Angelo: Bears in holding pattern on veteran WR

[SportsWorld]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 4135.story

Although a veteran receiver -- even Anquan Boldin -- remains an option for the Bears, general manager Jerry Angelo dismissed talk of Amani Toomer being on the radar Saturday night.

The NFL Network reported Thursday that the Bears placed a call inquiring about Toomer, a 34-year-old free agent who spent 13 seasons with the New York Giants.

"We have not talked about [Toomer]," Angelo said Saturday before the Bears Care Gala at Soldier Field.

"A veteran receiver is something we could do. We've looked at just about everybody. But right now we're in a holding pattern. If we go to camp and go into the season with the hand we dealt ourselves, we're very comfortable with that as well."

[Clint Eastwood]

i read this. in the article he suggests the bears have talked about boldin, and may continue to do so. it wouldnt shock me if the bears make a run at him. they have the money to give him. perhaps a combo of a 2nd next year, a defensive end/lineman, and one of our drafted receivers.

i would give one of our d linemen like ogunleye, or dvorcek, plus iglesias, and next years second for boldin.

[WAYSA]

Dvorcek is likely getting cut. Virtually no value.

I would not give up Ogunleye. It's a contract year for him and he might play big for a contract.

I would give a 2nd (2010) + Mark Anderson + 2nd (2011).

The Cardinals do not need a receiver back. They have Breaston & Early Doucet.

[fleet]

Dvorcek is likely getting cut. Virtually no value.

when healthy though, hes decent to good. I'd be leary of cutting him. It must mean the Bears know something good about Tommie Harris and Gilbert. If they don't....thats gambling. I have a hard time depending on Harris and a rookie 3rd rounder who lets be honest, looks like he has talent but lalso looks to be at least a short term project. The only guy without a serious question mark would be Harrison (if you don't mind that he's not really awesome).

[karch34]

I think the Bears are still hoping the situation with Boldin deteriorates so much that Arizona is desperate. I'd feel better with a veteran WR and elated with Boldin. That said I think they might believe they have something with Bennett, Iglesius, Knox, and Kinder. It's risky but all those players have talent.

[Balance-a-Bull]

I also believe that JA is mainly holding out for Boldin, if a reasonable opportunity presents itself.

Many of the offers you guys posted above.... I would do to bring him in.

JA made a play for Boldin during the draft...but did not have the pieces necessary to consummate a deal.

I would prefer to have an established quality veteran WR (especially a young pro bowl caliber WR like Boldin) with some years left to provide proven WR help for Culter.... but if not.... hopefully the young guys can come through for us.

[SLCceltic]

Just give them the 1st and 3rd there asking!!!!!
The 2011 first and 2010 3rd

Our firsts will be in the high 20's early 30's for quite a while
and besides Boldin is proven............anyone who thinks boldin isnt worth an unpredictable #29 and #93 pick is out they mind

Somebody explain the risk in this investment b/c I dont see it.

[dingojazz]

Just give them the 1st and 3rd there asking!!!!!
The 2011 first and 2010 3rd

Our firsts will be in the high 20's early 30's for quite a while
and besides Boldin is proven............anyone who thinks boldin isnt worth an unpredictable #29 and #93 pick is out they mind

Somebody explain the risk in this investment b/c I dont see it.

Not having a first round pick for 3 straight years hurts your depth and chances to fill holes. Remember we got Greg Olsen at pick 31 and there is a lot of value there. It takes a toll on you to not pick until late 2nd/early 3rd for 3 years in a row.

I really don't think we can afford to trade away our 2011 first rounder.

Let's face it, we put all of our eggs into the Cutler basket, and for this year at least we're stuck with the young, unproven but talented receivers that are already on the roster.

