Breaking Down Free Agency: Chicago Bears

With free agency speeding along at a fast and furious pace, it’s an endurance test to even stay on top of all the roster moves made by one team, much less the entire league. Despite that, I’m all ready to analyze the Bears’ flurry of transactions thus far.

The most personally infuriating move by the Bears in this shortened free agency period, trading Greg Olsen says a great deal about Chicago’s front office and coaching staff. Mike Martz’s complete inability or refusal to tweak his system around a talent like Olsen is unacceptable to me. He was one of Cutler’s best targets last season, despite the fact that Martz’s system “doesn’t feature tight ends.” Sure, he wasn’t the most effective blocker, but that’s not why he was drafted. Four years later, Chicago had no intention of re-signing him, despite Olsen’s modest contract desires.

 Instead of adding more weapons to an offense that’s sorely lacking, the Bears trade one of their most productive receivers for a third round pick that, under the Jerry Angelo regime, could be extremely hit-or-miss.  

There’s a lot to take in on this front, but let’s take it one at a time.

-Marion Barber’s arrival either puts Chester Taylor on notice, the trading block, or the chopping block. Barber will serve as the back in goal line situations, an area where the Bears need drastic improvement. His best years may be behind him, but Barber’s punishing running style will be well-used in Chicago.

-Former Cowboy receiver Sam Hurd will see most of his action on special teams. If he’s the fourth or fifth receiver, it’s a definite upgrade. His 6’3” frame could help him get on the field more often.

-Roy Williams. Oh Roy. Williams has been on the down slope ever since he arrived in Dallas. At 29, he’s reuniting for Mike Martz, the OC with whom Williams found his most success back in 2006. If Williams is motivated, he brings a talented 6’3” target for Cutler and should hopefully replace the production lost by Olsen’s departure. Still, I will not root for him. That first-down celebration of his is beyond aggravating.

-Chris Spencer’s signing earlier today officially signals the end of the Olin Kreutz era in Chicago. Seattle’s starting center for the past five years, Spencer is tough and athletic. I’ve read Lovie could switch Spencer to guard and Garza to center (where he’s taking snaps in camp), but I don’t buy it. Edwin Williams is the back-up and Spencer is your starter.

-Pretty much the same story, Amobi Okoye and Vernon Gholston are former first round picks that flamed out with the team that drafted them. Drafted tenth overall in 2007, Okoye serves to provide depth at defensive tackle. He posted a career-high 44 tackles in 2010, but was a casualty of the Texans’ defensive troubles and corresponding overhaul. Gholston, on the other hand, was a mega-bust in New York. He never became the sack-accumulating 3-4 outside linebacker the Jets drafted him to be. In Chicago, Jerry Angelo is hoping that Rod Marinelli’s can coach these players up to their potential.

-Replacing Bard Maynard, Adam Podlesh is now a top-five paid punter and should excel under special teams coach Dave Toub.

-Coming out of Pittsburgh, tight end Matt Spaeth is the blocker that Manumaleuna should have been. Physical and imposing, Spaeth fits the mold of a Martz tight end. His pass and run-blocking skills will be of use right away. I would expect him to be the starter over Kellen Davis, but using both of them in two-tight end sets is downright nasty.

More than anyone on this list, Olin Kreutz’s exit has an impact that reaches farther than merely on the field. Aside from his play on-the-field (which has been slipping in the past few seasons), Kreutz was the undoubted leader in the locker room. It’s going to take its toll on his teammates, but the loss of Kreutz shouldn’t be insurmountable by any means. I mean, get over it guys. It’s a business. The Bears offered what they thought was a fair contract, which Kreutz rejected. End o’ story. Maybe we’ll get some shotgun snaps out of this offense now.

Danieal Manning’s exodus is a long-time coming if you ask me. An athletic player, Manning’s football knowledge (or lack thereof, specifically) was often exposed when at the safety position. A decent nickel corner and solid return man, he isn’t going to be missed. Major Wright should slide up to strong safety and Chris Harris will slide over to free.

Brandon Manumaleuna was a failure as a free agent acquisition, plain and simple. He apparently forgot how to block and thus was useless as an extra lineman. Matt Spaeth has this covered. Rashied Davis was a good fourth or fifth receiver, but his loss may be felt on special teams. But I laud Chicago for not overpaying for his limited services.

As far as Brad Maynard goes, I realize the Bears wanted to go younger, but it’s not as if Maynard was slipping off the precipice of old age. I mean, he IS a punter. However, he’s also not irreplaceable. I know long-snapper Patrick Mannelly is probably down in the dumps, but fans need not be outraged about this one.

Quickly on these transactions: Anthony Adams is a veteran defensive tackle and is needed to give the interior defensive line some depth. Corey Graham is a core special teamer, an area where free agency hurt Chicago’s roster. Barring any further moves, Nick Roach will likely be the opening day starter at strong-side linebacker, if Pisa Tinoisamoa is not brought back.

Whew. That’s a lot of changes. Keep checking back this offseason for more analysis and season previews!