Category Archives: Rumors

Rumors

Bears Name-Dropped as Potential Trade Destination for ‘Top-5’ Performer

The Chicago Bears have emerged as a rumored potential landing spot for beleaguered Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor, the No. 41 overall pick in the draft in 2020, is mired in a dispute with his front office that has spilled into the public forum. Colts owner Jim Irsay has weighed in on the matter, and the team has given Taylor’s camp permission to seek out a trade partner.

Albert Breer of The Monday Morning Quarterback thinks the Bears could be in play.

“If you look at the way that they played offense last year, they’ve got a cut down on the amount they’re putting on Justin Fields in the running game,” Breer said on “The Rich Eisen Show” on August 22. “They just have to, and what better way to do that than bring in a top-five running back?”

Jonathan Taylor Would on Justin Fields’ Workload, Analyst Says

Bears Have Connection to Jonathan Taylor

“[Bears head coach] Matt Eberflus was with Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis,” Breer said. “The general manager in Chicago, Ryan Poles, worked with [Colts general manager] Chris Ballard for years in Kansas City; they’re very close.”

Notably, defensive coordinator Alan Williams came with Eberflus from Indianapolis and the team has signed multiple former Green Bay Packers players to help implement offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s scheme. It’s not out of the ordinary to operate this way but it does illustrate their willingness to do so.

Fields ranked 35th in carries overall and second among quarterbacks last season.

He set the Bears’ single-season franchise record in rushing yards last season, leading the team in that category and finishing with the second-most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL history. It’s a feat that he has openly said he has little interest in topping this coming season while also vowing to be the Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer which would mean less work on the ground.

Jonathan Taylor Comes With Questions, Concerns

The Bears led the NFL in rushing yards as a team but Taylor’s production would have led the backfield despite him missing more games than either of presumed starter Khalil Herbert or last year’s starter, David Montgomery, who signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency.

Taylor, 24, rushed for 861 yards on 192 carries in 11 games for the Colts last season before suffering an ankle injury that required surgery.

He has been productive, and there is interest in him from other teams.

 

“The problem, for both Taylor and the Colts, now that Indy has granted him permission to seek a trade, is everything that comes attached,” Breer wrote for Sports Illustrated on August 22. “It’s not just picks another team would be giving up to get him. It’s also, presumably, a contract with no assurances that he’ll return to his 2021 form.”

Breer notes Taylor’s heavy workload dating back to college. He also led the NFL in carries (332) and yards (1811) in 2021.

The carries could be of particular concern: Taylor was on pace for 296 carries last season before the injury, and there is also a stigma about running backs that surpass the 300-tote mark.

Bears’ Track Record Suggests No Deal

For all of the signs that suggest the Bears could be a fit and in play for Taylor, their track record suggests otherwise. Letting Mongtomery walk was more than just letting their top back leave for nothing, he was also a leader in the locker room, and Poles has made several such decisions as he’s reshaped this roster in his image.

That includes adding several running backs in free agency and the draft this offseason while leaving the total 2023 salary for the running back position at $9.3 million, per Spotrac. Poles is also still trying to maximize the return on his investment in wide receiver Chase Claypool at the trade deadline last season which could leave him skittish about taking another such gamble.

Rumors

Insider Sheds Light on Bears G Teven Jenkins’ Injury

The Chicago Bears could be without projected starting right guard Teven Jenkins for up to six weeks, as first reported by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune on August 20.

This would, of course, bleed into the regular season, and we now know just what the ailment is.

“Teven Jenkins is dealing with what I’m told is two strained calves,” said ESPN NBA insider Adam Schefter on NFL Live on August 21. “Both calves are strained. At this point in time, he is expected to miss the start of the season. We’ll see when he can get back out there. He injured his leg last week.”

Bears’ Teven Jenkins Dealing With “2 Strained Calves”, Insider Says

Jenkins went through joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts ahead of their Week 2 showdown. He even spoke with reporters afterward, leading to some confusion over the timing of the injury.

“It hopefully shows signs of my wanted durability of myself for the rest of the season,” Jenkins said after practice on August 17, per Adam Hoge of CHGO Bears. “So as long as I’m staying out here right now through training camp, hopefully it shows positive signs for the rest of the year.”

A former second-round pick, Jenkins has dealt with injury issues since even before he entered the league.

He was arguably the Bears’ best player last season.

But this latest setback seems to be a new issue. It was even a first for a seasoned sports reporter such as Schefter.

