactive for Chicago Bears game against Atlanta Falcons
Comment
October 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"Newly acquired defensive end Gaines Adams just might make an impact quickly for the Bears. Just not Sunday night. Adams, who passed his physical and traveled with the team to Atlanta, is expected to be inactive when the Bears face the Falcons at the Georgia Dome. He is likely to make his debut next Sunday against the Bengals. The Bears made room for Adams by cutting tight end Michael Gaines. The move wasn't a surprise, considering Gaines was the fourth tight end on the roster. He signed a one-year contract with the Bears after the Lions released him. As for Adams, he could work himself into the rotation in time for the visit to Cincinnati. How ironic that the Bears hope to revive the ..."
Terrell Owens might not be help some believe
Comment
October 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"We're talking wide receivers today -- specifically, how the Bears couldn't be blamed for having wide receiver envy. In their entire history, they have had only five Pro Bowl wide receivers -- and only one in the last 37 years. Chances are they will not have one this year, as usual. This has led some to light a candle for Terrell Owens. Last week there was talk -- unfounded talk, but talk nonetheless -- that the Bears could be interested in the controversial wide receiver. And what would the Bears have gained by trading for T.O.? In the NFL this season, 56 players have more receiving yards than Owens' 202. And the Bears have three players -- Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox and Devin Hester -- who ..."
Bears' Gaines, Bucs' loss?
Comment
October 17
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Turns out all the rumors about Terrell Owens coming to the Bears were a bit misplaced. The Bears did swing a deal for a high-profile player, but it was defensive end Gaines Adams, the fourth pick of the 2007 draft, who should immediately help a pass rush in need of a boost. Adams stopped short Friday night of saying a new start was what he needed -- because he didn't feel like his career was headed in the wrong direction with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The talented pass rusher is excited to pick up three wins in the standings by flying to O'Hare today to join the Bears as a new option for their front seven and a building block for the future. General manager Jerry Angelo traded his ..."
Israel Idonije says he's ready to go against Atlanta Falcons
Comment
October 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Israel Idonije vowed not to miss any game action after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Oct. 5. He might hold true to his promise. Idonije practiced for the second consecutive day Friday and said he expects to play Sunday night against the Falcons. The defensive tackle is listed as questionable on the official injury report, but there seems to be little doubt in his mind. "I told you I was going all along," he said. "My plans -- two weeks -- never changed. They said Cincinnati, but I said I was going. My plan was to get (the surgery) done and be back for this game." Idonije intends to play on defense and special teams. Coach Lovie Smith said there is no concern about how the ..."
Bears trade for Gaines Adams
Comment
October 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears assistant head coach Rod Marinelli fell in love with Gaines Adams in 2007 when Adams came out of Clemson and Marinelli was the head coach of the Lions. Now Marinelli gets a chance to work with the player he once coveted. The Bears acquired the 6-foot-5, 258-pound Adams on Friday, four days before the trade deadline, sending the Buccaneers a second-round pick in 2010 for the promising defensive end. With the Bears surrendering next year's first-round pick to the Broncos in the Jay Cutler deal, they might not have a pick in the first two rounds for the second consecutive season, unless they acquire one before the April draft. Although the Bears have improved their pass rush under ..."
No fantasy landing of T.O.
Comment
October 14
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Since fantasy football is taking over the world, why not bring its principles to the real NFL. The Buffalo Bills are terrible, their offense is horrid, their coaching staff is stupid and wide receiver Terrell Owens is so overpaid and under-used that he might as well be bronzed and placed by Lake Erie above a plaque reading: ''IF YOU WANT TO DISAPPEAR FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH, COME TO BUFFALO AND HANG OUT WITH DICK JAURON.'' The first T.O.-as-trade-bait items are now hitting the fantasy wire, so let's think about him with the Bears. Already ESPN NFL analyst Adam Schefter has floated the notion that the Bills should get rid of the biceps-pumping, always-me-first Owens before next Tuesday's ..."
Bears rookie Lance Louis charged for altercation in 2008 with San Diego State teammate
Comment
October 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears rookie offensive lineman Lance Louis has been charged with misdemeanor assault stemming from an altercation with former San Diego State teammate Nick Sandford last November when they were both at school, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Louis' arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 23 in San Diego, but he is not required to attend. The Bears play in Cincinnati two days later. The misdemeanor assault could lead to a maximum one year in jail and $10,000 fine. "It's good that he is held responsible in some fashion," Paul Sandford, Nick's father, said over the phone from his home in Orange, Calif. "In my opinion it was a felony but I have no idea what went into their decision. ... I'm ..."
