Wide receiver Marty Booker is returning for a second stint with the Bears after agreeing to a two-year contract on Tuesday.

**

They did about what I expected once it became obvious that they were more concerned with in-house deals than overpaying for free agents.

You can basically put the 3 WR's - Mark Bradley, Devin Hester, and Marty Booker - in a hat, and, in some order, those will be our top 3 WR's entering the Week 1 (barring injuries, of course).

Rashied Davis will probably be brought back as well, and I expect (obviously) the Bears to draft a WR early in the draft.

The Bears will spin this as Bradley and Hester having potential, Booker a veteran precense and Clark/Olsen at extra options.

I have no problem with Booker being on the team but he's no answer. I would expect Muhammad type production from him.

Maybe they'll bring back Marcus Robinson and Curtis Conway too.

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You know me like that.

I think he's better than Moose.

Look on the bright side, you aren't a Raiders fan. I knew Al Davis was crazy but holy moley he is CRAZY. Walker's contract is...there are no words for what he signed for.

I want the next announcement to be they signed Scott or Williams.

I was hoping for Ryan Wetnight and Glyn Milburn to take Hester's place on special teams.

_________________

Not last year's Moose. More like the first 2 years of the Mooooosee Era, hopefully without the butterfingers.

Moose was 32 when he showed up. I doubt Booker is getting Moose-like paper though.

_________________
You know me like that.

How will Marty Booker help a rebuilding team? Isnt that why the Fins released him?

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

BD,
The Bears number one WR will be a first or second round draft pick. They have to pick up a WR but Booker will be a good temporary solution. They may not have to draft two of them now.

The Bears are stupid if they don't get at least one WR in the first three rounds.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Because the Bears are much better than Miami.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I cant disagree with that. I've always been surprised by the lack of venom spewed Moose's way considering how quick everyone was to jump on Urlacher.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

I think moose got a pass in 05 beacuse the offense overall was so bad, and in 06 because they won so many games.

He showed how Meshin he really was this year though. And a lot of people did get on him for throwing Orton under the bus.

_________________

If you actually think about it, was Moose really much worse than Ben Wallace? A little bit more was expected of Wallace, but they were both highly overpaid, overvalued free agents that were past their primes, expected to help take the Chicago teams to the next level, only to be shamefully discarded a couple years later. And yet Im positive Ben Wallace will be remembered 10x more negatively than Moose(which as a Bulls fan, I have asbolutely no problem with).

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Marty Booker big hands were too sweaty in the heat in the Miami for the balls of Cleo Lemon and Mick Ryan last season.

_________________
CSFMB: Home of the small minded

I tried to type M i c k and a nut came out.

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CSFMB: Home of the small minded

Book brings the Bears several things:

Veteran leadership at the WR position
Good hands
Cheap price
Younger than Moose
More effective than Moose
Not a blabberass like Moose
Good practice habits
Big hands

Former Bears Marty Booker, Bobby Wade, Justin Gage and Bobby Engram all led their teams in receptions and receiving yardage.

I still think they need WR DJ Hackett and OT/G Maurice Williams...

Then I'd feel better about this offseason.

The Gridiron Assassin wrote:

Book brings the Bears several things:

Veteran leadership at the WR position - Yeah they said that about Moose a few years ago
Good hands - read above
Cheap price - cant argue with that, the best thing about this deal
Younger than Moose - He's still 31. If I say an NBA Center is younger than Dikembe, its not necessarily a compliment still
More effective than Moose - You would be too I bet
Not a blabberass like Moose - So?
Good practice habits - Practice? Practice? We talkin bout Practice![/Iverson]
Big hands - You know what they say about dudes with big hands right?

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Is this bash the Bears day FavreFan? It's a good signing and he will be a very good number two WR for the Bears. Pretty much everything Grid said is correct.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Which ProBowl, err, Top 15 QB for the Bears was going to light up the skyline with that stable of WR's??

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CSFMB: Home of the small minded

courtesy bearshistory.com

Erik Kramer, North Carolina State: Kramer would be known as one of the top three quarterbacks in Bears history, with McMahon and Luckman, if he could have done it for more than one year. Kramer piloted Ron Turner's first brilliantly successful offense in 1995, setting Bears season records for attempts, completions, yards and touchdown passes. But he was hurt in 1994, 96, and 98. His original three-year deal, inked in 1994, was extended for two more in '98, but he was cut after the first year. Signed: 1994 Started in: 1994-1998 Released: 1999

Steve Walsh, Miami: Signed as a backup to Kramer in 1994, Walsh took over after a Kramer injury and guided the team to its first playoff appearance since 1991. And its last playoff win since then. He lost the battle for the starting job in 1995 to Kramer and warmed the bench that season. Signed: 1994 Started in: 1994 Lost to free agency: 1996

