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Saquon Barkley Reveals How Close Bears Were To Signing Him

By
Erik Lambert
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saquon barkley
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus wanted an upgrade at running back going into the 2024 off-season. Their committee approach had worked fine the previous two years, but the electric mobility of Justin Fields had aided that. They’d need to fortify the ground attack if they wanted to help Caleb Williams become a better pocket passer. That is why the Chicago Bears decided to make a determined push to sign Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley, who was leaving New York.

Rumors indicated they made a strong offer and were in the running right until the end. As we all know, he ended up with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was just the ninth player in history to crack 2,000 yards rushing in a season while guiding them to the Super Bowl. He was finally asked how close he came to joining the Bears last March. His answer was impossible to misinterpret.

“Pretty damn close,” he said.

So what happened? A source told SM that money wasn’t the issue. Chicago was ready to match anything the Eagles offered. It came down to the fact he grew up in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania. He wanted to go home.

Saquon Barkley proves the human factor matters in free agency.

Nobody can say the Bears didn’t try. They were fully prepared to make the All-Pro the third-highest-paid running back in NFL history. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Philadelphia had location and a winning track record on their side. Saquon Barkley made the understandable decision. Chicago ended up signing D’Andre Swift instead. Though he had nothing close to the same impact as Barkley, he still managed 1,345 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns. So you can’t say that was a failure. It is hard not to imagine how different things might’ve been if Barkley had come to Chicago. The running game would’ve likely been more effective, and maybe they would have won some of those close games they were in.

In hindsight, that would have saved Eberflus’ job. So maybe things happen for a reason. Chicago ended up landing Ben Johnson as their new head coach, and the upcoming 2025 draft is stacked at running back. Provided they allocate their resources correctly, the running game will be fine.

Former Player Says Dennis Allen May Finally Unlock Bears’ Biggest Puzzle

By
Erik Lambert
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dennis allen
Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) attempts to catch a touchdown pass as Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) defends during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

There is no question Dennis Allen is a strong addition to the Chicago Bears coaching staff. Before he became head coach of the New Orleans Saints, he was regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators in the league. His defense ranked in the top 10 in every category. Imagine what he could accomplish with the talent the Bears have assembled and what they could still add this coming off-season. However, it might be important to remember Allen’s ideas on personnel likely don’t parallel Matt Eberflus.

Former NFL safety Matt Bowen indicated as much during an appearance on 670 The Score. The ESPN analyst loves Chicago’s hire but did suggest some roster tweaks might be coming, particularly in the secondary. The focus is on finding safeties who are interchangeable when it comes to playing coverage or stopping the run. As for the cornerbacks?

They must be capable in man coverage.

“But I really loved the Dennis Allen hire also. I can remember back to when I was doing the matchup show at ESPN, this was 2018, 2019, 2020, when Dennis Allen had one of the best defenses in the NFL. And what he used to do to Tom Brady when Tom Brady was in Tampa Bay (from 2020 to 2022). You’re talking about high-level scheme and high-level player deployment. That’s what you’re going to see out of this defense – a lot of multiple fronts, a lot of stunts, a lot of overload to get home to the quarterback. Your safeties have to be interchangeable in this defense. That’s a position you want to play. That’s a playmaking position in this defense. Because they’ll do a lot of two-high shells, they’ll rotate or spin down late, they’ll cut crossers, they’ll rob in the middle of the field. They’ll put their safeties in position to make plays on the ball. On the outside at the corner position, you want physical, aggressive corners that can play press, that can open and run and that can challenge consistently.

Dennis Allen could be exactly what Tyrique Stevenson hoped for.

Coming out of Miami, most draft experts felt the 2nd round pick was at his best when allowed to play physical press-man coverage. The problem is that Eberflus didn’t run that kind of defense. It was often a zone system in the Tampa-2 variation. That didn’t serve Stevenson well, who’d shown bad tendencies to suffer busts in coverage when playing that style. If what Bowen says is true, Allen will allow the third-year cornerback to finally play more to his natural ability. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon have no problems in man coverage as well.

