SBG II: POST ROUND 2 FREE AGENT SIGNINGS HERE

[emperorjones]

NOT A DISCUSSION THREAD.

This is a place to post your Round 2 FA "Press Releases"

Keep your press releases in one post that you update as you sign players

[clancyphile]

BEARS SIGN TE MYERS, QB THIGPEN

The Chicago Bears announced they reached agreement with tight end Brandon Myers on a four-year contract. Myers, who caught 79 passes for 806 yards and four touchdowns, gives the Bears a new receiving threat to join Brandon Marshall, who caught 118 passes for 1,502 yards, both team records.

Chicago also announced that they had signed quarterback Tyler Thigpen to a two-year contract. Thigpen, who has mostly backed up, started 11 games in 2008, throwing 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while rushing for three more touchdowns.

BEARS SIGN LB ELLERBE, TWO OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

The Chicago Bears have signed linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. Ellerbe, who had 66 tackles and 4.5 sacks with the Super Bowl Champion Ravens in 2012 while substituting for Ray Lewis, will likely start on the strong side. Nick Roach will be retained as a backup at all three slots in the Bears 4-3 defense.

Chicago also announced the signings of center Evan Dietrich-Smith, formerly with the Green Bay Packers, and offensive lineman Rob Turner, who has played center, guard, and right tackle. Dietrich-Smith is likely to start at center, moving Roberto Garza, a 2011 Pro Bowler, to left guard. Chicago GM clancyphile demurred when asked where Turner will play, but noted that his versatility provides the team with options at four offensive line positions.

FULLBACK LEONARD JOINS BEARS

Chicago announced the signing of fullback Brian Leonard to a four-year deal. The move gives the Bears their first true fullback on the roster.

GM clancyphile said, "Brian Leonard is a player I have liked for some time. He is a consummate team player. I believe he will prove to Bears fans and his teammates that he is more than just a lead blocker - he will be a true complement to Matt Forte in the backfield."

Leonard's best season was as a rookie in 2007, when he ran for 303 yards, and caught 30 passes for 183 yards. In six years in the NFL, he has totaled 646 rushing yards and 113 receptions, primarily as a fullback.

At Rutgers, he ran for 2,775 yards and caught 207 passes for another 1,868. As a senior, he served as a fullback for Ray Rice, even though he had been considered a potential Heisman candidate.

[bearadonisdna]

Press Release-
Realgm bearadonisdna has announced the signing of TE Martellus Bennet.

Press release:
Bears GM "bearadonisdna" has confirmed agreement to terms with Offensive Tackle Jermon Bushrod. Terms are undisclosed.

Notes:
2013 Bear signees-
Ed Reed-S
Rob Turner -C/G/T
Stanford Routt -CB

-Sources indicate Safety Chris Conte is expected to make the transition to nickel back and backup safety.
-Sources indicate Bears will pick at least one offensive lineman with their first two picks in the 2013 NFL draft.

[patryk7754]

Adam Schefter reports that after clearing up a bunch of cap space with cuts and restructuring Peppers's contract, several NFL GMs expect the Bears to make a huge splash in free agency. Players are ready to take their talents to Chicago.

[patryk7754]

Chicago Bears Free Agent Signings

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Wide Receivers
Mike Wallace- Most are surprised with this signing after the Bears traded for Brandon Marshall but everyone likes this move for the Bears. No one is happier than Jay Cutler.

Tight End
Jared Cook- Bears keep adding to their offensive weapons by signing Cook. Great Receiving TE.

Delanie Walker- Bears add another TE in Walker. Walker can help the o-line with his great blocking skills and became a pretty good receiving threat late in last year's season.

Running Back
Chris "Beanie" Wells- The Bears haven't had much luck with their recent RB signings and they take a risk with Wells. Wells has huge talent but also is prone to injury. If Wells can stay healthy the Bears could have the best one-two punch at RB in the League.

Defense
DT Terrence Knighton- Bears sign a mountain of a man to play next to Henry Melton. Knighton is a former player of the Bears new DC so he should be able to fit right in.

CB Derek Cox- The Bears bring in another former Jag and upgrade their slot CB position and find a potential replacement for Tillman.

OLB Michael Boley- Bears bring in another veteran LB who had a pretty good 2012 campaign. Bears will look for youth in the draft.

Offensive Line
LT Jermon Bushrod- Reunites with his former coach from the Saints. 2-time Pro-bowler. Bears will move Web to RT.