Dave Krieg, Milton College: Kreig was so old when the Bears signed him in 1996 that the college he played for no longer had a football team as of that point. 1996 was his 17th season in the NFL, and he was signed strictly as a backup. With the Chicago Bears, however, that is an expectation to be playing by game five. That's exactly what happened when a struggling Kramer was lost for the season with a neck disc injury. Signed: 1996 Started in: 1996 Not re-signed: 1997

Rick Mirer, Notre Dame: Dave Wannstedt's Chicago epitaph says something about trading for Rick Mirer. Mirer's cost was a first-round pick, the 11th in the draft. He lasted one hideous, awful season in Chicago. He didn't even start the season, as Kramer was healed and Mirer looked terrible. Traded for: 1997 Started in: 1997 Released: 1998

Steve Stenstrom, Stanford: Stenstrom was one of several intriguing quarterbacks selected in the fourth round of the 1995 draft. Kansas City drafted him, then tried to quickly release him to re-sign him to a lower salary that year. The Bears jumped at the chance to steal the guy praised by Bill Walsh as a budget Joe Montana. Stenstrom was putrid in his 1998 starts, relieving an again-injured Kramer. Walsh then signed him in San Francisco and got to see how bad he was closeup. Signed: 1995 Started In: 1998 Released: 1999

Moses Moreno, Colorado State: Stenstrom was so bad that rookie seventh-round pick Moses Moreno started a game in 1998. He injured his knee, ending his career for the Bears. Drafted: 1998 (7) Started in: 1998 Released: 1999

Shane Matthews, Florida: Matthews was a third-stringer for the Bears from 1993-1995, then again in 1996, and was brought back for a third time in 1999. Following the release of Kramer, Matthews became the first starter for Gary Crowton's "razzle dazzle offense". Matthews played admirably from 1999-2001, but lacked a big-time arm. He struggled when he replaced Jim Miller following Miller's injury in the 2001 playoff game, and was not resigned. Signed: 1993, 1996, 1999 Started in: 1999-2001 Not resigned: 2002

Cade McNown, UCLA: Petulant, arrogant, smarmy, you name a few adjectives to describe the quarterback predicted to be the next Jim McMahon. Declared that he didn't drink, smoke or have premarital sex, but he was indicted for misusing handicapped parking placards. Angered his teammates so much that they reportedly threatened mutiny if he were started over Matthews in the final game of 2000. Had brief stops in Miami and San Francisco but never threw another pass in the NFL following a final completion against Detroit in the 2000 finale. Did pocket close to $20 million on his rookie deal. Drafted: 1999 (1) Started in: 1999-2000 Traded: 2001

Jim Miller, Michigan State: Miller was signed off the scrapheap in 1998 following Moreno's knee injury. He was a longshot to make the roster in 1999. He responded by throwing for huge numbers in Crowton's offense, then led the Bears to the playoffs in 2001. Almost as oft-injured as McMahon. Signed a five-year extension prior to the 2002 season, only completed one year on the deal. Signed: 1998 Started in: 1999-2002 Released: 2003

Chris Chandler, Washington: See Dave Krieg. Again, wasn't supposed to have to play for Miller. Again, had to replace Miller in week seven. Chandler was as injury-prone as McMahon and Miller, and was knocked woozy in Champaign against Philadelphia. Had to be dragged like an invalid to the medical trailer behind the Memorial Stadium scoreboard. Turned in gritty performances in 2003 in relief of Kordell Stewart, but it was for naught. Signed: 2002 Started in: 2002-2003 Not resigned: 2004

Henry Burris, Temple: Touted as the biggest surprise from the CFL since, and better than, Jeff Garcia. "Happy Hank" was his nickname. One pathetic start in Chicago is his legacy. Signed: 2002 Started in: 2002 Released: 2003

Kordell Stewart, Colorado: See Henry Burris, but with a better NFL resume. The Bears signed Stewart to a two-year deal over an available Jake Delhomme due to his experience, albeit bad experience. Finally benched for good after throwing game-changing interceptions at Green Bay, ending Chicago's dim playoff hopes. Signed: 2003 Started in: 2003 Released: 2004

Jonathan Quinn, Middle Tennessee State: Recommended by new Offensive Coordinator Terry Shea to help install his offense. Hoped to only fill mentor role. Was thrust into action when Rex Grossman blew up his knee in the season's third week. Absolutely abysmal: threw three picks and one touchdown with a 53.7 rating in 2004. Signed: 2004 Started in: 2004 Released: 2005

Craig Krenzel, Ohio State: Picked in the fifth round in 2004, ended up starting due to the utter misery that was Quinn's play. Became the starter on October 31st and won three games in a row--not bad for a rookie--but was helped immensely by his defense and poor competition. Injured on Thanksgiving at Dallas and was supplanted by Chad Hutichinson. Drafted: 2004 (5) Started in: 2004 Released: 2005

