Let's Go (Free Agent) Shopping! posted by Amari Harris

Shopping for free agents in the NFL is not much different from shopping for groceries at the grocery store.  You must make your grocery list based on what you need, while keeping an eye out for great deals.  You want to avoid overpaying for something that you either don’t need or won’t be satisfied with.  You need to keep you eye out for dropping prices.  It is also essential that you stay away from flawed products that have disappointed in the past.  These are all keys to being a smart shopper in the NFL free agent market. 

So who in the league is getting the best bargains, and who is pulling a “Dan Snyder” and just buying  the shiniest new toy?  Well, that is a much more difficult question in the 2010 off-season than it has been in the past.  Even Dan Snyder has reeled it in a bit, and hired some expert shoppers in Bruce Allen and Mike Shannahan.  Despite speculation that an uncapped season would bring on a spending frenzy the likes we have never seen, NFL ball clubs are actually being more cautious with their financial decisions. 

The uncapped year has seen several teams cut high priced veterans to accelerate the guaranteed portions of their contracts to this year, so they are not as limited in their ability to sign players the following year.  Teams are also putting their guys on “lay away” by putting restricted free agent (RFA) tenders on any of their players whose contracts are up and have less than 6 accrued years in the NFL.  These tenders mean that teams have ultimate leverage because if another team wants to sign that player then they would have to give up a draft pick, and the tendering team doesn't feel the pressure to sign that player to a long term contract.  So you can essentially have that player play for half a season or a even a full season before you decide to pony up the rest of the money for your RFA (hence, lay away).  Either way, it seems that most NFL teams are saying and doing all the right things to improve their teams at this juncture.  Still, there have been some good moves and some bad moves, and now that the first week of free agency is coming to a close it is time to evaluate what the GMs and owners are doing.

Bears open their wallets to sign marquee free agents posted by Joe Anello

As I tweeted during the opening hour of NFL free agency: "I'm not sure who's in the Bears front office right now, but I like him." A day and a half later, I stand by that statement. My Chicago Bears ended up going "hog wild" in free agency after all, signing defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna on Friday.

It was a complete departure from the norm for a Bears front office that is very particular about spending money on players it doesn't know. Anyone who says the Bears are cheap hasn't been paying attention. They shell out the money, but only for players they already have under contract. This year it was different. With no first or second round draft picks, Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith had to swing for the fences in free agency or they'd be on the chopping block for sure after the 2010 season. After a fantastic Friday, it's time to examine the moves the Bears made and how they improve the team going forward.

From left, Taylor, Peppers, Manumaleuna 

Julius Peppers: 6 years $91.5 million, $42 million guaranteed

As the best defensive end on the market, Peppers comes in and gives Chicago's defensive line instant pass rush, something they have lacked in recent years. What will really be evident is how his presence will affect the rest of the defensive line. No longer will the oft-injured Tommie Harris face constant double teams. If Peppers doesn't instantly command a double team, then he'll be on top of the opposing quarterback without question. Freeing up the likes of Harris, Alex Brown and Mark Anderson will be the trickle-down effect of Peppers' dominance off the edge. 

Peppers, Taylor and Manumaleuna visiting Bears on Friday posted by Joe Anello

Not even an hour into NFL free agency, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that big fish defensive end Julius Peppers and highly touted running back Chester Taylor will both visit the Chicago Bears on Friday. Brad Biggs is also reporting that tight end Brandon Manumaleuna will also pay a visit.

My quick reaction is that of complete shock. I'm not really sure who these Bears are. They're acting like Dan Snyder and the Redskins (who are now just sitting back and waiting on free agents). It's been a complete switch. Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith are all-in.  

We all knew Peppers was going to be a high priority for Angelo since he's head and shoulders the best DE on the market. Lovie Smith even flew to Carolina to pick him up. That's "the Bears' deal to lose" according to Peppers' agent. Done deal.

The real surprise is their move on Chester Taylor. I have to believe other teams would pay him a boatload of money, so the Bears are obviously ready to shell out the money. Otherwise he wouldn't be visiting. I had no idea they'd make a move on him so quickly.

Also, bringing in Brandon Manumaleuna (who is being reported as getting big money by Schefter) make signal the exit of Greg Olsen. I would hate that idea. Hopefully they're simply bringing Manu in to placate Mike Martz (who coached Manu during his best seasons) and keep Olsen as essentially a receiver. Keeping Olsen, Desmond Clark and Manu would make a trio of solid tight ends who can serve a variety of needs. Maybe Dez Clark could be on the move?

Free Agency Preview: Chicago Bears posted by Joe Anello

With NFL free agency kicking off at midnight on Thursday, the Chicago Bears need to make a huge splash. They have no first or second-round draft picks to spend money on and a salary cap-less year on the horizon, priming them to be major players in free agency for the first time I can remember. I'll take a look at a few positions and players the Bears should be targeting in free agency.

