Free Agency

[steve823]

Giants overpay an overrated Rolle.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/03/05/rolle-signs-five-year-37m-deal-with-giants/

[RashanGary]

Wow! Can't believe the dough Rolle got. Collins is going to be tough to sign.

[imscott72]

Not sure if anyone posted the Peppers numbers in his deal, but here goes..It's crazy..

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Julius Peppers' six-year deal with the Bears is worth a record-setting $91.5 million.
Clayton reports that Peppers could make even more if he hits escalators based on Pro Bowls, sacks, and Defensive POY honors. He's guaranteed $42 million, which is a league record. Peppers is now the highest-paid non-QB in football.

[Scott Campbell]

Not sure if anyone posted the Peppers numbers in his deal, but here goes..It's crazy..

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Julius Peppers' six-year deal with the Bears is worth a record-setting $91.5 million.
Clayton reports that Peppers could make even more if he hits escalators based on Pro Bowls, sacks, and Defensive POY honors. He's guaranteed $42 million, which is a league record. Peppers is now the highest-paid non-QB in football.

Ouch.

[mission]

Not sure if anyone posted the Peppers numbers in his deal, but here goes..It's crazy..

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Julius Peppers' six-year deal with the Bears is worth a record-setting $91.5 million.
Clayton reports that Peppers could make even more if he hits escalators based on Pro Bowls, sacks, and Defensive POY honors. He's guaranteed $42 million, which is a league record. Peppers is now the highest-paid non-QB in football.

Ouch.

So we think we overpaid with 7.5 guaranteed. This deal has 42 guaranteed.

So that's a ratio of 42:7.5 or 5.6 : 1

Do you guys think Peppers' value to the Bears is 6x greater than Clifton's to the Packers?

I'd say it's a 2 : 1 or 3 : 1 in favor of the Bears, if that, considering the (protecting) A-Rod factor.

And I'm not really arguing that we got a steal of a deal here... I know we didn't. Just thinkin...

[Lurker64]

The Bears are in desperation mode, since they know that if they don't have a turnaround season this year, everybody in that organization is going to get fired. They have too many holes to really address in one offseason (particularly without 1st or 2nd round draft picks), so they're just going to try everything in hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. Since they lack premium draft picks, pretty much once the initial wave of FA is over, they're done for the offseason.

For as much as they've spent $55 million in guarantees to three players in one day, that offensive line is still suspect, their defense is still old, their WRs are still unimpressive, their secondary is one of the worst in the NFL, and they're committed to a passé defense.

At the very least, the next bears HC is going to have Julius Peppers to work with, whether or not he's motivated at that point.

[Fritz]

Is it just me, or do lots and lots of these moves smack of desperation?

Rolle...imagine Coughlin's reaction the first time Rolle watches a running back go past him.

Peppers...imagine Rod Marinelli making excuses when Julius takes some plays off after the Bears start the season 2-4.

Bruce Allen must be sitting on top of Danny Snyder.

[imscott72]

If the CBA gets worked out for 2011 and the cap returns, it's going to get ugly for da Bears..

[Bretsky]

Is it just me, or do lots and lots of these moves smack of desperation?

Rolle...imagine Coughlin's reaction the first time Rolle watches a running back go past him.

Peppers...imagine Rod Marinelli making excuses when Julius takes some plays off after the Bears start the season 2-4.

Bruce Allen must be sitting on top of Danny Snyder.

IMO it's just you

There are not a ton of top of the line impact players to be had for no draft compensation.

If you want to go for the moon...each year....you have to come out swinging right off the bat. Some teams do and some teams don't. Peppers and Roelle....both top of the line talent. No surprise on my end.

[sheepshead]

Yup, Bears desperation article:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=364026

[pbmax]

I thought there would be a chance the Packers could sneak into the Dunta Robinson chase after it appeared there was a delay in getting a contract from the Falcons. But at these numbers prove me wrong again:

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Robinson's contract is a six-year, $57 million deal, with $25.5 guaranteed.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/06/dunta-robinson-gets-255-million-guaranteed/

Just remember at this point its all agent hype. Very few who are more objective have gotten a look at the contract yet.

[Tony Oday]

Wow Peppers got that much...that is just plain dumb. I mean DUMB. That is a signing for a young stud DE not one that is over the hill and that takes plays off...this is a worse signing than Haynesworth.

[Tony Oday]

So how long until we bring in LT or Westbrook I would really like to see one of those two splitting time with Grant. Westbrook for sure...what a great guy out of the backfield and if he splits time maybe he stays healthier.

[Lurker64]

So how long until we bring in LT or Westbrook I would really like to see one of those two splitting time with Grant. Westbrook for sure...what a great guy out of the backfield and if he splits time maybe he stays healthier.

I think LT, Jones, and Westbrook are both "after the draft" sorts of free agent signings. Teams will keep them in mind in their back pockets if they don't land a RB of the quality they're hoping for in the draft.

[Tony Oday]

So how long until we bring in LT or Westbrook I would really like to see one of those two splitting time with Grant. Westbrook for sure...what a great guy out of the backfield and if he splits time maybe he stays healthier.

I think LT, Jones, and Westbrook are both "after the draft" sorts of free agent signings. Teams will keep them in mind in their back pockets if they don't land a RB of the quality they're hoping for in the draft.

which would make it nice to get them now