“I think it’s actually both legs,” Schefter continued. “I think it’s both calves. I’ve never heard of that before but that’s what was told to me, described to me, and that’ll be a loss for the Bears’ offensive line.”

Jenkins has dealt with back and neck injuries before with the Bears. He had to be stretchered off the field last season in Week 15 against the Philadelphia 76ers. While he would only miss one game before returning to the lineup in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, he was inactive for the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

He had to leave practice with an ailment during training camp but has otherwise been healthy.

Bears Guards in Rotation

While Jenkins is set to miss some time, the Bears appear to be getting starting right guard Nate Davis back after he returned to practice last week. He was vague about what the plan was for him in his return to action, though.

He also spoke about his budding bond with Jenkins during his media session on August 14.

“Me and Tevin are close,” Davis said. “We talk about anything from scheme to different type of players we go against. … We talk a lot.”

Bears Unlikely to Provide Clarity on Teven Jekins’ Injury

Davis’ return to the lineup is now paramount with Jenkins bowing out. The Bears revamped offensive line is already working in a rookie at right tackle in Darnell Wright. Now, they will have to work another new starter into the flow. And not just in Week 3 of the preseason against the Buffalo Bills, but for the foreseeable future.

At least until there is more clarity on Jenkins.

But, given how closely guarded the Bears have treated injuries under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, that could be hard to come by until he is near a return to the field

Rumors

6 Options to Replace Bears’ Teven Jenkins Amid Latest Injury

The Chicago Bears are bracing to be without projected starting left guard Teven Jenkins for several weeks as he deals with a leg injury. It could linger into the regular season, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Bears Have Options Amid Teven Jenkins Injury

Bears Free Agent Options to Replace Teven Jenkins

Jenkins, 25, is a former second-round pick who has dealt with injuries since college. He missed four games last season due to injuries after they also hindered him during training camp. His absence looms large for a revamped offensive line breaking in a rookie right tackle, a new starting right guard, and a center who hasn’t played the position in two years.

If Jenkins is truly going to be out for several weeks – Biggs notes that injured reserve remains a possibility – they may want to explore external options. They spent a lot of money this offseason to let it be undone by this.

Fortunately for them, there are still some capable players available on the free-agent market.

Andrew Norwell

Former Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars guard Andrew Norwell was a salary cap-casualty of the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason. He started 16 games for Washington in 2022, grading out as their third-best offensive lineman behind tackles Samuel Cosmi, Charles Leno, and Cornelius Lucas, per Pro Football Focus.

He helped block for the 12-leading rushing attack last season. And, while the Commanders’ passing attack ranked just 21st, his four sacks allowed were half of what Cosmi and Leno each allowed.

Norwell, 33, is coming off his lowest-graded season, and Father Time remains undefeated no matter the player.

He was cut in part to shave $4.3 million off the bottom line. Norwell was also placed on the PUP list this summer, though his release came only after he could pass a physical. He could add a starting presence now and quality depth later on, much like Michael Schofield did last season, that is if he is healthy.

He could also come cheaper than our next potential option.

Dalton Risner

Former Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner is several years younger than Norwell at just 28 years old. But he too finds still himself a part of the free agent market in mid-to-late August just four years after being selected No. 41 overall in 2019.

Risner started 15 games for the Broncos last season, finishing the year as their fourth-best normal starting lineman. But Denver decided to sign former Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Powers in free agency amid a change at head coach and following Risner’s season-ending elbow injury last season.

Yet, only Schofield and reserve Ja’Tyre Carter – who had 30 snaps all season – received higher pass-blocking grades among the Bears’ players.

And he is looking healthy this offseason.

There are some concerns that he could command top dollar, perhaps keeping some teams at bay. But the Bears don’t have that problem. They are still seventh in cap space even after this offseason’s spending spree, per Spotrac.

However, Mike Klis of 9News reported that Risner has drawn interest from at least seven teams and has met with the Minnesota Vikings. And several of the teams with even more cap room at their disposal need a guard including Norwell’s former team, the Panthers, who could look to beef up the protection in front of rookie No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young.

In that sense, adding Norwell could be a double-win for the Bears: helping themselves and protecting their draft interest Panthers’ season.

Other options that could fit the Bears’ scheme include veterans Justin Pugh and A.J. Cann.

Bears’ Internal Options to Replace Teven Jenkins

The Bears don’t have to venture outside the organization to try and fill the potential void left by Jenkins. They could turn to one of several players of varying experience levels if they truly believe Jenkins will be back sooner rather than later. That is if he misses time at all as rumored.