[SLCceltic]

^ You're adding one of the best recievers in the league as your 1st round pick; just like you have to consider Cutler as this years 1st round pick
3 1sts for 2 NEEDposition probowlers is a no brainer to me

My point is that we are giving up 3 unpredictable 1st round players and 2 even more unpredictable 3rd rounders for 2 proven elites at 2 positions that are our greatest need

2 needed elites for 5 maybe's is great business

[TNBT]

Just give them the 1st and 3rd there asking!!!!!
The 2011 first and 2010 3rd

Our firsts will be in the high 20's early 30's for quite a while
and besides Boldin is proven............anyone who thinks boldin isnt worth an unpredictable #29 and #93 pick is out they mind

Somebody explain the risk in this investment b/c I dont see it.

Is that really all they are asking for? I may not be an expert on American football, but I would make that trade.

[tclg]

I think we should just see how these guys develop. But I would not mind adding some more offensive talent. To me it doesnt seem like the cards want to get rid of boldin

[emperorjones]

^ You're adding one of the best recievers in the league as your 1st round pick; just like you have to consider Cutler as this years 1st round pick
3 1sts for 2 NEEDposition probowlers is a no brainer to me

My point is that we are giving up 3 unpredictable 1st round players and 2 even more unpredictable 3rd rounders for 2 proven elites at 2 positions that are our greatest need

2 needed elites for 5 maybe's is great business

Agreed. Especially when you figure in that the Bears are under the cap, have almost all of their starters signed and can go into a strong FA group next year to fill holes at Safety and depth at other positions.

[SLCceltic]

I lay awake at night worring about our Safety Position
your right Ejones; i guess that will be next seasons mission; and ABoldin wouldnt mess anything up

I cant believe all that we offered AZ was a 2nd
get this done---if the chemistry is not there we hold a highly desirable talent.......nice card to have to play if needs be

Wow what a change, we're discussing primetime offensive weapons
me likes this tooo much

dont be stubborn and go in with a WR depth chart of Hester/Davis/Igleasias-Bennett/knox when you can have Boldin(legit #1 as there is in the league)/Hester/Davis/Bennett/Igleasias/ by committee allowing hester a series off here and there to field all kicks

[Balance-a-Bull]

Today, a third team has just announced interest in Burress... could it be the Bears?

I sincerely hope so.

Also, -(Chewie) - Matt Jones was mentioned.

Based on JR's interest in pursuing Boldin during the draft... it appears as though the Bears would prefer to provide Cutler with a proven vet WR if possible.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/

Voting stations open: Should Bears seek help at wide receiver?
By
Brad Biggs
on May 27, 2009 8:44 PM


The Bears didn't make any attempts to deny their interest in upgrading the wide receiver corps going into the draft and in the days following it.

General manager Jerry Angelo said the club likely would have used its first-round pick on a receiver had it not packaged it to get quarterback Jay Cutler. Angelo said the team thought there would be someone potentially special available where they were selecting. With Cutler on board, Angelo then offered his second-round pick to Arizona for Anquan Boldin. Maybe the Cardinals were not that serious about trading the disgruntled star. They reportedly didn't even engage the Bears in talks after the offer.

So as comfortable as Angelo, Ron Turner, Lovie Smith and Cutler himself have said they are with the current cast of Bears' receivers, the team hasn't been shy when it comes to seeking an upgrade. If the Bears are still looking around for help, two free agents remain available and on the surface one is more interesting than the other. Agent Drew Rosenhaus announced earlier today via his Twitter account that a third team has inquired about the services of Plaxico Burress.

"Good news for Plaxico as a 3rd team has just expressed serious interest in signing him. I won't identify any of the teams at their request."

Could the Bears be one of those three teams?


Should the Bears outfit quarterback Jay Cutler with some more help at wide receiver?
Yes. If Plaxico Burress doesn't spend the season in court or behind bars he'd be ideal.
Yes. Matt Jones is free and clear of a suspension. Give him a last-chance shot.
No. Remember tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen and running back Matt Forte will be a big part of the passing game.