Devin Hester says neck will be fine for next game
Comment
October 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"So much for Devin Hester's shoulder injury. The Bears receiver said his neck, not shoulder, was a concern after he went down Sunday against the Lions. Hester suffered a strained muscle in his neck after getting crunched by Lions defenders William James and Louis Delmas. Hester went to the sideline and dropped to his knee in pain. "Anything dealing with your neck, you're pretty much nervous," Hester said. "It's just a little strained muscle in my neck. It's nothing major." Hester, who sat out Wednesday's practice, will be ready to go Oct. 18 when the Bears face the Falcons after the off week. "I'm good," Hester said. "... I'll be ready for this next game.""
Bears concerned about Devin Hester's shoulder injury
Comment
October 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"The last thing the Bears needed was another blow to a key player, but Devin Hester's absence from the sideline in the second half with a shoulder injury caused some concern. Hester suffered the injury with 11 minutes, 55 seconds left in the second quarter. After catching a 2-yard pass on second-and-goal from the 4, Hester got crunched by Lions cornerback William James and safety Louis Delmas. He did not return. "Obviously, (we're) concerned," offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. "It's bad enough for him to leave the game. And I don't know exactly what it is, but it sounds like he's going to be OK." The NFL Network reported Hester had a stiff neck and would be fine for the Bears' next ..."
Hunter Hillenmeyer expected to sit out Sunday
Comment
October 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"While Lance Briggs returned to practice Thursday with a sore left foot, fellow linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is expected to miss Sunday's game with a rib injury. Briggs was limited after missing practice Wednesday. He poked fun at his injury during his weekly trip to the podium. "It started off as a hairline fracture then it increased yesterday to a major break," Briggs joked. "So they put me in boot because ... miracle. Overnight healing. Never seen anything like it." Hillenmeyer missed his second consecutive day but is expected to be recovered after the club's off week."
Bears pass on Brooks, but may still seek veteran LB
Comment
September 15
Tampa Tribune
 
"Coach Lovie Smith says the Chicago Bears will pass on Derrick Brooks, for now, in the team's attempt to shore up its linebacker corps. Smith wouldn't rule out adding a veteran such as Brooks but will turn to the current roster to replace middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who was placed on injured reserve Monday after wrist surgery, and strongside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, who has a sprained knee. The Bears reportedly made contact Monday with Brooks, 36, an 11-time Pro Bowler cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February. "Derrick's been a great player for a long time in the league," Smith told The Chicago Tribune. "He's a linebacker that's available. We're looking at all available players ..."
Brian Urlacher likely out for the season with wrist injury
Comment
September 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"Brian Urlacher appears to be out for the season after dislocating his right wrist, the linebacker said Monday. The team has not given the official word, but Lovie Smith is expected to address the issue during his afternoon press conference. Urlacher injured his wrist in the first quarter of Sunday's 21-15 loss to the Packers. He was ruled out after halftime. When asked about his status Monday, Urlacher said in a text message that his ``season is over.'' He was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday morning upon the team's arrival back in Chicago from Green Bay. A dislocated bone had to be surgerically put back in. The surgery might have revealed more extensive damage. The Bears defensive ..."
Bears to release Brett Basanez, sign him to practice squad
Comment
September 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Bears will start the season with two quarterbacks on the active roster after informing Brett Basanez of his release. Basanez expects to remain on the team's practice squad. "I'm obviously disappointed not to be on the active roster,'' Basanez said. ``Chicago usually keeps three, and Ron (Turner) said it would only be two this year. But it's also promising because they obviously liked me enough to keep me around (on the practice squad). Plus I'm home. I'm still a part of the team.'' The Northwestern and St. Viator grad intends to sign his practice squad contract Sunday if he clears waivers."
No interest in Matt Jones
Comment
August 1
Chicago Tribune
 (scroll down)
"Bears general manager Jerry Angelo confirmed representatives for free agent receiver Matt Jones called inquiring about the Bears' interest. "We did not contact them," Angelo emphasized. So are the Bears the least bit intrigued? "No, not at this time," Angelo said. "Like I've said, we like the hand we've dealt ourselves.""
Is anyone interested in Derrick Brooks?
Comment
July 9
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The days pass. The phone does not ring. We are two weeks from the start of the opening of training camps, and Derrick Brooks, a linebacker all his life, does not have a job. How can this be? Has the NFL reached the point where it has 250 or so better linebackers than Brooks? Was the tape on Brooks from last year really that bad? Is Brooks' agent holding out for a really, really big offer from the newly formed United Football League? Or, perhaps, has time caught up to the fastest linebacker of his generation? That, of course, is the last thing you want to consider. Around Tampa Bay, the easiest thing to believe in always has been Brooks. By now, most of us agree that Brooks is the finest ..."