Ja’Tyre Carter

Carter has gotten plenty of work this offseason with starting right guard Nate Davis dealing with an undisclosed ailment during training camp. Davis suggested he was “back” during his media availability last week, though. That would free Carter up to swing over to Jenkins’ spot if need be.

A seventh-round pick by the Bears in 2022, Carter is the second-highest-graded lineman through two preseason games. He ranks behind third-year tackle, Larry Borom.

He certainly had the confidence of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy in Week 1.

“That’s an awesome dude, man,” Davis said on August 14. “He has a lot of potential. He’s only going to get better and better. … I’m happy for him. He’s doing well.”

Alex Leatherwood

The Bears brought in former Las Vegas Raider Alex Leatherwood last offseason. But he finished the year with just 32 snaps – one more than Carter got. He also graded out worse than all but one other lineman who started at least one game for the Bears in 2022.

This preseason has been a different story entirely, though, with Leatherwood receiving the highest pass-blocking grade of any Bears guard.

He’s also the player listed behind Jenkins on the Bears’ official depth chart.

Leatherwood may get the first crack at holding down the fort in Jenkins’ absence. But they still have a couple of other options they can turn to if that doesn’t work.

Lucas Patrick

Chicago added Lucas Patrick as one of several pieces brought over to help improve the roster as the starting center and help install Getsy’s offense. Injuries prevented him from locking down the center’s role and he began the season rotating with Jenkins at right guard.

He also played on the left side and could be a more proven option than Carter or Leatherwood.

His versatility could also work against him, though, with the team running low on backups at guard as it is.

Cody Whitehair

This would be the most extreme option given Cody Whitehair has worked at center all summer. But the second longest-tenure Bear has played guard for the last two seasons, specifically left guard. It would be less of a transition for him than most players, including Carter.

If Getsy shot down such a shift for Davis’ absence, however, it’s possible to probable that they take a similar approach with Jenkins, at least to start.

Anything could happen if this situation lingers but Whitehair seems like an emergency option.

Rumors

3 Bears Players That Helped Themselves and 2 That Hurt in Preseason Week 2

In Week 2 of the preseason, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, satisfied with his team’s work of practice, opted to sit the majority of his starters.

That provided several players the opportunity to make an impact and some stepped up.

Bears Players That Hurt and Helped Their Cause in Preseason Week 2

Helped: Tyson Bagent Steals the Spotlight

With Justin Fields and Co. resting, it was the backups’ turn to run the operation. Undrafted free agent rookie Tyson Bagent was the second quarterback in the game for the Bears. But he ended the night “first” in the race for the No. 2 job behind Fields.

Bagent completed 9-of-10 passes for 76 yards, a 98.3 quarterback rating, and two scrambles for four yards. That’s including a short jaunt into the end zone.

This isn’t a new development either.

Bagent does not get many live reps as the third-string quarterback. But he has been impressive throughout with his poise in the pocket and touch on his passes. He entered the league with plenty of experience. Bagent passed for 159 touchdowns in his collegiate career at Shepherd University – a school with a student population of less than 4,000.

“The only understanding that I have is to just handle the operation and the play that’s given to me as smoothly and as efficiently as possible,” Bagent said after the game, via the team.”That’s the only understanding that I have up until this point.”

After the game, though, Eberflus said that “everything” was “open” in terms of position battles, save for Fields and some of the other obvious spots on the revamped roster.

The 6-foot-3 rookie is 14-of-15 113 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions this preseason.

Bagent’s performance certainly tilted the scales quite a bit for anyone observing, possibly even Eberflus. But it wouldn’t have been as significant if the current No. 2 quarterback, P.J. Walker, hadn’t struggled as much as he did which leads us right into our first entry for players who hurt themselves with their performance.

Hurt: P.J. Walker Struggles Again

Walker – who signed in free agency from the Carolina Panthers – completed just 1-of-4 passes for six yards before ceding duties to Bagent. He did not turn the ball over but had passes batted down and looked uncomfortable in the pocket, a trend this preseason as he’s completed just 5-of-12 passes for 25 yards with zero scores and one interception.

One could try to argue those numbers by adding the context that he’s surrounded by backups (against backups, mind you).

Some of his drives have also been stopped by teammates’ turnovers.

But the most concerning thing, however, is quite possibly that he’s shown very little as a runner.

Whether that is by design or, even less likely by coach’s decree is unclear. It almost certainly would have helped elevate Walker’s production this preseason.