OG Chad Rinehart- Rinehart would've have been paid a lot more if this was one year ago, but unfortunately for him he had a serious ankle injury and had to take less money. He is expected to start opposite of G Lance Louis.

G/C/RT Rob Turner- Not expected to start but is a pretty good back who can fill in from time to time. Also, adds a lot of depth as he can play almost any position on the o-line.

Quarterback
Brady Quinn- Bears HC believes he can fix most of Quinn's problems and make him a quality backup.

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Adam Schefter reports that the Bears will also be making a lot of moves on draft day, so stay tuned Bears Fans. Also, he reports that Bear's QB Jay Cutler has been hospitalized due to irregular orgasms. Doctors believe they were caused by FA signings.

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

Chicago Bears GM BIGGIEsmalls23 to roll out the Bears 2013 free-agent signings later today

He has promised to add key pieces to the team without wrecking the solid foundation of a team that missed the playoffs last season due to injuries, inconsistency on Offense, & questionable coaching that led to the firing of long-time Head Coach Lovie Smith.

"The Chicago Bears franchise will no longer live in the stone-age Offensively." BIGGIEsmalls23 said, "We will now move into the future on the Offensive side of the ball, while preserving our solid Defense. We will use a scalpel, not a butcher knife as we construct our 2013/2014 Bears team. As we look at free-agents, we will factor in need, talent, & we will use a grade A medical team to examine players before we sign them to contracts. We are currently in that process of evaluation & we will soon introduce the new members of our Chicago Bears family."

Per Chicago Sun-Times

Jake Long Passes Physical

After Chicago Bears GM BIGGIEsmalls 23 promised to use the team's grade A medical team to examine potential new players, the Chicago tribune has learned through a source that Jake Long, Martellus Bennett, & Chase Daniel have all passed thorough physicals & have been signed by the team. Jake Long has a slight history with injuries, but several teams (including the St. Louis Rams) cleared him physically & offered him contracts. Considering that the Bears have the best medical team in the NFL, this particular signing became a no-brainer as Long declined other offers & decided to sign in Chicago.

Per Chicago tribume

Chicago Bears sign free-agents Offensive Tackle Jake Long, Tight End Martellus Bennett, and Quarterback Chase Daniel

The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with three players today. The Bears signed OT Jake Long to a $7.245 million contract, TE Martellus Bennett to a $2.981 million contract, and QB Chase Daniel to a $1 million contract. "Today the Chicago Bears took another step forward in our off-season goals." GM BIGGIEsmalls 23 said, "We promised to improve our team with a scalpel & not a butcher knife. Along with the re-signing of our own selected free-agents, we have added to our core and are pleased to announce..........




TE Martellus Bennett, who will give us consistency at a position that has been lacking the last few years. We rated Bennett as the best free-agent TE available as he brings a rare combination of athletism, catching, & blocking ability to our team. We also are pleased to announce............



QB Chase Daniel, who was the back-up QB under our new Offensive Coordinator Aaron Kromer in New Orleans. Chase will come in with a comfort level & knowledge of what will be asked of him. Finally, we are pleased to introduce.............



LT Jake Long, who is arguably the best Offensive tackle in the NFL. Jake will provide Jay Cutler with the comfort of knowing that his blindside is protected, which will translate into more consistency from our offense as Jay is allowed the time needed to be the player that we believe he can be."

"We look forward to these player becoming members of our Chicago Bear family & we move with confidence as we enter the next phase of our off-season, which is the upcoming draft."

Per ESPN

[clancyphile]

BEARS SIGN DOMINIQUE ROGERS-CROMARTIE

The Chicago Bears reached agreement with CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie on the terms of a five-year contract. The former Eagle will be competing with DJ Moore for the nickelback role.

"To beat the Packers, you need three good corners to shut down the passing game," GM clancyphile told members of the Chicago sports media.

Rogers-Cromartie expressed eagerness to learn from Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman, who forced ten fumbles in 2012. Rogers-Cromartie had three interceptions and 17 passes defensed in 2012.

CLOSING OUT
The Bears have taken a cost-effective approach to free-agency. Rogers-Cromartie and Ellerbe are perhaps the biggest signings, and both are in areas where the Bears are seen as having some depth but old players.

For a team that had offensive line issues, the Bears have signed two linemen, both of whom appear to be marginal improvements.

Jay Cutler will benefit from Brandon Myers at tight end. Myers, whose 79 receptions and 806 receiving yards would have been second place on the 2012 Bears.

