Chicago Bears Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

Chase Daniel A Logical QB2 Fit?

By Sam Robinson | at February 1, 2018 5:40 pm

Mike Glennon will not be Mitch Trubisky‘s backup next season, leading Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com to wonder if Chase Daniel would be an option for the Bears. Although Daniel was not with the Chiefs during Matt Nagy‘s two years as OC, he played three seasons behind Alex Smith when Nagy was the team’s QBs coach. Daniel spent 2017 backing up Drew Brees again. Dickerson listed Josh McCown, who rose back to relevance after a strong 2013 relief stint with the Bears, and Tyler Bray as other possible choices. The latter, though, having thrown just one pass in five NFL seasons could pose a problem in inspiring confidence he’s a No. 2 option.
Although Malcolm Butler has played a key role with the Patriots ever since his era-reshaping interception sealed their Super Bowl XLIX win, two NFL personnel men are not as high on him as they are other UFA corners. Both told the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs Butler would rank third behind Trumaine Johnson and Bears emerging defender Kyle Fuller if given the choice of the three. Each pointed to Butler’s small stature as a drawback. But the Bears went after Janoris Jenkins and Stephon Gilmore, respectively, the past two offseasons. And corner remains a need area. They figure to be in the market for a top-tier UFA here, and it stands to reason these three will be on the radar.

17 comments Chicago Bears Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Aaron Rodgers Malcolm Butler

Zach Miller Hopes To Continue Playing

By Zachary Links | at February 1, 2018 9:51 am

After a scary leg injury last year, Bears tight end Zach Miller says that he hopes to continue playing. At the same time, he acknowledges that he may be facing an uphill battle.

“[If it doesn’t happen], then that’s just the way it goes and we’ve got to move on and do something else,” Miller told Scott Voorhees of 1110 KFAB (audio link). “Physically I’ve been through a number of surgeries or whatever it may be. I can recover from that. But the mental aspect is something you’ve got to learn how to work it, how to block out some stuff and really just stay positive, which I’ve done a pretty good job doing.”

After severely dislocating his left knee and tearing his popliteal artery, doctors told Miller that he was at risk for losing his leg. Thankfully, after nine surgeries, Miller’s knee is safe. Of course, playing football represents a much steeper challenge.

Miller has done his best work over the past three years with the Bears. In 2016, Miller caught a career-high 47 passes and 486 yards with four touchdowns. In 2017, he was on pace for similar numbers with 20 catches for 236 yards and two TDs through the end of October.

5 comments Chicago Bears Newsstand Zach Miller (Nebraska-Omaha)

2018 Proven Performance Escalators

By Dallas Robinson | at January 31, 2018 10:02 pm

According to the NFL’s contractual bargaining agreement, players drafted in rounds three though seven are entitled to raises during the fourth year of their respective rookie contracts. The pay bumps are tied to playing time — a player must have played in 35% of his team’s offensive or defensive snaps in two of his first three seasons, or averaged 35% playing time cumulatively during that period.

If one of these thresholds is met, the player’s salary is elevated to the level of that year’s lowest restricted free agent tender — that figure should be around $1.908MM in 2018. Players selected in the first or second round, undrafted free agents, and kickers/punters are ineligible for the proven performance escalator.

Here are the players who will see their salary rise in 2018 courtesy of the proven performance escalator:

49ers: Trent Brown, T; Eli Harold, LB

Bears: Adrian Amos, S

Bengals: Tyler Kroft, TE; Josh Shaw, DB

Bills: John Miller, G

Broncos: Max Garcia, G; Trevor Siemian, QB

Browns: Duke Johnson, RB

Buccaneers: Kwon Alexander, LB

Cardinals: David Johnson, RB; J.J. Nelson, WR

Chargers: Kyle Emanuel, LB

Chiefs: Chris Conley, WR; Steven Nelson, CB

Colts: Henry Anderson, DE; Mark Glowinski, G; Denzelle Good, OL

Dolphins: Bobby McCain, CB

Eagles: Jay Ajayi, RB; Jordan Hicks, LB

Falcons: Grady Jarrett, DT

Jaguars: A.J. Cann, OL

Lions: Quandre Diggs, CB

Packers: Jake Ryan, LB

Panthers: Daryl Williams, T

Patriots: Trey Flowers, DE; Shaq Mason, G

Raiders: Clive Walford, TE

Rams: Jamon Brown, G

Ravens: Za’Darius Smith, LB

Redskins: T.J. Clemmings, OL; Jamison Crowder, WR

Saints: Tyeler Davison, DT

Seahawks: Tyler Lockett, WR

Steelers: Jesse James, TE

Vikings: Stefon Diggs, WR; Danielle Hunter, DE

OverTheCap.com was essential in the creation of this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