This is not a total surprise, though. Walker is not a prolific runner in terms of production on the ground like Fields – not many players are. But the undersized passer has not even been a frequent carrier of the football despite being a good athlete with just 18 total in three seasons.

It makes sense, then, that there would at least be an opening for Bagent to assume those duties with Walker’s skill set even further from Fields’, perhaps, than they initially had hoped. Bagent is not the athlete that Fields is, either – again, few players are, let alone quarterbacks. But he more closely aligns with what the Bears already have going with Fields.

The Bears can still turn to Nathan Peterman if they want to go in a different direction than Walker but aren’t quite comfortable with Bagent just yet. Peterman has completed 14-of-24 passes for 173 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions through two games.

Helped: Roschon Johnson Ups His YPC

In Week 1, rookie running back Roschon Johnson ran the ball 12 times for 32 yards, a modest 3.7 yards per carry. He was much more efficient in Week 2, tallying just seven totes but taking them 44 yards on the night.

Through two games, his 19 carries for 76 yards give him an even 4.0 yards per carry.

That mark would have ranked 36th among qualified runners last season, tied with former Bear, David Montgomery. But that isn’t the impressive part; not by a long shot. Johnson has been decisive with his runs and held up moderately well in his few in-game pass-blocking reps this preseason.

His 72.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranks just ahead of starter Khalil Herbert. Neither player has had many reps at this point, though. He is still well behind D’Onta Foreman and even Travis Homer in that regard.

Still, only Homer has graded higher as a runner so far.

That could change if they get team-specific with their game plan against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 preseason finale. And Johnson is likely to enter the season third in the pecking order at best, even with a strong showing in the preseason finale. What he has done, though, is show that it’s not too big for him.

Seeing it play out this way should give the coaching staff faith in him should they need to call his number at some point during the year.

Hurt: Tyrique Stevenson Too Aggressive

One of the things touted about rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson coming out of college was his physicality. It is a must-have trait in a quality defensive back in today’s NFL. But, one week after experiencing a peak with a strong showing in his debut, Stevenson showed the valleys that can come with rookies playing prominent roles.

He was flagged for unnecessary roughness after officials deemed he slung Colts running back Kenyan Drake to the ground while making a tackle and going out of bounds

“I could have been better with my head across the ball, so I could see where I was at on the field,” Stevenson said, per Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago. “So just gotta be a better rookie and have a lot more smarter plays and not cause the team any harmful penalties.”

It’s the second week in a row that Stevenson has been called for such a penalty.

Stevenson’s current plight is similar to that of teammate Kyler Gordon. The latter had to adjust to the NFL’s style of officiating as a rookie last season. Gordon ranked second on the team in penalties last season. He ranked behind only fellow rookie and starting left tackle Braxton Jones. Jones started every game as a fifth-round pick out of Utah State, per Football Database.

Like Gordon, Stevenson is a second-round pick. Expectations are inherently higher for him than a player such as Jones who was a pleasant surprise for a moribund team in 2022.

Helped: Terrell Lewis Embodies the H.I.T.S. Principle

There is an art to getting to the quarterback in the NFL. Even top Bears pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue has spoken of needing to be technically sound on the field “because guys are strong” at this level.

In a similar vein, fourth-year EDGE Terrell Lewis has married that with at least one key tenet of Eberflus’ H.I.T.S. principle – takeaways – and probably the entire concept.

Lewis explained how he “set up” the offensive tackle, logging a strip sack in Week 1.

He followed that up with another one in Week 2, getting to quarterback Sam Ehlinger. The Colts were able to pounce on the loose ball, though. Lewis had the Bears’ only sack in Week 2 after they recorded eight sacks in Week 1 versus the Titans.

He finished the game with two total tackles.

Through three games, Lewis is the Bears’ third-highest-graded player behind Gordon and Trevis Gipson, per PFF. That surely is far from a deciding factor for the coaching staff. But it does align with what Lewis’ flashes would seem to suggest and could help him make the 53-man roster.

An honorable mention goes to Daurice Fountain who made a spectacular grab for the second consecutive week. This one went for a touchdown. Fountain is the Bears’ second highest-graded wideout behind DJ Moore who was inactive in Week 2, per PFF. He has six catches (on seven targets) for 111 yards and one score this preseason.

Rumors

Bears Set to Work Out Former Lions, University of Illinois Defender

The Chicago Bears got a win over the Tennessee Titans in their preseason opener and, ahead of their week of preparation for Week 2 on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, they are exploring adding some depth.