Burress has legal issues in New York but reportedly could make some progress on that thorny matter next month. The New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already been linked to Burress, but he's not going to do any team any good from jail. Burress potentially faces 3 1/2 years in the joint for carrying an unregistered firearm in Manhattan last year, the gun that blew a hole in his leg. There seems to be some thinking that Burress will be able to avoid jail time, or perhaps avoid serving jail time during the season. Of course, that does not address any punishment that will be handed down by the NFL for violation of the league's personal conduct policy, but Burress could very well be in play for 2009. Multiple reports have shot down a report in Wednesday's Miami Herald that he could wind up with the Miami Dolphins.

Then there is the case of ex-Jacksonville wide receiver Matt Jones, who ESPN's Chris Mortenson reported will avoid further suspension from the league for his off-field misdeeds. Jones made 65 catches for 761 yards last season but the Jaguars, badly in need of receiver help, cut him loose. He was busted last summer for possession of cocaine.

[Chewie]

Burress or Jones almost makes too much sense.

Of course now it seems like the coaching staff is in love with the 3 rookies so who knows ?

[Balance-a-Bull]

The Bears appear to be the 3rd team interested in Burress !

Cutler and other players want Burress to be the final piece in what has been great offseason already.

JA appears more open to idea....so you never know.

If he is cleared to play this season, hopefully we can bring him aboard.

We may be looking at super season if Burress becomes a Bear.


http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football ... 04.article

Bears players would love to land Plaxico Burress

If Angelo adds WR, Bears see no trouble from Burress

June 4, 2009
BY BRAD BIGGS bbiggs@suntimes.com

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.

Plaxico Burress has legal hurdles to overcome, but Bears players say they'd welcome him.

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 Zach Zaidman that Cutler had made what amounted to a recruiting call.

Why not? He's a big wide receiver with big-play credentials and he would instantly take pressure off Devin Hester and the unproven first- and second-year players Cutler otherwise will count on.

''I feel pretty comfortable with what we have here right now," Hester said. ''If we added Plaxico Burress, that's only going to build confidence even more. Why wouldn't he help us?''

On Wednesday, Angelo kept open the possibility of fortifying the position.

''I can't say that it's 50-50 or anything like that,'' he told the team's Web site. ''We plan on going into training camp with what we have right now.''

Just like the Bears planned on going with Kyle Orton as their quarterback. Things happened.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus did not return a phone call seeking comment, but he announced last week that three teams have inquired about Burress. They are believed to be the Bears, Jets and Buccaneers. If Angelo is going to make a late addition to the position, Burress is the most talented player available. He has averaged 15.5 yards per catch in his career.

His ability at 31 isn't the issue, it's whether he will be available. He faces up to 3½ years in jail for carrying an unlicensed handgun in Manhattan last November, the one that he accidentally put a hole in his leg with at a nightclub. Burress' next court date is June 15, and Giants play-by-play man Bob Papa reported he already has turned down a plea that would have put him behind bars for two months. It's not inconceivable that his legal situation will be resolved by the start of the season.

While the court side of this issue is the biggest hurdle, Burress also could face a suspension from commissioner Roger Goodell. But even if Burress is out till midseason, he could help in the stretch.

There have been reports that Burress was constantly at odds with Giants coach Tom Coughlin. Bears players in leadership roles don't foresee that as an issue.

''I have played here all my career so I don't know the standard anywhere else but the standard here is set and it's not going to change for anybody,'' defensive end Alex Brown said. ''If he comes here, then he'll have to do what we do and live up to those standards. Plax, hey, who wouldn't want that guy on their team? He's a great player.''

Tight end Desmond Clark said word is there aren't any problems with Burress.

''Talent is talent,'' Clark said. ''But the one thing you don't want are bad guys. Just from people I talk to, everybody says he is a really, really good guy.''

The Giants' offense wasn't the same last season minus Burress down the stretch, and teammates bemoaned his absence.

