I said two months ago Payne will never see free agency

ACL tear? Adrian Peterson did the same thing and had amazing seasons afterwards. Barkley's played the same amount of games as David Montgomery the last two seasons. I'd rather they pay a dynamic and game changing running back rather than a mediocre defensive lineman after all the top linemen get tagged or resign.

There are too many needs on this team to invest that kind of cap space to RB. RB is way down the list of needs on this team.

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

He isn't injury prone at all. He has had one major injury, and has basically played 2 complete seasons since (i think he had a minor ankle sprain that caused him to miss a couple games in 2021). What worries me about him is the violence with which he runs and all the jump-cutting and spinning he does. Every game I feel like I am holding my breath, but so far he has gotten stronger and stronger since coming back. I sure hope he is a Giant next year but I suspect he will hit the open market.

The problem is that any mediocre defensive lineman would be a tremendous upgrade from the terrible collection of DTs and DEs that are currently on the roster.

The same can be said for the offensive line, you maybe have one or two starting level olineman on the roster, you could argue that they could replace the entire offensive line with just average players and it would be a massive upgrade.

Do like Barkley's versatility, could really use a guy that can catch the ball in the backfield, the thought maybe Ebner could be that guy, but he might have played himself out of the league last year by not knowing his playbook.

I think Barkley and Fields in the same backfield could be pretty dynamic if Fields could tighten up the passing a little bit.

You make a good point. Sure, a mediocre defensive or offensive lineman would be an upgrade -- but if only those mediocre players are available once free agency begins, I'd focus on improving the defensive line in the draft and waiting until actual difference makers become available in March 2024. Guys such as Chris Jones, Carl Lawson, Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver, Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Jeffery Simmons, and Montez Sweat are all set to be unrestricted (as of now).

They've got to keep Fields upright and give him a chance. Focus on that, whether it's the draft or free agency or both. Barkley is a generational talent though. Fields and he would be fun to watch and a nightmare for defenses.

Barkley has two, maybe three years left, tops on those knees.

We already have a great running back.

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So with Payne off the board, pivot to Javon Hargrave. He's Payne's equal but he's 30, which shouldn't be a problem for a couple of years and they can structure a contract appropriately. He's going to cost you

Couple him with Yannick Ngakue, who you can count on to get between 8-12 sacks every year.

Also, let's not forget that the most likely trade candidate is Indy and they have Buckner sitting there taking up a lot of money. They might be happy to add him as a chip in a draft trade.

Then, we'll see how the draft plays out. If they take either Anderson or Carter, the defensive line suddenly looks formidable

They easily have the money for both and some offensive lineman.

I really like the center group in the draft. There seem to be good rt in fa. Neither are great (especially in pass blocking) so you will be overpaying.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Peterson was a beast, probably the best RB in the last 20 years and he never won shit..same with Henry. That's just not a position you invest any money in. What Pacheco make this year? 500k?

Barkley blew his load his rookie year and hasn't looked great since, I'd let Montgomery walk and not sign Barkley. Draft a RB and sign an UFA to team up with Herbert.

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Herbert can't pass block worth a shit

If I'm signing an RB at all, I'd like it to be Kareem Hunt. Perfect third down back who can also take a good load of carries. He can also beat you in a lot of ways.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Getting Fields to set his feet and deliver an accurate ball to the back on his checkdown read is an essential component of this offense.

The Niners and Packers have killed teams with this, but you have to be able to make the read quickly and deliver an accurate ball, of course the Bears do not have a back that has shown he can do this, but that could be likely to Fields either not making the right read, or him not being able to make throw a good short ball, likely a little of both, but in many ways the lack of NFL level starters at center and guard made it hard to get a read on him.

Warming up to Murphy at DE, bigger guy who can play the run and rush the passer, we've seen our share of smaller DE's who just rush the passer and get exposed in the run game, think he could be the guy if you trade back farther than #4, but the front seven is so bad that your upgrade significantly with any of these guys.

There are some interesting o lineman that should be that late first to early second round area, and that is what makes picking up an extra second so interesting.

He looked excellent this past season and played 16 games too. I understand your position and opinion on not wanting to pay RBs. I tend to agree -- but if a generational talent like Barkley becomes available, I say pull the trigger. At 26, I think he gives you 4 terrific seasons running and catching the football. A backfield of Fields and Barkley would gives defenses fits.

The Bears have to spend a certain amount of money to reach the floor here in a few weeks. They have to spend a lot to reach it. Offensive line should be priority number one to keep Fields upright and to accurately access if he's the guy going forward. If Orlando Brown doesn't become available, then I'm cool with them spending money on a mediocre offensive lineman because it would be an upgrade over what they've got now. They, of course, need to draft some too. I look at the defensive line differently though. I'd rather draft a mediocre defensive lineman in the 3rd or 4th round as opposed to spending money on a mediocre defensive lineman. It's not as immediate of a concern as the offensive line, especially if they draft Carter or Anderson. Accessing Fields in season #3 is what matters.

Robert Woods could be a solid addition at WR, for the right price.

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As the wr coach? He's washed not interested.

I am certain, irrespective of trades, that they can draft a Day 1 starter in the first on the DL and on the OL in the second. However, the need 4 new d lineman, at least 3. I kind of think Justin Jones can start as a competent DL if you surround him with better players. Everyone else is a backup to trash can level

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

that's draft obfuscation at its finest, which worries me that a market for #1 hasn't been robust

but we are still pre combine and individual workouts

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

I hope it's true.

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Be well

GO BEARS!!!

The Bears would be negligent if they didn't listen to all offers either for Fields or that pick. This is hardly surprising.

What a dumb tweet. Agree there is no such thing as an untouchable player. There is a price for everyone, some may just be so expensive it isn't possible to acquire

I would give the Chiefs a blank check for Mahomes.

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Be well

GO BEARS!!!

If the Bears just trade down to #2, I will be pissed. Leaving this draft without future #1 picks from other teams is grounds for termination.

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Be well

GO BEARS!!!

Yep. If they come out of this deal without a future 1st for next year then they have screwed up in a major way.

The only way that makes any sense is if they trade Fields and take a QB with the #1 pick.

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

Even then, they need to get multiple first round picks for Fields.

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Be well

GO BEARS!!!

All QBs suck in this draft.

Trade #1 and trade Fields. Grab the two best defensive players with the top 2 picks this year and sign Carr or some other bridge QB.

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Successful calls:

Kyrie Irving will never win anything as a team's alpha: check
T.rubisky is a bust: check
Ben Simmons is a liability: check
The Fields Cult is dumb: double check

2013 CSFMB ROY

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