Receiver Peter Warrick now playing for love of game
Comment
June 21
Chicago Tribune
 
"On an indoor 50-yard artificial turf field inside a rocking U.S. Cellular Coliseum, 135 miles south of Chicago and even further removed from the NFL, the most accomplished wide receiver playing professional football in Illinois catches passes. Peter Warrick soon hopes to catch the attention of NFL teams in need of wide receivers too. Know of any? Wearing his familiar No. 9 jersey for the Bloomington Extreme of the not-so-familiar Indoor Football League on this Saturday night, Warrick grooved to the sounds of Soulja Boy's " Superman," before kickoff. Frenzied fans responded to Warrick's dancing the way the crowd at Soldier Field reacts when the same hip-hop song plays before Devin Hester ..."
Jay Cutler at forefront of Bears' deep changes, with receiver question open
Comment
June 18
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Third-round draft pick Juaquin Iglesias ran under a bomb from Caleb Hanie in the two-minute drill to score a touchdown on the final play of the Bears' offseason training activities Wednesday at Halas Hall. There might not have been a more fitting conclusion to the voluntary offseason program for a team that has remade itself since stumbling at Houston last season, a loss that prevented it from reaching the playoffs for the second straight year. Newcomer Jay Cutler didn't throw the pass, but the second team finishes practice, and it was a different sight for the Bears, who had just two touchdown catches of more than 23 yards in 2008. Earlier in the day, Cutler zipped a 27-yard pass to Devin ..."
Agent says Plaxico Burress could play in 2009
Comment
June 16
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Plaxico Burress didn't move any closer to resolving his court case Monday, but his agent ramped up efforts to land a job for the free-agent wide receiver. Burress' trial on gun possession charges was adjourned until Sept. 23, and attorney Benjamin Brafman called it ''inconceivable'' his client could stand trial before 2010, meaning he could be able to play football this season. But the unknown remains how the NFL will handle Burress' case. Traditionally, commissioner Roger Goodell waits to rule on player-conduct issues until after the legal system has done its part. The trick is, Goodell doesn't have to wait for the slow wheels of justice to turn in this case. ''We are also confident that ..."
Plaxico Catches A Break
Comment
June 16
New York Post
 
"In a sweetheart arrangement that will likely allow him to play for millions of dollars this season, gunslinging ex-Giant Plaxico Burress won't see a felony indictment for at least another 13 weeks -- thanks to a delay approved by Manhattan prosecutors yesterday. Under the delay, Sept. 23, his next court date, is the earliest Burress will learn if he's been indicted after shooting himself in the thigh with an unlicensed gun in a crowded nightclub way back on Nov. 29, 2008. By that time, the superstar receiver will likely already be playing for any of the "several" unnamed teams he's already in talks with, said his lawyer, Benjamin Brafman. Meanwhile, a grand jury has yet to even be convened ..."
Brandon Marshall to the Bears? Maybe
Comment
June 15
NBC Sports
 
"If there's one thing Bears fans still want, it's a wide receiver. There's a belief, perhaps rooted in reality -- even if it's a little unrealistic, maybe -- that Cutler can only be as good as his wide receivers. If they're bad, he won't be able to overcome. Or vice versa. Whether or not this is actually true seems dubious. Cutler will likely improve the Bears in a variety of ways, even if his receivers aren't the standard he had in Denver. His feet -- his ability to keep plays alive outside of the pocket -- is one of his more underrated skills, something the Bears haven't had, like, ever. All the same, there's no arguing with the fact that the Bears wideouts are not particularly gifted. ..."
Time ripe for Chicago Bears to get Plaxico Burress
Comment
June 13
Chicago Tribune
 columnist David Haugh
"If the Bears were waiting for Plaxico Burress to appear Monday in Manhattan Criminal Court to help determine what course to take in pursuit of the troubled wide receiver, they may have to keep waiting. Or, they could act boldly before knowing Burress' legal fate. Your move, Jerry Angelo. Proceed with caution. Reports out of New York on Friday indicate Burress' criminal lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, has requested a continuance that will be granted Monday when Burress shows up to face two felony gun charges. Brafman told the New York Daily News that he expects to be in and out of court "in five minutes." It will mark the second continuance, and the next court date could come in September, which ..."