Tyler Thigpen is seen as an effective backup with proper coaching. "Don't judge his season with the Chiefs too harshly," clancyphile said. "Thigpen can be a solid backup for Jay Cutler."

[IWannaGoHIGHER]

It's 3:01 pm at Halas Hall on March 12, 2013. Bears Fan's collectively hold their breath while they see what they're new GM IWannaGoHIGHER has in store for the franchise. After Phil Emery had a sudden breakdown.

So after cuts and some restructured contracts Sean Jensen is reporting the Bears have a little more than 16 million in cap room to work with.

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
Former Dolphins OT Jake Long has agreed to a five-year deal with the Chicago Bears.

Chicago Bears finally get their franchise LT



Jake Long LT 5 year 36.225 million dollar contract (7.245 cap hit 2013): The Bears finally have a franchise LT. Unfortunately Bears OL coach Aaron Kromer tore both ACL's jumping for joy when the signing was announced. He is expected to be ready for camp though. Long has had injuries nag him the last few seasons, but few would argue that he isn't a premier LT and one of the best in the NFL at what he does. "We knew that protecting the Quarterback had to be our number one priority this off-season" Bears GM Higher stated in a news conference Tuesday, "and today I think we took a big step in the right direction. Jake is the the kind of dominate player that doesn't come around often, and we are thrilled to have him." Brad Biggs of the Trib has stated the Long deal has over 17 million in guarantees. Making him the highest payed offensive linemen in Bears history.

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
Former Giant TE Martellus Bennett agreed to a four-year deal with Chicago Bears.

Bears sure up their Tight End Position with Bennett




Martellus Bennett TE at 4 year 11.92 million contract (2.98 million cap hit 2013): With the release of Davis and Spaeth this off season you knew that the Bears had to make a move for a TE. Bennett last year emerged for the Giants as a good vertical threat and reliable target. At 6'6 he offers yet another large target for Jay Cutler, who couldn't be reached for comment because he said "I have a wedding or something ... whatever." Bennett seems to be the whole package and is a TE that can play every down because of his great blocking ability. In his introductory press conference introduced himself as the "Black Unicorn" because he said he was "half black, and half amazing." When asked for comment Bears GM higher stated that "any backing from mythical creature has to be a positive."

Brad Biggs ‏@BradBiggs
Word is from Halas that the Bears have agreed to terms with LB Rey Maualuga.

Maulagua Signed to Replace a Legend



Rey Maualuga ILB at 2 year 2.84 million contract (1.42 million cap hit 2013): A lot of Bears fans are sad to the cornerstone of the franchise not return to the team. But he made it clear that money was still a large factor in his return, and the Bear FO wasn't willing to budge at their price. Maualuga isn't Brain Urlacher but, most would say he played better than Urlacher last year. A sure tackler, he was second on the team in tackles with 122 last year. And who the Bengals almost considered franchising. He also helps with the youth movement on defense at 26 years old. GM Higher commented on the signing saying "I don't feel like you can have too many Samoans on a football team."

Sean Jensen ‏@seankjensen
Bears have just agreed to terms with Broncos CB Tracy Porter, and Jacksonville G/T Eben Britton. Details to come.


Bears bolster Secondary and Offense Line with most recent moves



Tracy Porter CB at 2 year 3.2 contract (1.6 million cap hit in 2013): The former Super Bowl hero was good for Denver last year in spot starts. He's tall and is a good cover corner. And with Tim Jennings coming off a big year and not locked in after next year he could push to start. But you can't have too many good corners in today's NFL. He is expected to also compete for different special teams roles.



Eben Britton at 1 year 1.44 million contract (1.44 million cap hit in 2013): The Bears are taking a calculated risk a chance on a young player (25) with talent who could use a change of scenery. A strategy that has worked in the past on. GM Higher had this to say about the signing "Let's be honest in Jacksonville no one is in a great position to succeed." He's got talent and size to go with it and has played guard and tackle. He will provide good depth and flexibility for the Bears.

K.C Johnson ‏@KCJHoop
I'm not sure why this came across my desk but I hear the Bears are going to sign Byron Leftwich today. #Bulls?