Chad Hutchinson, Stanford: Claimed off a surfboard following Rex Grossman's knee injury that ended his 2004 season. Defeated the Minnesota Vikings in his first start, looking like the answer to the Bears' quarterback problems of the past. Played very average in four straight losses to end the 2004 season. Looked to start in 2005 after Grossman's last injury, but was atrocious in the preseason. Cut. Signed: 2004 Started in: 2004 Released: 2005

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CSFMB: Home of the small minded

No not at all. I just am already seeing Lovie and Co. selling this as a big move. I see it as very inconsequential. I think the Bears are obviously in the middle of rebuilding but dont feel like telling anyone, and I dont see how this makes their future any better.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

It's not a 'big move' it's a 'value' move and I like the signing of Booker vs. spending more money on Bryant Johnson. Johnson hasn't proven jack shit in five years and he was a first round draft pick. Fuck him.

DJ Hackett, get your ass to Chicago.

I still think the McCaskeys have don't have that much money available to them for big signing bonuses. The concept of paying a Head Coach more than $1.5Million a year is new to them.

I think Booker is much better now than the Moose we had last year. Both possesion guys who go over the middle. Booker has better seperation and better hands than Moose does at this point. Booker will pick up a lot of 3rd and 5's to keep drives going. Moose never did that for the Bears at the clip you thought he would.

It's a nice signing. I expect 70 receptions for 900 yards with 6 TD's from Booker.

I dont see his stats differing significantly from last season;s 50-556-1.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Yeah. Well, his Miami QB's sucked more than our QB's last year. He'll get 70 for 900. That's not too high of an expectation. We'll need more from others. The Bears need Hester to step up. That's clear.

I dont think the Bears offense is any better than Miami's last year. Right now I think its slightly worse.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

I don't care how it's sold. Grid was right and it is a good signing. I don't listen to the spin job that the Bears front office seems to do on a lot of stuff but I can still like a move.

I also think you are wrong on this one. The Bears will draft a WR in rounds one or two and sell him as a big move. They will say that we drafted this WR to be the number one and Marty Booker will be the number two with Devin Hester and hopefully Mark Bradley providing something on offense. Add in Des Clark and Greg Olsen and our receiving core is average to good if the drafted WR works out.

Also, the Bears aren't rebuilding. You don't rebuild in the NFL unless you are terrible. The Bears were average last year. That doesn't get you into the playoffs but it also doesn't mean you just blow it all up. Things change fast in the NFL. The Packers went from bad team to top two in the NFC. There is no reason to think the Bears, or any other team couldn't do that.

Please show me one move that signals that the Bears are planning on rebuilding.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I don't understand how you can draft a WR and expect him to line up as the #1 on opening day.

Although, the Bears do have a long history of nurturing and developing quality offensive players...especially with a solid QB in place...

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Because they have no choice. The WR free agent market sucked. There also are some very good WR's this year. I could see a player like James Hardy making an impact from day one in the NFL and he's not even ranked as the top WR in the draft.

I think that Greg Olsen and Des Clark will be our primary targets and can take some pressure off a young WR.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

You are giving far too much credit to the coaching staff. They are not that logical.


As for the rebuilding... uh they need 7 new starters on offense, 6 if you think Booker is a #2, which I dont. They are going to get all of them through the draft? I cant reiterate enough that their QB position is still horrible. Their line is still horrible. Their running game is still horrible. They are gonna fix all that, and still draft a #1 WR? And if they go into next season with an injured Mike Brown and no Safety help, you can count out the whole top 10 defense thing again, so they might want to address that too.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Solid move, that's all. Add in a 2nd round receiver and they'll be better than last year...which isn't saying much but better is better.
Berrian and Moose gone...so.
I expect Olsen to be better and hopefully a much bigger part of the offense. Add Clark as good 2nd TE option, Hester's a valid deep threat, and Booker's more reliable than Moose was over the middle and in crucial 3rd down conversions. Bradley's the biggest "if" on this team as far as receiving goes. If he can get his head out of his ass, he could be a decent option at 2 or 3. We all know the biggest reason this offense sucked last year was the offensive line. No line means no running game and poor pass protection which means no points and no wins. I'd like to see a running back with pass catching skills but I'm not gonna hold my breathe on that. Improve the line in the draft and with a free agent (who, I have no idea) and we should get what amounts to an average NFL offense. Solve the safety situation on the defensive side of the ball and the defense is top 5 (barring injuries of course). Top 5 defense with an average offense means playoffs and in the NFC it means a conference title. Do I see all that happening?....not really, but I don't think blowing up the team and rebuilding is needed to make this team good again either.