As for the safeties, that is a bit trickier. Kevin Byard fits the interchangeable role Dennis Allen prefers but turns 32 this year. Jaquan Brisker has that capability as well. Unfortunately, he missed most of this season with a concussion. Could Allen urge the Bears to make a change at safety? Maybe not this year. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if they lay the groundwork for changes by drafting some depth or insurance.

Breaking Down Ben Johnson’s Contract: How It Compares To Other NFL Head Coaches

By
Dave
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ben johnson
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson calls a play against Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

The Bears made a big financial commitment to land Ben Johnson as their new head coach. From the start, there were doubts about whether they would be willing to pay the high price required to secure him or if they would opt for a more budget-friendly option. However, credit goes to George McCaskey for stepping up and making the investment without hesitation.

The Bears leadership faced heavy scrutiny before and during the coaching search, but in the end, they secured the top candidate on the market. According to reports, Johnson has signed a five-year, $65 million contract, earning $13 million per year. Additionally, ESPN reports that GM Ryan Poles is expected to receive a contract extension to align with Johnson’s deal.

With these figures in mind, let’s take a look at where Johnson’s contract ranks among NFL head coaches.

Top 10 highest-paid NFL coaches by annual salary:

1. Andy Reid – $20M

2. Sean Payton – $18M

3. Mike Tomlin – $16M

3. Jim Harbaugh – $16M

5. Sean McVay – $15M

6. Kyle Shanahan – $14M

7. Ben Johnson – $13M

8. John Hargbaugh – $12M

9. Dan Campbell – $11M

10. Sean McDermott – $11M

The Bears have made Ben Johnson one of the NFL’s ten highest-paid coaches before he has even coached his first game. This demonstrates both their confidence in him and their commitment to turning things around. Reports suggest that new Jaguars head coach Liam Coen is earning around $12 million per year, though this has not been confirmed. Regardless, Johnson is being paid big time money for a first time head coach, and if he delivers as the Bears hope, his contract could end up looking like a bargain.

These Names Scream Dan Roushar Ahead Of 2025 NFL Draft

By
Erik Lambert
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dan roushar
Nov 18, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Armand Membou (79) at the line of scrimmage against the Florida Gators during the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears have completed remaking their offensive coaching staff under Ben Johnson. Dan Roushar, their new offensive line coach, was one of the most important hires. Prior to taking over at Tulane in 2023, he had spent the previous decade with the New Orleans Saints. There, he helped develop four eventual Pro Bowl/All-Pro players. Such success leads to the obvious question. With the Bears almost certain to take somebody on the offensive line early in the 2025 draft, how does Roushar’s presence alter their approach?

I set about researching the Saints’ most notable picks during his tenure there to see if I could find any correlation between them all. Conference? No. School? No. Specific coaches they worked with? Not really. Ultimately, there were notable criteria each of them met. All of them were capable pass protectors even before getting to the NFL.

Terron Armstead (3rd round, 2013)

Despite facing sub-par competition in season, he’s shown the ability to be a good pass protector, and contribute as a run blocker.

Andrus Peat (1st round, 2015)

Above-average understanding of protections. Instinctive against twists and reacts quickly to them. Able to drop his anchor in pass protection.

Ryan Ramczyk (1st round, 2017)

Smooth pass slides with hands that are always punch ready. Hands land with flat feet, great accuracy, force and timing. Keeps his chin tucked and back flat.

Erik McCoy (2nd round, 2019)

McCoy comes gift-wrapped in a thick, strong frame and proved he could hold up to both power (Dexter Lawrence) and athleticism (Quinnen Williams).

Cesar Ruiz (1st round, 2020)

Early into pass sets with good hand placement. Compact, stiff pass punch with good arm extension. Clear eyes to identify pre- and post-snap danger.

Dan Roushar looks for the guys who don’t need much polish in protection.

This isn’t a bad approach to take. The Green Bay Packers have used it for years, and it has served them well. It comes from a philosophy that it is easier to teach linemen how to run block than pass protect. That is true because run blocking requires less precision technique or timing. Many great run blockers in college never ascend as pros because they struggle to master the difficult art of protection. That is why drafting those who already have is a smart approach. It already worked for Chicago with Darnell Wright.

There is a strong probability Dan Roushar will push them even further into that line of thinking. So the obvious question becomes who could they target that fits this criteria. After digging through some scouting reports on NFL.com, three names popped up.