“#Bears working out former #Lions and Illinois @IlliniFootball linebacker Isaac Darkangelo on Monday,” tweeted Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 on August 13. “He led top-ranked scoring defense in tackles with 71 stops last season before going undrafted and was two-time academic All-Big Ten @bigten selection.”

Bears Hosting Ex-Lion Defender, Illini Standout Isaac Darkangelo

Tale of The Tape for Isaac Darkangelo

Darkangelo is a 6-foot-1, 230-pounder who recorded 7.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble in 13 games last season for the Illini.

The Lions waived him in May but he gets a new opportunity to show what he can do.

“He’s a dude,” said University of Illinois linebackers coach Andy Buh, per Joey Wagner of 247 Sports on April 29. “He kind of a throwback linebacker. … “He brings a workmanlike attitude to the building every day.”

That is a key attribute for the 23-year-old Darkangelo to possess.

He would be joining an increasingly deep linebacker position on a Bears roster that general manager Ryan Poles re-tooled this offseason.

They added starters Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, reserve/special teamers Dylan Cole and Buddy Johnson in free agency, got Jack Sanborn back from an ankle injury that cut his 2022 campaign short, and drafted Noah Sewell in the fifth round with the No. 148 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

They have also come across some encouraging potential special teams or practice squad options. Rookie undrafted free agent Micah Baskerville and third-year man Barrington Wade both flashed during training camp.

The former even record one of the team’s 8.0 sacks on Titans quarterbacks in the opener.

Bears Battling Through Several Injuries

In addition to whatever he may bring to the Bears on the practice field, there are even more practical reasons to bring him in. They have already had to navigate an injury absence with Edmunds missing the opener. It never hurts to have more bodies, especially with the NFL moving to one roster cut-down day going from 90 players to 53.

The Bears will likely play their starters a bit more next week. How much could depend on their plans for the third and final week of the preseason when they will face the Buffalo Bills, though.

They were also dealing with absences along the offensive line (Nate Davis) and wide receiver (Chase Claypool) in the opener, with the former presenting a more impactful threat than the latter since offensive lines need cohesion.

Rumors

Potential Cost for Bears to Trade for Star EDGE Rusher Revealed

If the Chicago Bears are serious about trying to upgrade their pass rush before the season starts, they need to be keeping tabs on Danielle Hunter’s looming contract situation with the Minnesota Vikings.

Hunter, 28, is heading into the final year of a five-year, $72 million contract after logging double-digit sacks for the third time in four seasons. He is sitting out of OTAs and might not show up to veteran minicamp barring a new deal or trade which could give the Bears an opportunity to swoop in.

“Danielle Hunter would have real trade value (might take a 2+ to pry),” tweeted ESPN Senior writer Jeremy Fowler on June 12. “Sense is Vikings would prefer to retain him.”

That sounds like the Vikings don’t plan on taking the loss if they do agree to move Hunter.

Cost to Trade for Vikings Danielle Hunter Could Work for Bears

Bears Can Afford to Trade for Vikings’ Hunter

The Bears are uniquely positioned to both satisfy what the Vikings are asking for but also not restrict themselves in future drafts as they have done with previous star trades in years past like acquiring Khalil Mack.

Chicago owns the Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick in 2024, their own picks in rounds two through six, and an additional fourth-rounder from the Philadelphia Eagles.

That is, in theory, more than enough ammunition to give the Vikings a second-round pick and then some while still having the ability to move one of the first-rounders in a trade down on draft night next summer. The Bears still sit pretty in terms of cap space and figure to be up near the top in potential spending power next season once again.

They already project to have more than $84 million to spend in 2024.

They can get to another roughly $20-plus million if they waive Eddie Jackson and Cody Whitehair after this season. There will be plenty of roster spots to fill but they could have what they hope is a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields and a franchise pass rusher in Hunter.

Hunter would add teeth to a defense that recorded just 20 sacks in 2022, the third-fewest in franchise history, per Stathead.

Bears Working With Rivals

While some fans may be leery of working with an NFC North rival, the Bears have done so in the very recent past, and with the Vikings no less. The two teams swapped draft picks with Chicago picking up the rights to EDGE Trevis Gipson in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft (No. 155) while Minnesota received a 2021 fourth-rounder (Camryn Bynum).

Gipson, 25, is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and has 10.0 career sacks.

That is the only trade between the two organizations at least since 1994 which is as far back as Stathead’s database goes.

The Bears completed one trade with the Green Bay Packers in that timeframe, sending them the No. 213 overall pick which they turned into three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Donald Driver in exchange for two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro Glyn Milburn.