Cleveland Browns host safety Mike Brown
Comment
June 10
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Former Bears All-Pro free agent safety Mike Brown visited the Browns on Monday, a source told The Plain Dealer. It's not yet known if the Browns are interested in signing him, but he is drawing interest from other teams, the source said. Brown, 31, would most likely provide veteran depth behind starters Abram Elam and Brodney Pool. A free agent since February when the Bears let his contract expire, Brown also visited the Chiefs last week. The Browns' mandatory minicamp is Thursday through Saturday. Brown, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament before the 2007 season opener and sat out the season, returned in 2008 to start 15 games. He made 101 tackles, the third-highest total in ..."
Bears players would love to land Plaxico Burress
Comment
June 4
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Jerry Angelo's door remains open when it comes to adding a veteran wide receiver. Bears players would like to say ''come on in'' to Plaxico Burress. The general manager has not ruled out anything, and in an offseason like none the franchise has seen, everything is in play eight weeks before training camp. That includes Burress, the former New York Giants receiver who remains without a team while the NFL waits to see how his gun charge proceeds in New York courts. Burress could be the final piece in a vast reshaping of the roster over the last two months, keyed by the April 2 trade for quarterback Jay Cutler. It was shortly after the deal that Burress told Bears' radio sideline reporter ..."
Call it signings of the times
Comment
May 30
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"In a frenetic day of wheeling and dealing at Halas Hall, the Bears signed a likely starter for their defense, locked up a versatile lineman for two seasons and secured almost all of their draft picks. After a whirlwind of nine contracts, general manager Jerry Angelo and negotiator Cliff Stein left themselves little to do before the 2009 season. In one day, the Bears agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Pisa Tinoisamoa, who is expected to start at strong-side linebacker; extended lineman Israel Idonije's deal through 2011, and reached contract agreements with seven of nine picks. Tinoisamoa, who turns 28 in two months, was landed three weeks after the St. Louis Rams released him when ..."
Four-year deals for seven Chicago Bears rookies
Comment
May 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Although the big news of the day coming out of Halas Hall was the signing of reserve defensive lineman Israel Idonije to a two-year contract extension, having seven rookies agree to terms on four-year contracts shouldn't go unnoticed. At least two of the seven, fourth-round pick D.J. Moore and fifth-round pick Johnny Knox, could have significant roles once the season starts. Moore could crack the starting lineup at cornerback, and Knox's blazing speed makes him a threat at receiver. Knox's signing bonus was more than $200,000. Fourth-round pick Henry Melton could be in the mix at defensive end. And don't discount receiver Derek Kinder, the seventh-round pick out of Pittsburgh. He could ..."
Israel Idonije agrees to two-year contract extension worth $7 million
Comment
May 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Israel Idonije agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Bears on Friday. He is now signed through 2011. Idonije was due to make $1.75 million this year but received an added $2 million via a signing bonus. Each of the next two years, he is scheduled to make $2.5 million. In 2010, $1 million of his $2.5 is guaranteed. ``He'll be effectively doubling what his current contract was,'' agent Drew Rosenhaus said. ``He's essentially one of the more highly paid backup defensive lineman in the NFL. ``Should he develop into a starter at some point in the next year or so, it's a short-term deal. And it creates some flexibility. But for one of the most versatile defensive lineman and an ..."
Bears busy with roster additions
Comment
May 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"On an active Friday, the Bears added a potential starter, retained a key reserve and signed seven of their nine 2009 draft picks. Free agent linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, who played the 2003 season under then-Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith, agreed to a one-year contract. He could become the starter at strong-side linebacker over Nick Roach and Hunter Hillenmeyer, although the Bears could keep all three players. Roach took over as the starter last season. The oft-injured Hillenmeyer is now eight weeks into rehab from sports hernia surgery. Tinoisamoa, 6-feet-1 and 240 pounds, was the Rams' leading tackler last season with 135. He had 661 tackles and 10 sacks in six seasons in St. ..."
Bears likely closer to Tinoisamoa after Pats grab other linebacker
Comment
May 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"According to Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, the Patriots have come to terms with linebacker Paris Lenon. That means Pisa Tinoisamoa, a player New England also entertained as an option, is likely out of the mix. That's good news for the Bears as they attempt to bring Tinoisamoa to Chicago. The former St. Louis Ram could start at strong-side linebacker, and he's already familiar with Lovie Smith's scheme. Smith was the defensive coordinator in St. Louis in 2003, the same year Tinoisamoa was drafted by the Rams."
