Now before you guys rip me and say this is stupid and hell no to it, why not make a serious offer to the Patriots for Deion Branch? Here's a guy who's a former Superbowl MVP and knows how to win. With him and Muhammad as your WR's, I'd really like your guys chances to have a productive offense no matter the QB. Would you as Bears fans feel fine giving the Patriots a second rounder and pay him the fat contract he wants? Remember, you guys got more than enough cap room. Why not make your push now?

To me, your team is in a position where it doesn't matter. He's still a HELL of a lot better than anyone else you got. Use Berrian as your #3 for your speed guy. This to me is a major upgrade.

What?

I'm with you, Ryan, I'd make a play for him, depending on how much money he thinks he's worth on the extension.

The Pats are asking for a 1st rd pick? That's laughable. All I heard was he had permission to seek a trade and discuss contract terms.

I didn't hear anything about a first round pick. Where did this news come from Nas? I think 2nd rounder is fine. And again, on the money, I think they can pay him unless its just some whacked out price. The Bears used virtually NO cap money that they had for this off-season. I just think this would be huge for a team dying for a #2.

Ok, so they "most likely" want a first rounder, but that's not confirmed. I think the could be talked into a deal for a 2nd rounder and maybe something else small out of the deal. Branch sound like he really is going to hold out and at the same time, the Pats feel fine without him because Brady is their QB. I guess I just want the Bears to have a good shot this year and I feel this could help.

I agree Nas. I would offer that as well to get the ball rolling, but if it came down to a second rounder I'd do it. This team is too close. I just worry so much that its going to be this teams shitty passing game that can't get you guys where you want to be. Think of it this way. You are one injury away from not knowing who would be your #1 WR on this team. A lot of teams would know who that would be right now if there was an injury to their top WR. Obviously, its always a downgrade, but a lot of teams could function for a few weeks. This Bears team? Good God, can you imagine how many more bad WRs can take the field with Muhammad off it too? You know I'm a Colts fan, but I get pretty passionate about this team too. I just don't want to settle for, "well we made the playoffs last year." We do that shit enough in Chicago.

Correct me if I'm wrong...and I might be but...

Wasn't Marty Booker on the team in 04?

You guys didn't go to the playoffs in 04.

I guess I am trying to get at two things.

#1) The Bears "quality" WR depth is...well, not there

#2) This would be another weaspon on the field making Moose better and even the running game better...which is scary.

I was discussing 2004, not 2001.

The thing is you and I both agree on the move, I'd just pay a little more. Def not a first rounder

Thanks, that's what I couldn't remember, when Booker's last year was. Point being I don't remember the Bears passing offense being in the top 16 in recent memory. Again, I ust want more out of this team than the same ol' shit they give you....too much Cubness....ick

Woodridge, the problem is this shit should have been handled in the offseason. You correctly point out that the Bears have some cash to spend. However, giving up a 2nd round pick at this point to address a need we've all been screaming about for quite some time is just flat out inexcusable. There were (and are every offseason) very serviceable receivers that could have been had. The fact is our GM wouldn't know what a professional offense looked like if it walked up to him and kicked him in the balls. Bradley & Berrian should be fighting it out for the 3rd receiver spot. They should never have been handed the 2 and the 3 on a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The team was Orton-proofed in the offseason, but the passing game still looks like dogshit to me.

Well, we didn't even have a #1 receiver last year--even when Moose was healthy. Murph had a guy on from Pro Football Prospectus earlier in the week, and that pub. had him scored significantly below the replacement level for his position. Justin Gage was, I believe, the Bears highest-rated receiver.

But even though Moose has to be better this year than he was last year, I would still try to get Branch. A third-rounder and a player seems fair. I don't think I'd give a second-rounder.

Bucket, I agree with you. The Bears made mistakes this off-season, but that doesn't mean to not go out and take of your shit you screwed up months ago. Randle-El was indeed overpaid, but guys like David Givens were sitting right there for the Bears along with Keyshan Johnson and others. They totally blew it in March. But I just feel, that yes the f'ed up, but go out there and fix it. Don't settle for mediocrity. I think this team as a whole has drafted very well the past few years and can afford giving up a second round pick.

TM - GREAT POINT. That's why I think you need some WR depth in general. Honestly, I think Branch could really be the #1 on this team with Muhammad as the #2. Either way, you guys are so damn thin. Here's what going to piss me off. The Patriots decide to trade him and he goes to a team that needs a WR like the Vikings (since Robinson is f'ed). Don't you guys get sick of our Chicago teams not addressing our needs? Why does everyone else do it but us? Maybe its just the really pissed off Cub fan in me now that needs the Bears to be competitive in the market

Who cares if it's 1st, 2nd, or 3rd? Angelo's not gonna draft a talented player anyways. He can't judge talent. So give the Pats whatever they want and take Branch.

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Homer: "Asleep at the switch"? I wasn't asleep, I was drunk!
Bart: I believe you, Dad.

I agree that he can't judge offensive talent, so maybe you're right that they should use a higher pick to get an established receiver.

Nas, never forget.

OrganIzations win championships.

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CSFMB: Home of the small minded

I say get him. I agree, this should have been addressed in the offseason. A team with Superbowl aspirations usually doesn't have a question mark at #2.