The Bears have not done any deals with the Detroit Lions in that span but Detroit did trade Milburn to Green Bay just one week prior to his being dealt to Chicago. And Minnesota traded with Detroit on two separate occasions in 2022, most notably sending tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Lions with several draft picks also changing hands.

Bears ‘Interested’ in Free Agents

While Hunter and fellow potential trade candidate Chase Young of the Washington Commanders are splashy options, the Bears have taken a very calculated, methodical approach to building out this roster.

And head coach Matt Eberflus was up front about their interest in some of the free agent options which include Jadeveon Clowney and Yannick Ngakoue.

Matt Eberflus Sends Strong Message on Bears’ Roster

The Bears traded a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for receiver Chase Claypool.

They would almost surely have to jump at possibly only having to pay slightly more to acquire someone of Huntre’s caliber, even if you want to factor in a potential rate hike for working with a division rival.

Rumors

Bears’ Justin Fields Lands New Deal Ahead of Critical Season

With OTAs wrapping up this week, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has a new deal.

“Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has signed a brand deal with Reebok,” tweeted Chicago sports reporter Daniel Greenberg on June 9.

Fans may have noticed Fields donning Reebok’s iconic sneaker, The Pump, during a team-building exercise at the United Center on June 8. What perhaps seemed like a quirky fashion statement given Reebok’s current standing in sneaker culture now makes perfect sense.

Fields’ game-worn cleats from when he broke the single-game rushing record by a quarterback (178 yards vs MIA in Wk 9) were placed in the Hall of Fame last year. But those cleats were made by Adidas. Now, if he is fortunate enough to break another record and get another pair into The Hall, those will be Reebok.

The Pump was originally introduced in 1989 to be direct competition for Nike’s ‘Air Jordan’, and gained popularity thanks to then-Boston Celtics rookie, Dee Brown.

Brown wore the shoes and even incorporate the signature feature into his routine.

“I could see in the corner of my eye that they’re like, ‘Oh, what? Oh, look what he’s doing…is different,'” Brown said, per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN in a 2019 story detailing the shoe’s timeline. “And the fans got excited about it and the players.”

Brown won the contest. And while the shoe became more of a fond memory than a constant presence in sports or fashion, the rest is history.

Perhaps Fields can help bring the brand back to prominence with a breakout campaign.

Justin Fields Not Worried About Contract

This is a pivotal season for Fields who will be eligible to receive a contract extension next offseason but has an incomplete resume to this point. He set the NFL world on fire last season with his rushing prowess, racking up over 1100 yards on the ground.

He set the franchise record for rushing yards by a quarterback.

Fields also became the sixth quarterback in NFL history to start at least 15 games yet throw from 2250 yards or fewer in NFL history, per Stathead, while the Bears had the worst record in the NFL last season. But, let Fields tell it, his only focus is the team stat that counts the most and not his looming contract situation.

“I’m not worried about contracts,” Fields said on May 23 via the team when asked about his contract status. “I’m worried about wins.”

Chicago has the 2024 season – and presumably 2025 via his fifth-year option – to decide.

All signs coming out of OTAs have been positive, though they rarely go the other direction this time of the year. Still, Reports of Fields’ command of the offense,  connection with new top option D.J. Moore, and bodies returning to practice have all been encouraging.

Far more so than the concerns about the lack of talent on the roster and doubts about Fields’ ability to play at all that were rampant last season.

Justin Fields Meets Michael Vick

Fields met with former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick on June 9, and the Bears shared pics of the encounter. Vick, the No. 1 overall pick and a four-time Pro Bowler, won Comeback Player of the Year in 2010, one year after making his return from a two-year suspension and prison sentence for dog fighting.

In his return with Philadelphia, Vick transitioned into more of a threat as a passer from the pocket, leading to gains in his air yards, completion percentage, touchdown rate, and a decrease in his interception rate.

A similar transition from Fields early in his career could be monumental for him and the Bears.

The most damning part about that stat on Fields’ passing numbers is only three of the six passers to do it have been since 1978, including Fields, and all three were Bears.

Rumors

Proposed Trade Sees Bears Land Former No. 2 Overall Pick

The Chicago Bears did yeoman’s work adding to their offensive line, offensive skill positions, and defense this offseason.

What they have not yet done is add a proven pass-rushing threat to a much-maligned front.

Enter Washington Commanders EDGE rusher, Chase Young (potentially). Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports Washington will take calls on even if he doesn’t think they will ultimately trade the former No. 2 overall pick, Young, as he heads into the final year of his four-year, $34.5 million rookie-scale contract.