Byron Leftwich at 1 year 1 million dollar contract (1 million dollar cap hit in 2013): The Bears today announced today the signing of veteran signal caller Byron Leftwich today. In spot starts throughout his career Lefwich has shown to be successful. GM Higher had this to say about this signing "How did you guys let KC Johnson break this story? I mean really. But regardless we are pretty screwed if Cutler goes down,"

Post FA Depth Chart:
QB- Cutler, Leftwich
RB- Forte, Bush, Allen
FB/H-Back- Rodriguez
TE'- Bennett, Rodrguez, Adams
WR- Marshall, Jeffery, Bennett, Weems, Anderson
LT- Long, Webb
LG- Brown, Britton
C- Garza
RG- Carimi, Britton
RT- Webb/Carimi, Brandon
DE- Peppers, Shea
NT- Paea, Collins
DT- Melton, Okoye
DE- Wooten, Izzy
OLB- Briggs, Thomas
ILB- Maualuga, Costanzo, Decicco
OLB- Roach, Decicco
CB- Tillman, Porter
CB- Jennings, Bowman, McManis
FS- Conte, Hardin
SS- Wright, Steltz
K- Gould
P- Podlesh
KR/PR- Weems, Bennett

Draft Needs: OG, WR, CB

[heir_jordan22]

Adam Shefter @AdamShefter
Chicago Bears strike quickly and add TE Jared Cook. This gives the Bears a new dimension to their offense and Jay Cutler has another monster receiver to throw the ball to.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
Bears looking to continue upgrading talent on offensive. Bringing in several offensive linemen for visits.

Chicago Sun-Times
Bears Make Big Upgrades to Offensive Line
Sean Jensen

After cutting veteran Roberto Garza and re-signing Lance Louis, their top offensive lineman from last season, the Chicago Bears make key additions to the offensive line.


Jermon Bushrod
They add two-time Pro Bowler Jermon Bushrod, who has developed into a top LT under OL coach Aaron Kromer. The two are reunited, as Kromer is now the Offensive Coordinator and O-line coach for the Bears.

Bushrod was Drew Brees' best friend while protecting his blindside and playing a key role in the Saints' Superbowl run.



Donald Thomas
The Bears also add LG Donald Thomas, who was a key reserve for the NE Patriots and one of the best reserves in the NFL last season. Thomas is a solid interior pass protector, shown here blocking Darnell Dockett, and an excellent road grader in the run game.



Eben Britton
I'm being told the Bears have also added Eben Britton. He was selected in the second round by the Jaguars a couple years ago and immediately became the starting RT. After back injuries slowed him down he was moved to RG where he also played well. Some teams are still concerned with his injury history, but he passed a thorough physical for the Bears.

Britton, Webb, Carimi and Jonathan Scott will all be battling for the starting RT spot. This move also adds security in case Lance Louis is not ready for the start of the season coming off of an ACL injury. All four players are capable of playing right tackle and guard positions.

Bears Add Youth to Defense
By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter

The Bears have just added some much needed youth to their aging defense. They sign CB Derek Cox, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played extremely well last year with 60 tackles, 11 pass deflections, 4 interceptions and one forced fumble under new Bears Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker. Cox is an excellent cover corner with great size and physicality, playing extremely well against the likes of Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson twice a year. He has very good ball skills as well. Cox is likely to step in as the nickel corner but may battle for a starting position with Jennings, who is set to be a free agent after this season. This gives the Bears a great group of corners in a division where they face offensive juggernauts like the Packers and Lions.


They also signed Rey Maualuga, former linebacker for the Bengals. Maualuga is a tackling machine. His 122 tackles last season would have led the Chicago Bears, as Lance Briggs led the team with 102. Maualuga will likely step in as the starting SAM linebacker, but may be a viable replacement for the aging Urlacher or Briggs some time in the future.


Matt Shaughnessy was added to the DL rotation. Israel Idonije was not re-signed, giving young Bears Wootton and McClellin a chance to step up and get more snaps on defense. Shaugnessy will be a strong part of the rotation. He is extremely athletic and strong, allowing him to play inside or outside in the same fashion Idonije and Wootton have been utilized in Chicago.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
Chicago Bears sign WR Kevin Ogletree. Source says Bears believe his speed is a better fit next to Marshall and Jeffery than Earl Bennett. No "ping pong paddles for hands" like Darius Hayward Bay.

Adam Shefter @AdamShefter
Bears cap off monster first day of NFL year with the signing of RB Mike Goodson and add new dimension: blazing speed.

Huge Moves by Bears on Day One
by Michael C Wright ESPNChicago.com

On day one of the new league year the Bears have added professionalism to the offensive line, youth to the defense and speed to the skill positions.