''If a guy like that gets in trouble and he's not around the team, if people didn't like him, they would take their shots at him right there,'' Clark said. ''Nobody took a shot at Plaxico. He's going to sign with somebody, no doubt, because he is a great talent.

''From everything I know, he just made a couple stupid mistakes. That doesn't make him a bad guy. If he was to come here, we would welcome him. Why wouldn't we?''

For now, Earl Bennett is projected to start opposite Hester. The Bears are banking on contributions from rookie Juaquin Iglesias and slot receiver Rashied Davis. Brandon Rideau and Johnny Knox are in the mix. Remember, Angelo acknowledged the Bears would have drafted a wide receiver in the first round had they not traded for Cutler. He wanted to upgrade the position.

''So far they have been making the right decisions on the guys they have been picking, so I am hopeful whatever they do works,'' Hester said. ''It's been a heck of an offseason so far. We're shooting for the Super Bowl.''

[Balance-a-Bull]

I see you beat me to it Chewie.

[tclg]

man that would be great

[Balance-a-Bull]

Still looking for number 1 WR (Burress) and other tibits on the WR situation.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/06 ... .html#more

Four Down Territory, June 8: Mailbox full of receiver inquiries
By
Brad Biggs
on June 8, 2009 4:51 PM

It's wide receiver fever today. Catch it! Let's get right to the mailbag.

Q: Huge Bears fan from New Zealand. Probably the only one in New Zealand so your columns are much appreciated. My question is of course about the wide receiver position. I think the Bears will do fine with what they have but why not improve? What about Matt Jones? The Bears don't have great height at the position and it is known that the coaches love speed. Matt Jones is a monster and ran a 4.37 at his combine in 2005 (even though he might not play as quick in pads). Getting named the beast at the combine shows he has talent. No problem with his hands and he had 65 receptions last year while missing four games. He has experience and is a No. 1 receiver. He would give Devin Hester and the other young receivers time to develop. Also he is 26 and has to be the best option apart from Anquan Boldin. However, I know the Bears probably say they equally value a clean record which is maybe why they haven't touched him. But he has been cleared of any game suspensions and only a fine by the NFL. Will this lead to more interest? I think improving is more important than getting someone with some bad history. A 26-year-old, 6-6 receiver with experience. Why not?

Michael S., New Zealand

A: While Jones has recently been in Arkansas working through a court-mandated program, he's spent much of the offseason working out at the IMG facility in Florida. Jones is said to be in terrific shape and the hope is that he will have multiple offers to choose between. Obviously, the Bears would be a team he'd probably be interested in joining when you consider the depth chart, Jay Cutler and, well, the depth chart. But the later it gets, the less chance there is the Bears get involved with Jones, who learned recently that the NFL will not be imposing any more sanctions against him. You make a good point that he might not play as fast as he timed several years ago. While he was very productive last season in Jacksonville, which has a run-oriented attack, Jones was a possession receiver. We pointed out the work done recently by our friend Eric Edholm over at Pro Football Weekly. He noted that of Jones' 166 career receptions, three have gone for more than 39 yards. However, few consider Jones to be a true No. 1 receiver. While we think Jones would provide an upgrade instantly for the Bears, the Bears believe rookie Juaquin Iglesias can be a productive possession receiver. Perhaps that is a role they have in mind for Earl Bennett as well. If they go outside for a receiver at this point, chances are greater it will be Burress. Unlike Jones, Burress has a whole tangle of issues to sort through, including court issues and then a likely suspension imposed by the league. Stay tuned.


Q: You wrote on Friday that Rashied Davis was a "likely candidate'' to make the 53-man roster this season. Why? Didn't he prove he didn't belong last season?