Defensive End

Julius Peppers (Carolina)

Undoubtedly the biggest fish in the free agent pool, the 30-year old defensive lineman would bring instant pass-rush to a Bears defense that is sorely lacking. In Lovie Smith's much maligned cover-two scheme, getting pressure with your front four is key. Adewale Ogunleye's impending departure and the death of Gaines Adams makes signing Peppers a no-brainer. When he wants to he's one of the best pass-rushers in the league. Every now and again he'll take plays off (or seasons, as evident by his 2.5 sack 2007), but he's racked up double digit sacks in six of his eight years in the NFL.

To my shock, the Bears seem extremely aggressive in their efforts, going so far as reportedly meeting with his agent over the weekend. (Which could be tampering, as noted by ESPN Chicago). This shift in attitude makes me excited about the prospects for a money-printing Bears franchise who aren't afraid to shell out the money. Peppers is going to get at least $12 million a year (and probably overnight), so there's no point in talking to him unless you're ready to pay the man. Signing Peppers would be a giant step in the right direction.

Window Shopping posted by Randolph Charlotin

Free agency starts in about three weeks, but teams have been waiting more than a month for the shopping season to commence. I don’t know the complete list of free agents available, though already there are a few high profile names out there. But which of these players fit New England?

Despite the dire need for an OLB that can get to the passer, I’m not interested in Julius Peppers. I’m relatively sure he can make the transition from DE to OLB in a 3-4, but the price will be exorbitant. Nor do I have any interest in soon to be released Joey Porter. He’s too much of a personality to fit into the Patriots Way and is very likely to clash with the no-nonsense Bill Belichick. Belichick still has his head-butting with Adalius Thomas fresh in his mind and Bill wouldn’t want to put himself through that again.

There are two names that caught my eye and they could work very well if they accept the roles assigned to them:

WR Torry Holt – After just one year with Jacksonville, the Jaguars released the eleven-year veteran despite finishing second on the team in receiving yards. Holt isn’t the explosive weapon he used to be, but he can be the third receiver the Pats sorely missed last year.

If the Patriots have trepidation over signing a veteran receiver after last year’s Joey Galloway failure, they should feel a lot better about Holt.

Two things about Holt that makes me feel like he would easily adjust to the Patriots offense. For one, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler as a part of the Greatest Show on Turf offense in St. Louis. That high-flying wide open offense ran by the Rams was complicated. But even as a rookie, Holt played in every game as the Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV. After learning the offense, he exploded for 1,635 yards and six touchdowns. For the next five years, Holt finished with at least 1,300 yards and had three double-digit touchdown seasons. If Torry can excel in that offense, I have no doubt he will pick up New England’s system.

Bears stun no one with promotion of Marinelli to defensive coordinator posted by Joe Anello

Completing the circle of "Lovie's guys," Bears defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was promoted to assistant head coach and defensive coordinator on Friday. The move was among many staff decisions made by Smith and GM Jerry Angelo. Shane Day, quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers, was hired to become the new quarterbacks coach and Eric Washington was promoted to defensive line coach. Seattle's Mike DeBord was signed on Tuesday, assuming the tight end coaching vacancy. 

Let's just get this right out of the way: I don't like Marinelli as my defensive coordinator, but he's not going to be. This is still Lovie Smith's defense and that will never change as long as he is the head coach. Marinelli will barely call plays since he's never been a coordinator before in his lengthy football career. Is the promotion ridiculous? Yes. Significant? No.

After Perry Fewell chose to become the coordinator of the New York Giants, the Bears obviously had no recourse except promoting from within. No legitimately established coordinator would come here and merely call Lovie Smith's defense. Now all the hire does is confirm Lovie's stubbornness and insistence on hiring "his guys." Now that his job is tied to this season's performance, he's going to the men he trusts most.

There's not a lot of history on Shane Day, but he worked in San Fran for three years, one of which was under Martz. He also worked with DeBord at Michigan in 2005-06. I hope he ends up being more useful to Cutler than the cardboard cut-out that was Pep Hamilton. Regardless, Martz will be the coach primarily communicating with my franchise QB, as it should be.

The Five Best Super Bowl Winners Since 1985 posted by Colin Linneweber

The New Orleans Saints will play the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV Sunday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The Colts (16-2) are currently favored by nearly six points to defeat the underdog Saints (15-3) this weekend.

No matter what the ultimate outcome is, fans can expect to witness a thrilling game between the offensively explosive Saints and Colts.

In tribute to this weekend’s championship matchup, I have decided to rank the five best Super Bowl winners of the past quarter-century.

1)      The 1989-1990 San Francisco 49ers- The dominant 49ers (17-2) absolutely destroyed the overmatched Denver Broncos (13-6) by a score of 55-10 in Super Bowl XXIV to repeat as champions at the Superdome in New Orleans.

To this very day, the 49ers lopsided margin of victory over the Broncos remains the biggest blowout in Super Bowl history.