Tyler Booker (Alabama)

Protects with good posture and smooth tempo in his mirror. Plays with great poise and recognition when twists and blitzes kick off. Able to uncoil lower half and set a sudden anchor in the pocket.

Armand Membou (Missouri)

Impeccable body control and poise in his pass sets. Protects with independent hands and a fluid mirror. Athletic and agile to stay connected to rushers around the arc.

Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)

Able to punch and stay clinched from a distance. Uses core power, hip flexion and hand resets to thwart bull rush. Uses length and upper-body power to thump gap shooters.

All three of those names are expected to go somewhere in the first two rounds. If the Bears end up taking one of them, you’ll have confirmation that Roushar was a big reason why. Making good run blockers is easy. His job is finding guys who can protect Caleb Williams.

People Inside NFL Think Dennis Allen Hire Is A Game-Changer For Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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dennis allen
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have always been a team defined by their defense. When they’re playing at their peak, they always seem to win a lot of football games. This was true for most of the 1980s and again in the 2000s, and it was briefly true in the late 2010s as well. Much of this success was credited to some outstanding defensive coordinators like George Allen, Buddy Ryan, Ron Rivera, and Vic Fangio. Most people wouldn’t have put Dennis Allen in that category when the Bears hired him as their new coordinator last month.

Apparently, they should’ve.

It seems Allen has a glowing reputation inside NFL circles. His expertise as a defensive coach is often overshadowed by his failures as a head coach in Oakland and New Orleans. Adam Gristick, a former linebacker at Eastern Illinois, joined the Saints coaching staff in 2023. It didn’t take long for him to realize how incredible Allen was at crafting defensive football. He explained to Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic.

“You’re going to get a tough and physical defense. That’s how we play,” Gristick said. “Rather than just overloading the guys with scheme, he’s going to let those guys play fast. It’s a players’ defense, 100 percent. The players are going to love it. You guys should be really excited about what’s happening in Chicago right now.”

Sitting in the film room with Allen and helping him put together game plans, Gristick quickly realized something.

“He’s an absolute mastermind,” he said. “He’s a genius when it comes to defensive philosophy.”

Dennis Allen could be the key to everything for the Bears.

When Marc Trestman and Matt Nagy were hired as offensive coaches, the concern was the same in both cases. Could they find a capable defensive coordinator to make sure the other side of the ball was strong? Trestman opted for Mel Tucker, which was a massive failure. Nagy retained Fangio, resulting in a #1 overall defense that first year and a division title. Sadly, Fangio left for a head coaching job the next year. Chuck Pagano tried replacing him as best he could, but the defense was never quite the same.

Nobody disputes the likelihood that Ben Johnson should get the offense out of the mud and score points for the first time in years. The question was always whether he would fall into the same trap Trestman did. The hiring of Dennis Allen answers that question. In the six years he held the defensive coordinator role in New Orleans, he took the 32nd-ranked unit in the NFL all the way to 4th. Unlike all those years ago, he is stepping into a situation with plenty of talent to work with. This should be fun.

Cubs Front Office Rumor Reveals Shocking Feeling on Alex Bregman

By
Aldo Soto
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Aug 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) runs out the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Top free agent Alex Bregman remains unsigned and as spring training nears there is growing optimism that the Chicago Cubs will ultimately land the third baseman. Bregman reportedly has an offer on the table from the Houston Astros and at least one other deal that’s also six years in length. However, Bregman has not signed and the Cubs continue to be viewed as a serious suitor for the free agent.

This past weekend the Detroit Tigers signed starting pitcher Jack Flaherty and immediately after there was the narrative that the AL Central team is still pursuing Bregman. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are rumored to have an offer on the table for Bregman and according to Bob Nightengale it’s for six years.

Yet, maybe Bregman is waiting out for other teams to up their offers. That could include the Astros as well as the Boston Red Sox, who have also had interest in Bregman this offseason. According to 670 The Score afternoon host Matt Spiegel, the front office for the Cubs and Red Sox, may be having their own internal battle when it comes to Bregman’s free agent pursuit.

On Monday, Spiegel said there’s a disagreement in the Cubs’ front office whether to sign Bregman or not. The radio host added that he’s heard Bregman does not want to sign in Detroit or Toronto.