A: Davis certainly didn't shine in his opportunity as a starter last season. He had far too many drops and Davis would be the first one to admit it. But he was not being used at his best position--the slot. That wasn't his fault. If he can regain his confidence, there's no reason to think he can't catch 45 balls or more with Jay Cutler in place now. Davis is a sound route runner who has the quickness and speed to be effective working underneath and in the middle of the field. Drops were not an issue for him in the past. He's a good presence in the locker room, he could have his role expanded on special teams too. Davis should have the opportunity to be more productive with less playing time. He led all wideouts in playing time last season and that is unlikely to happen again.


Q: What is the biggest remaining question mark for the Bears as they stand right now?

John I., Chicago

A: The defense, as a whole, is the biggest question mark for the franchise. Lovie Smith has built his considerable reputation on that side of the ball and will be taking over as the play caller. The Bears have to play much better defense in 2009 to succeed and make a legitimate playoff run. If you're asking about a single position, some people might present free safety as the No. 1 question for the club. It's certainly something that needs to be ironed out but we suggest that there is no bigger issue on the team right now than the unsettled and unproven situation at wide receiver. Football teams can manufacture a safety. The Bears have proven they cannot manufacture performance and production at wide receiver. General manager Jerry Angelo is confident Cutler will raise the bar for everyone. Hey, it can't go any lower at this point.


Q: Why are the Bears so down on Brandon Lloyd? I don't get it. At least until he got hurt last year, he was (I thought) clearly the Bears' best wideout. Admittedly, that doesn't say much, but considering the lack of upgrading, it does still say something. Why not another one-year deal?

Andrew H., Parts Unknown

A: You are referencing a pretty small sample set when you say Lloyd was the Bears' best receiver before he got hurt. Lloyd's knee injury happened in the Week 4 meeting with Philadelphia and when he took six weeks (five games plus the bye) to return, that pretty much sealed his fate. Ron Turner is or was one of Lloyd's biggest supporters in the league but he simply didn't produce enough to warrant bringing him back. The Bears believe veterans like Lloyd and Marty Booker stood in the way of progress for a player like Bennett. That probably means they feel like Lloyd would stand in the way of progress for Bennett, Iglesias, Johnny Knox and Derek Kinder this time around. The Bears don't need to look for complementary receivers. They need to look for a No. 1. We're officially declaring this the final Lloyd question in an offseason that has seen too many of them for this reader's eyes.

[Balance-a-Bull]

Perwiretap

http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ ... uts_again/

Marshall Absent From Workouts Again
13th June, 2009 - 7:05 pm
ESPN - Brandon Marshall was absent from Denver's mandatory minicamp for the second consecutive day on Saturday.

Marshall wants a new contract from the team, and is still required to attend the team's workouts despite recent hip surgery.

"I'm very keen on having Brandon play for the Broncos," owner Pat Bowlen said after meeting with the wide receiver on Friday night.

The full article below.

Let's bring in more unhappy Broncos and make them happy Bears !

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4256679

Marshall absent second day in a row

Brandon Marshall, who met with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and coach Josh McDaniel Friday night, did not show at the second day of mandatory minicamp Saturday, according to a report in the Denver Post.

The wide receiver is recovering from offseason hip surgery, but is still obligated to attend team meetings and work with medical personnel on his rehab.


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He also bypassed the three weeks of voluntary passing camp prior to the minicamp.

Marshall is due $2.2 million this season, the final year of a four-year contract he signed as a rookie.

After the meeting, Bowlen told ESPN's Ed Werder that he has a good relationship with Marshall and said, "I'm very keen on having Brandon play for the Broncos."

Marshall drove away from the team's training complex after Friday's meeting, which lasted about 1 hour, 15 minutes, but didn't stop to speak with reporters. He was seen carting several boxes to his car, according to the Post.

The Pro Bowl receiver has caught 226 passes for 2,899 yards and 15 touchdowns during his three-year Denver career. He's had at least 100 receptions each of the last two years.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report

He knows that getting 100 receptions with over a 1000 next season is in jeopardy, so since Cutler created a situation to get traded....why not create a situation and maybe force them to trade or release him to the Bears?