Bears get:

– Chase Young

Commanders get:

– 2nd Rd Pick

“Let’s keep in mind that the Bears traded three-time All-Pro edge-rusher Khalil Mack…for a 2022 second-rounder and a 2023 sixth-round pick two years ago,” wrote Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report in an article from June 7 identifying the best potential packages for Young.

“Washington shouldn’t expect more than what Chicago received for Mack.”

The idea that the Los Angeles Chargers would be a playoff, if not title contender was baked into that deal made ahead of last season.

Chicago is not there yet, even with their improvements, meaning their pick figures to be higher and they’ve already seen how that could possibly backfire on them after trading a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool only for him to fail to make an impact and the pick to effectively be the final pick of the first round in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Bears – and any other potentially interested team – would have to consider Young’s injury history. He has appeared in just 12 games over the last two seasons including just three games in 2022 with just 1.5 sacks in that span.

His career-high for sacks in a season is 7.5 as a rookie when he made 15 of 16 appearances.

Bears Could Trade for Vikings’ Danielle Hunter

Perhaps the Bears would prefer a little less on the injury history and a little more in terms of production. A more consistent, if not more exciting option could be available on the trade market for the right price.

“Somewhat murky future for Danielle Hunter in Minnesota,” reported Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on June 7. “He has, in fact, generated some trade interest.”

To be clear: taking calls on a player and shopping him, let alone trading him, are different. He is only 28 years old and has recorded at least 10.5 sacks in three of the last four seasons and the lone season he failed to do so was cut short by injury. He is also on a relative bargain contract in the final year of a five-year, $72 million contract.

His base salary for the 2023 season is $4.9 million, though he does carry a $13.1 million cap hit.

Matt Eberflus: Bears ‘Like’ Multiple Free Agents

If Hunter’s price tag – which should be substantially higher than Young’s – is too rich for the Bears to stomach or they simply prefer not to deal with a division rival, head coach Matt Eberflus has already laid out their alternative plan.

“We’re interested in a lot of free agents,” Eberflus said on May 31 via the Bears’ YouTube channel when asked directly about adding a pass rusher to the roster. “We’re interested in a lot of guys, at all positions right now. So we’re just excited about being able to look at those guys, and potentially add as we go through camp and getting closer to the season.”

Bears Urged to Trade for ‘Stalwart’ D-Lineman With Ties to Coaching Staff

The Bears’ 20 sacks in 2022 were their fewest since 2003 and the third-fewest in the franchise’s storied history since sacks became an official statistic, per Stathead.

It would seem they need to do something, anything but go into the season as-is.

Rumors

Bears’ Key Offseason Addition Ranked ‘Most Overrated’ in NFL

The Chicago Bears went to extensive lengths to revamp their roster on both sides of the ball But one of their biggest gets, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, finds himself among some rather dubious company, ranked as the NFL’s “most overrated” linebacker.

Bears’ Tremaine Edmunds Ranked NFL’s ‘Most Overrated’ Linebacker

“When the Buffalo Bills drafted Tremaine Edmunds…the hope was that the young but wildly athletic Virginia Tech product would develop into one of the league’s best off-ball linebackers,” wrote Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report on June 2. “However…Edmunds just hasn’t been the sort of playmaker that [Roquan] Smith or a healthy [Shaquille] Leonard have been.”

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is at least somewhat familiar with both Smith and Leonard having coached the latter from his rookie season through 2021 and being around Smith to start the 2022 campaign.

Smith was traded to the Baltimore Ravens at the deadline after a contract holdout in camp.

Edmunds’ 359 solo tackles since 2018 rank 10th in the NFL in that span. To Davenport’s point, however, Edmunds has never ranked higher than his 19th-placed finish in any single season in that window.

“Edmunds is a very good player being paid like he’s great,” writes Davenport. “But he hasn’t shown that greatness—not yet.”

The Bears inked Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million contract with $36.8 million guaranteed at signing ($50 million guaranteed total) to man the middle of their defense. For reference, that is the fifth-highest total contract value in the NFL among off-ball linebackers and jumps a spot to fourth in terms of annual value, per Spotrac.

Tremaine Edmunds Lack of Turnovers a Potential Concern

Of potential concern, and further to Davenport’s message, Edmunds has just five interceptions in his career and only two over the last two seasons. He has also forced just two fumbles – both of which came during his rookie season – and he has never recovered one.