Bregman has reportedly been looking for a $200 million contract this offseason. It seems as though he has dropped that number and has shifted his ask to $30 million AAV on a six-year deal. Earlier in the offseason Bregman rejected a six-year, $156 million to re-sign with the Astros. That offer is reportedly still on the table from Houston.

The Cubs are reportedly only interested in bringing in Bregman on a short-term deal similar to the one the team agreed to with Cody Bellinger following the 2023 season. Bellinger inked a three-year, $80 million deal that had opt outs after the first and second year of the contract.

Chicago baseball insider Bruce Levine reported this past weekend that the Cubs remain actively involved in talks with Bregman.

Matt Shaw, the team’s top prospect, currently has a clear path toward winning the starting job at third base for the Cubs in 2025. The infielder could always move around the diamond, but some Cubs fans argue that signing Bregman to then trade away Nico Hoerner to make space for Shaw at second base would be counter productive.

Sure, the Cubs would get something valuable in return for Hoerner in a trade, most likely pitching help, but then you’d have to consider that Bregman could easily opt out after one season and then you’re down a dependable player in the infield with Hoerner off elsewhere.

Of course, the Cubs could ultimately keep Hoerner and simply use Shaw as a utility man. It’s been done before and has been successful in the past for the Cubs, who played Javier Baez all over the infield during the 2016 season, when the team had a locked in starting infield as well.

But we’re still a long ways from discussing that part of the roster. Right now, it appears as though the Cubs are trying to convince themselves if signing Bregman is the correct decision or not. You have to wonder if the split in opinion is solely between front office members or if it extends to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who may have more input on roster decisions in his second offseason with the club.

Ben Johnson Makes First Eye-Opening Change To Coaching Staff

By
Erik Lambert
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ben johnson
Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins (76) reacts with an apparent injury during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

It was inevitable that Ben Johnson would make sweeping changes to the coaching staff this off-season. That is what happens when you change head coaches. The only question was how deep those changes would go. Chicago Bears fans got answers to that question when Johnson pulled his first surprise of the past month. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the team is parting ways with strength and conditioning coach Jim Arthur. Between 2006 and 2024, he held that position twice. Only a stint from 2016 through 2021 with Miami interrupted it.

All signs indicated he was highly thought of in the building. One would think Johnson would have no issue working with him. After all, they spent three seasons together with the Dolphins. This move suggests the Bears head coach isn’t as taken with Arthur’s work as some might expect.

Ben Johnson has valid reasons to move on.

While injuries are all directly attributed to the strength coach, it can’t be ignored that the Bears had 24, 15, and 13 players land on Injured Reserve over the past three seasons. That doesn’t include several missed games for other nagging injuries. There is also the fact that this team was pushed around way too often at the line of scrimmage. Perhaps Ben Johnson hopes to find somebody who can help mitigate the injury woes while also helping them get stronger. He saw the value it had during his time in Detroit.

He could consider a few names to replace Johnson. Morris Henry is the assistant strength and conditioning coach with the Lions, and David Puloka is the strength coach in Miami. He and Johnson worked together for years. Harold Nash holds the position in Dallas. He was in Detroit when the Bears head coach got there in 2019. Perhaps he could also dip into the college ranks as he has for other assistant positions.

Adam Schefter Name-Drops Bears In Potential Blockbuster Trade

By
Erik Lambert
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adam schefter
Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) reacts in a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

We already know GM Ryan Poles isn’t afraid to make aggressive trades. He shipped the #1 overall pick to Carolina for a massive package, including a future 1st and wide receiver D.J. Moore. He also sent 2nd round picks to Pittsburgh and Washington for Chase Claypool and Montez Sweat, respectively. While the results have varied, it is a clear indication that Poles isn’t afraid to take a swing if he feels it will benefit the Chicago Bears. That is why listening to Adam Schefter whenever the team is mentioned is important.

Remember, the ESPN insider was among the few saying the team was very much a threat to hire Ben Johnson last month. His sources rarely steer him wrong. That is why what he dropped on The Pat McAfee Show can’t be ignored. The NFL off-season carousel kept spinning with the news that All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett had requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. Initially, you’d think Chicago isn’t an option since the 29-year-old would prefer joining a contender.