Legendary Niners quarterback Joe Montana was justifiably named the game’s MVP after he completed 22 of 29 passes for 297 yards and five touchdown passes.

San Francisco’s underrated defense stifled John Elway’s aerial assault and they managed to limit Denver to a paltry 167 yards on offense.

Joe Montana is a four-time Super Bowl champion and he has been the focal point of many tremendous squads.

Still, the 1989-1990 49ers unit was the greatest one that Montana ever played on.

2)      The 1985-1986 Chicago Bears- The Bears (18-1) humiliated the New England Patriots (14-6) 46-10 in Super Bowl XX at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Mike Martz: New Offensive Coordinator posted by richard Kagan

A few years back Mike Martz was hailed as the new genius in offense.  St. Louis had Kurt Warner and fleet receivers and won a Super Bowl.  But that seems a long time ago.  The Bears just need someone to help QB Jay Cutler to keep his sanity, not get injured, and throw more touchdowns than interceptions.  Especially less interceptions.

We know Cutler has an arm, we saw that in the last two games of the year.  Now, if he can do that more consistently, and if the Bears can find a running game, any running game.  Then the Bears may have a semblance of an offense.

Mike Martz has his work cut out for him.  And, so the the Chicago Bears.

Bears finally hire Mike Martz for offensive coordinator position posted by Joe Anello

After a 27-day germination, the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator search finally bore fruit. Oddly enough, the man chosen for the job was rumored to be a front-runner as soon as Ron Turner was released. The polarizing Mike Martz will step into what boils down to be the offensive head coaching job.

Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith exhausted a list of potential candidates which included: Jeremy Bates (Seattle), Rob Chudzinski (San Diego), Ken Zampese (Cincinnatti), Kevin Rogers (Minnesota) and Hue Jackson (Oakland) over the month-long PR debacle. Candidate after candidate turned down the Chicago job for (supposedly) greener pastures all while Mike Martz sat idly by, waiting for even an interview. Last Friday, Martz finally sat down with Bears brass, followed by a trip to Tennessee to have dinner with Bears franchise QB Jay Cutler. After Jay expressed his support for Martz, Lovie Smith hired the man he wanted all along.

After reaching success as the OC of the Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams, Martz took over as head coach and took the Rams back to the big game but fell short of the promised land. During that tenure he groomed Kurt Warner into an MVP and brought Marc Bulger to a Pro Bowl level. (Where he hasn't been since.) After an unceremonious dismissal (drama I won't get into), he had brief stints in Detroit and San Francisco as OC. Then he took a job as an analyst on the NFL Network, where he made some comments about Cutler's composure that may have ruffled a few feathers and necessitated the Tennessee meeting.

Big Daddy Exhales a Painful AARGH! posted by Les Leonard

     Back-to-back Saints’ losses has Big Daddy incensed. Even though the Saints clinched home field advantage for the first time in franchise history. The Saints reached this unprecedented milestone thanks to their recent nemesis, the Chicago Bears, who knocked off Minnesota in 2009’s final Monday Night Football game. The improbable overtime victory allowed the Black ’n’ Gold to back into the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Imagining this day in past years, Big Daddy envisioned popping champagne (like Tim Whitmer must have each time he landed a lucrative insurance deal as the Jefferson Parish CAO) to commemorate such a monumental achievement. In this week’s edition of the Section 645 Saints Beat, Big Daddy celebrates New Year’s Eve at Tipitina’s, reports live from Section 645, recaps the Tampa Bay game, covers the Sugar Bowl, explains the demise of the Mid-City Bonfire, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information.

     Tune in to next week’s Section 645 Saints Beat when Big Daddy recaps the Carolina season finale, gives the last regular update from the Kingpin, covers the BCS Championship, and road trips to the Dockside Night Club in Westwego. Chunky soups season long contest is winding down so lets not fumble the ball now. Please log on to: www.chunky.com/ClickforCansLanding.aspx to cast your vote in the Click for Cans competition. With the playoffs approaching, who wants to be the sap whose Saints knowledge is not up to par. If you’re that guy, check out:

Stanford hires Hamilton as WRs coach (AP)

Stanford has hired former Chicago Bears assistant Pep Hamilton as its new wide receivers coach. Coach Jim Harbaugh announced the move on Tuesday. Hamilton had spent the past three seasons as quarterbacks coach for the Bears. He also was an assistant in the NFL for San Francisco and the New York Jets. Hamilton began his coaching career at Howard University, where he starred as a college quarterback. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Peppers' 6-year deal could reach $91.5M (AP)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Bears sign DE Peppers to 6-year contract (AP)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Bears score biggest free agent prize in Pro Bowl DE Peppers

The Chicago Bears have agreed to a deal with Julius Peppers, thebiggest free agent prize in the NFL. Some reports have the dealbeing worth as much as $80 million. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Bears sign DE Peppers to 6-year deal (AP)

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From Yahoo! Sports