All three linebackers entered the league in the 2018 NFL Draft. But Edmunds also trails both Leonard and Smith in sacks and turnovers.

Provided by Stathead.com
          Tack Def Def Fumb Fumb
Rk Player Age G Sk Comb Int PD FR FF
1 Tremaine Edmunds 20-24 74 6.5 565 5 35 0 2
2 Shaquille Leonard 23-27 61 15.0 549 12 31 7 17
3 Roquan Smith 21-25 78 18.5 693 8 23 1 1
Perhaps that can be explained by the Bills’ scheme and other pieces.
 
Plenty of turnovers come from the deflections and forced fumbles of others. The 6-foot-5 Edmunds has also flashed that playmaking ability with the Bears, albeit in OTAs.

Edmunds is also the youngest of the three, each of whom hit free agency in 2026.

Bears ‘Interested’ in FA Pass Rushers

A lot of what happens with Edmunds and at the second level of the defense in general next season will be dictated by the Bears’ defensive line. Chicago recorded a league-low 20 sacks on the season in 2022 and ranked 31st against the run. Adding Edmunds and fellow free agent addition T.J. Edwards at linebacker isn’t solving that alone.

The Bears have added to their defensive line, mostly with interior players both in free agency and through the draft.

While they have also added some hybrid pass rushers, they might not be content with that.

Matt Eberflus Sends Strong Message on Bears’ Roster

They are mostly limited to aging veterans and retreads for proven options in free agency, which has left them open to trade speculation. Whatever they do, it’s clear that the expectations – both on the outside and from within – are higher than they were last year which is a good thing.

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Rumors

Bears Urged to Take Proactive Stance With Cole Kmet

The Chicago Bears’ aggressive offseason moves could put the squeeze on one of their incumbent players.

“[Tight end Cole] Kmet might be more valuable to another team,” argued Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine on May 31. “If someone is willing to pay up for him in the final year of his rookie contract, the Bears should be willing to listen.”

Bears ‘Should Be Willing to Listen’ to Trade Offers for Former Top Pick

Cole Kmet’s Production Could Suffer in Revamped Offense

Ballentine’s argument comes from several factors, most notably the addition of D.J. Moore to the wide receiver room that has Darnell Mooney coming back after ankle surgery. Chase Claypool is in Year 2 and will have a full offseason with the team. Even more directly, they added former Green Bay Packer Robert Tonyan at tight end.

There’s also the matter of Kmet’s production.

As the Bears’ passing game went into the tank last season, Kmet’s targets fell by nearly 30%. He still did a lot of damage through the air with seven touchdowns. That was tied for the third-most among tight ends.

The former second-round pick (No. 43 overall in 2020) was Chicago’s first selection in his class. He is heading into the final year of his contract. There was word of contract talks in the spring.

“Just little talks here and there,” Kmet said, per Alex Shapiro of NBC Chicago on March 9. “They’ve got a lot to get done, obviously with the draft, free agency, all those things. Really wouldn’t expect much to happen, maybe until summer, really until after free agency settles and the draft, so we’ll see where it goes.”

Kmet, 24, is one of two tight ends in Bears history to record at least 130 receptions and 1300 yards over the first 50 games of his career, per Stathead, joining Greg Olsen. Zooming out, only 56 other tight ends in NFL history have achieved that mark to start their careers.

Jaylon Johnson Will Be at OTAs ‘For Sure’

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson appeared on Keyshawn, JWill, & Max on June 1 to talk about a variety of topics, including his charity work for his non-profit, Kevvy’s Vision Project, and other such acts.

He also shed some light on his absence from OTAs ahead of a pivotal contract season.

Johnson, 24, was selected seven picks after Kmet in the 2020 NFL Draft. This regime does not have any ties to him (or Kmet for that matter) beyond his injury-shortened 2022 campaign. He has one career interception and has logged just one more pass breakup over the last two seasons (16) as he had as a rookie in 2016.

But Johnson has also gotten a vote of confidence from the Bears’ greatest tormentor, Aaron Rodgers. The now-New York Jets passer called the corner a “premier player” after their matchup in December.

Johnson said that he will be at the next set of OTAs “for sure”.

For what it’s worth, he has a little added motivation to show up and show out with the team drafting another perimeter corner in Tyrique Stevenson and 2022 second-rounder and projected nickelback Kyler Gordon admitted that he misses playing on the outside.

The Bears’ next set of OTAs will take place from June 5 through June 8 with veteran minicamp slated to take place the following week at which point Johnson was already expected back.