Schefter begged to differ.

Adam Schefter might be speculating, or he might not.

Of all the teams he could’ve mentioned, the Bears is a fascinating one. On the surface, nobody would confuse them as an established contender. They haven’t had a winning season since 2018 and haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2010. It doesn’t feel like Garrett would prefer the type of landing spot. Yet, according to Adam Schefter, it is all about perception. The superstar pass rusher is looking for hope. With the presence of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, a good list of weapons, and an already talented defense, one could argue that this team is ready to make the jump. All they need is one more push. Putting Garrett on the same line as Sweat and Gervon Dexter would be quite the shove.

As always, trades of this magnitude will be expensive. The Bears would likely need a package similar to the Khalil Mack deal in 2018. Do they think this move would get them over the top? Only Poles and Johnson can answer that.

Meet Dan Roushar: 5 Key Facts About the Bears New Offensive Line Coach

By
Dave
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Nov 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints running backs coach Dan Roushar looks on before the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Saints at Heinz Field. The Saints won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Johnson continues to build his coaching staff, with the latest reported addition being Tulane offensive line coach Dan Roushar, who is expected to join the Bears in the same role, according to multiple reports. Roushar has been linked to Johnson’s staff for weeks, and many consider this another excellent hire. But who is Dan Roushar, and what will he bring to the Bears? Let’s take a closer look.

1. Dan Roushar had a long tenure with the New Orleans Saints under Sean Payton, coaching running backs (2013), tight ends (2015), and the offensive line (2016-2020).

2. As the Saints offensive line coach from 2016-2020, he developed multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro players, including Larry Warford, Andrus Peat, Max Unger, Terron Armstead, and Ryan Ramczyk.

3. Roushar has extensive coaching experience, starting in the college ranks at Butler in 1986 before making a transition to the NFL.

4. His coaching ability is well-respected around the league, with his resume and player success speaking for themselves.

5. Many consider Roushar to be an exceptional teacher of the game which will be very useful as the Bears look to fortify their offensive line.

Chicago made a great hire.

Roushar will replace former offensive line coach Chris Morgan, whose tenure in Chicago yielded mixed results, leaving many Bears fans frustrated by the end. With Ben Johnson’s coaching staff nearly complete, Roushar brings a fresh voice and approach to the team.

Blackhawks Call Up Artyom Levshunov With Shrewd Caveat

By
Isaac Nielsen
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Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Artyom Levshunov is selected with the 2nd overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

As we discussed here last week, with the Blackhawks near the bottom of the NHL standings and nowhere near the playoffs with 30 games left to play, the time has come for Chicago to bring its top prospects to the NHL and get them some run while the stakes are low. No one in the pipeline is more noteworthy than defenseman Artyom Levshunov, who was drafted No. 2 overall last summer. Blackhawks fans everywhere will be eagerly watching for the next year or so to see when he makes it to the league.

On Monday, those fans technically got their wish when the Blackhawks finally called up their top prospect. The caveat – Chicago doesn’t plan to play him in any games. With Levshunov’s IceHogs on the AHL All-Star Break, Rockford doesn’t have another game until Friday. The Blackhawks don’t play until Wednesday, making this an excellent time to try new things in practice.

“With the AHL currently in their All-Star break, we felt this would be a good opportunity for Arty’s development to come and get some NHL-level practice experience, something he was not able to do during training camp this season due to injury. While we don’t expect him to see any game action during his recall, we’re confident the experience will be a positive one for Arty as he continues on his development path.”

– GM Kyle Davidson

It’s a shrewd move for a GM that faces constant pressure to bring up prospects as soon as possible. Davidson has been patiently building his roster of the future, and this move is another example of that. He doesn’t want to bring Levshunov up too soon and ruin him, but this is a chance to let him see the speed of the NHL game, then give him a chance to find out what he needs to work on in his time in Rockford.

It wasn’t all good news – in a corresponding move, the Blackhawks placed defenseman Louis Crevier on injured reserve retroactive to February 1. Crevier is in concussion protocol after being boarded on Saturday, but is having a surprisingly excellent season so far. Through 23 games, he has a plus-minus of -1, meaning he’s been a big boost for a team near the bottom of the standings.

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