Don't expect the Chicago Bears to pursue free-agent receiver Matt Jones
Comment
May 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears general manager Jerry Angelo wants to explore every option in terms of upgrading the team. But don't expect the Bears to make a serious run at free-agent receiver Matt Jones. When asked about Jones during a community visit in Waukegan Wednesday afternoon, Angelo seemed to have reservations about adding the former Jacksonville Jaguar. "He was a first-round draft pick and he is a very talented player," Angelo said, "but it's case by case. We're not quick to move on any player." No doubt the Bears are concerned about Jones' checkered past, one that included an arrest for cocaine possession last July. Jones, 26, served a three-game league suspension after losing an appeal. After ..."
Is IR system in line for a change?
Comment
May 21
Boston Globe
 
"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."
Bears general manager says team has not inquired about Plaxico Burress
Comment
May 19
The Times of Trenton
 
"Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo diffused the notion that the team is interested in signing former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress. It was speculated that the Bears, who are looking to bolster their receiving corps for newly acquired quarterback Jay Cutler, were pursuing Burress. The wide receiver's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that two teams were "seriously interested" in signing Burress and the Bears were considered to be one of those two. It is believed that the Jets are one of the teams Rosenhaus referred to, after the team revealed it did its due diligence in inquiring about Burress. But Angelo put rumors to rest that the Bears were the other in a report by the Chicago ..."
New deals for Ogunleye and Idonije? Maybe not immediately
Comment
May 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears general manager Jerry Angelo and the front office went on a spending spree last season, rewarding players with new contracts and extensions to the tune of $186.9 million. When asked Sunday about the possibility of rewarding some players with new deals this season --specifically defensive linemen Adewale Ogunleye and Israel Idonije, both of whom are in contract years --Angelo sounded a bit apprehensive. ``We did quite a bit last year if memory serves me right,'' he said. ``I think we were unprecedented in terms of all the people we did extensions with so, in part, that made fewer players come up. But those that do well, we'll definitely do what we've always done in the past. I've ..."
Bears remain 'Plex-ible' at WR
Comment
May 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears fan Tony Tudisco from Aurora put himself on the hot seat Sunday when he inquired how Jay Cutler would thrive "without any receivers to throw to." Bears general manager Jerry Angelo fired back. "Sounds like you're from Wisconsin," Angelo said sarcastically. The receiver question was sure to surface as spirited diehards gathered for the annual Bears Expo. But before the festivities began, Angelo discussed a possibility he previously had dismissed: Plaxico Burress. "As I said, we'll look at every option," Angelo said. "[His] situation is different because there are circumstances. We'll monitor it." Cutler has reached out to Burress, and agent Drew Rosenhaus recently said at least two ..."
Bears' Israel Idonije leaves contract talks to Drew Rosenhaus
Comment
May 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Agent Drew Rosenhaus, via Twitter, indicated he's seeking new deals for both Israel Idonije and Adewale Ogunleye, with the contracts of both Bears defensive linemen up after the 2009 season. Don't expect Idonije, who is due $1.5 million this season, to make a big stink about it. "On the whole contract deal ... I'm out of all that,'' Idonije said via e-mail. "Drew does his thing, and I gotta focus on doing mine ... getting weight down and getting better this year.'' Idonije should be a key figure in the defensive line rotation and on special teams. His ability to play both inside and out makes him an asset, although the Bears also drafted defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert and defensive end ..."
Unclear if veteran receiver Amani Toomer is on Chicago Bears' radar
Comment
May 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"Steve Wyche of the NFL Network reported that the Bears place a called to free-agent receiver Amani Toomer. While the Bears haven't ruled out pursuing a veteran receiver, Toomer might not be their target. According to a source, the Bears did not place the call to Toomer. The receiver's representation has, no doubt, called around the league measuring interest from different teams, including the Bears. The Bears might be intrigued, but they're not jumping at the opportunity. Torry Holt might have been a better fit, but Holt signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Orlando Pace told us the other day that he tried until the last minute to get Holt to Chicago. ``We were working on that for a ..."
Michael Gaines sees great opportunity at tight end, fullback with Chicago Bears
Comment
May 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"Michael Gaines has yet to step foot into Halas Hall, but the free-agent tight end seems sold on the Bears regardless. "I will say this: It's between the Jets and Chicago and right now, I'm leaning more toward Chicago," Gaines said Thursday night. "But I have to feed my family. So the best financial situation comes into play. But I'm going to go on my heart, and my competitive nature. I want to win.'' The 6-foot-4-inch, 277-pound Gaines has yet to receive a contract offer from either team, but there's mutual interest from both. The veteran of five seasons has a 6 a.m. flight out of Detroit to Chicago on Monday to visit the Bears. He was released by the Lions after the 2008 season, and his ..."