Jermon Bushrod earned to Pro Bowl visits under new Bears Offensive Coordinator Aaron Kromer while in New Orleans. Donald Thomas was part of an uber-talented offensive line with the Patriots, and did not feel to meet and surpass what was expected of him. Eben Britton brings a toughness that the Bears desperately need on the O-line and will earn a starting spot at RT if he stays healthy.

While Kromer is happy to get Bushrod, Mel Tucker is just as excited to have Derek Cox. Cox excelled under Tucker in Jacksonville last season with 60 tackles, 11 pass deflections and 4 interceptions. He may push Tim Jennings into the nickel, but there is no doubt the Bears have one of the strongest groups at the CB position in the NFL with this signing.

Rey Maualuga meanwhile, quietly steps into the starting lineup and may eventually replace Bears LB legends Briggs or Urlacher. And Matt Shaughnessy is an under the radar signing who will fill a joker role on the DL, playing inside and out, just as his predecessor Israel Idonije did.

As far as weapons go, Jay Cutler has never had a more diverse and talented arsenal. Bears have added to the dominant Marshall, promising Jeffery, and all around great running back Matt Forte with speed, speed and more speed. Mike Goodson is a burner that will spell Forte and can take it to the house. Ogletree replaces Bennett, who had good hands, but missed too many games and did not add the over the top dimension the offense needed to go with Marshall and Jeffery.

And let's not forget Jared Cook, who may be the Bears best signing of the day. The Bears haven't had a tight end with this talent since the great Mike Ditka, and Cook has athleticism Ditka couldn't even dream of. Cutler no longer has to hesitate when he wants to throw down the middle to his TE.

The Bears barely missed the playoffs, and it seems they're all in for this season.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
On Day one Bears add Jared Cook, Kevin Ogletree, Mike Goodson, Jermon Bushrod, Donald Thomas, Eben Britton on offense. Derek Cox, Rey Maualuga, Matt Shaughnessy on defense.

LARRY MAYER'S
CHALK TALK

What does Bears depth chart look like?
What does the Bears depth chart look like at this point in the off-season, and what positions do the Bears still need to address?

Emperor J.
Modville, Realverse

There's no telling what the depth chart will look like once the season starts, but based on moves the Bears have made this would be my best guess:

QB: Cutler, Campbell
RB: Forte, Goodson, Allen
FB: Rodriquez
WR: Marshall, Jeffery, Ogletree, Weems
TE: Cook, Rodriquez
OT: Bushrod, Webb, Scott, Carimi, Britton
OG: Thomas, Louis, Britton, Carimi
C: none

DE: Peppers, Wootton, McClellin, Shaughnessy
DT: Melton, Paea, Okoye, Toeaina
MLB: Urlacher, Maualuga, Costanzo
OLB: Briggs, Maualuga, JT Thomas
CB: Tillman, Cox, Jennings, Bowman, McManis
S: Wright, Conte, Hardin, Steltz

K: Gould
P: Podlesh
KR: Weems, Goodson, Ogletree

The Bears will have an open competition for right tackle between Webb, Scott, Carimi and newly acquired Eben Britton. The competition is expected to be fierce and will bring out the best in all four players. The center position will need to be addressed after Roberto Garza was cut following a season in which he struggled mightily. Other than that the draft will likely be used to bring in as much young talent as possible.

[clancyphile]

Pre-draft Depth Chart

QB: Cutler, Thigpen, McCown
RB: Forte, K. Bell, Allen
FB: Leonard
WR: Marshall, Jeffrey, Hester
TE: Myers, Rodriguez
T: Webb, Scott, Brandon
G: Louis, Garza
C: Dietrich-Smith, Turner

DE: Peppers, Wooton, McClellin
DT: Idjonie, Melton, A. Okoye, Toeiana
OLB: Ellerbe, Briggs, Hayes, Thomas
MLB: Urlacher, DeCicco
CB: Tillman, Jennings, Rogers-Cromartie, Moore, Bowman, McManus
S: Wright, Conte, Steltz, Hardin

K: Gould
P: Podlesh
LS: Mannelly

[Jake0890]

I'm gonna have to drop out here. I don't have time to continue playing. Sorry guys.

Good luck.

[sgm88]

Sign OLB D. Smith
Sign RT S. Vollmer
Sign TE M. Bennett
Sign WR D. Heyward-Bey
Sign RG G. Schwartz
Sign DE J. Abraham