9 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New Orleans Saints Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Washington Commanders A.J. Cann Adrian Amos Bobby McCain Chris Conley Clive Walford Danielle Hunter Daryl Williams David Johnson (RB)Denzelle Good Duke Johnson Eli Harold Grady Jarrett Henry Anderson J.J. Nelson Jake Ryan Jamison Crowder Jamon Brown Jay Ajayi Jesse James John Miller Jordan Hicks Josh Shaw Kwon Alexander Kyle Emanuel Mark Glowinski Max Garcia Quandre Diggs Shaq Mason Stefon Diggs Steven Nelson T.J. Clemmings Trent Brown Trevor Siemian Trey Flowers Tyeler Davison Tyler Kroft Tyler Lockett Za'Darius Smith

Bears Hire Assistant OL Coach

By Sam Robinson | at January 31, 2018 4:48 pm

Former Lions center Dominic Raiola played the Bears on numerous occasions. Chicago will now dip into the family for coaching help, hiring younger brother Donovan Raiola to be its assistant offensive line coach, per Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Donovan Raiola worked under new Bears O-line boss Harry Hiestand at Notre Dame.

5 comments Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Minnesota Vikings Alex Redmond Anthony Barr Baker Mayfield Christian Westerman Clint Boling Donovan Raiola Kirk Cousins

Kyle Long Set For Multiple-Surgery 2018

By Sam Robinson | at January 27, 2018 4:58 pm

An internal debate’s being waged at Bears headquarters as to whether Cody Whitehair will function better as a center or guard, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune notes, adding this process will impact whether the team picks up Josh Sitton‘s 2018 option. Whitehair has played both spots, receiving most of his work at center, while Sitton is a pure guard. The soon-to-be 32-year-old blocker is due to count $8.57MM against the Bears’ 2018 cap if the team picks up his option.
Another possible factor working in Sitton’s favor for a third Bears year is the Kyle Long‘s suddenly injury-prone status. Biggs reports Long will undergo multiple surgeries this offseason. Long played in 10 games this past season after an extensive rehab process didn’t end until after the 2017 campaign began.

11 comments Baltimore Ravens Chicago Bears Cleveland Browns Detroit Lions Baker Mayfield C.J. Mosley (LB)Cody Whitehair Jim Bob Cooter Kyle Long Sam Darnold

Top 3 Offseason Needs: Chicago Bears

By Dallas Robinson | at January 23, 2018 6:44 pm

In advance of March 14, the start of free agency in the NFL, Pro Football Rumors will detail each team’s three most glaring roster issues. We’ll continue this year’s series with the Chicago Bears, who posted a 5-11 record in 2017 and have since hired a new staff that includes former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as head coach.

Depth Chart (via Roster Resource)

Pending Free Agents:

Sam Acho, LB
Prince Amukamara, CB
Josh Bellamy, WR (RFA)
Daniel Brown, TE (ERFA)
Bryce Callahan, CB (RFA)
Tom Compton, OL
Benny Cunningham, RB
Andrew DePaola, LS
Kyle Fuller, CB
Lamarr Houston, LB
Dontrelle Inman, WR
John Jenkins, DT
Christian Jones, LB
Sherrick McManis, CB
Cameron Meredith, WR (RFA)
Zach Miller, TE
Mike Nugent, K
Pat O’Donnell, P
Cairo Santos, K
Mark Sanchez, QB
Patrick Scales, LS (ERFA)
Bradley Sowell, T
John Timu, LB (RFA)
Mitch Unrein, DE
Kendall Wright, WR

Top 10 Cap Hits for 2018:

Mike Glennon, QB: $16,000,000
Akiem Hicks, DE: $9,600,000
Kyle Long, G: $8,848,158
Josh Sitton, G: $8,666,668
Pernell McPhee, LB: $8,075,000
Danny Trevathan, LB: $7,150,000
Mitch Trubisky, QB: $6,598,281
Dion Sims, TE: $6,333,333
Bobby Massie, T: $6,100,000
Charles Leno, T: $5,900,000

Other:

Projected cap space (via Over the Cap): $42,025,379
Eighth pick in draft
Must exercise or decline 2019 fifth-year option for WR Kevin White

Three Needs:

1) Add multiple receiving threats: Only two players topped 25 receptions for the Bears a season ago. One was Kendall Wright, who led Chicago in both catches (59) and yards (614) but is now an unrestricted free agent. The other was a rookie running back Tarik Cohen.

The Bears fielded — by far — the worst pass-catching unit the league, making No. 2 overall pick Mitch Trubisky‘s rookie campaign all the more difficult. Luckily, Chicago has the cap space and draft capital to revive its receiving corps under new offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. Finding roster space won’t be a problem, either, as both Wright and Dontrelle Inman are unrestricted free agents, Josh Bellamy is a restricted free agent, Kevin White and Cameron Meredith are coming off injury (Meredith is an RFA, too), while Markus Wheaton — who managed three receptions while earning $6MM in 2017 — will likely be released.

Even if we assume Bellamy, White, and Meredith will all return and be healthy in 2018, the Bears still need to bring in two or three new wide receivers over the next few months. Chicago currently ranks 12th in available cap space, but the club will almost certainly gain $11.5MM in room (and thus move to eighth in the cap space rankings) by trading or releasing quarterback Mike Glennon. As such, free agency should be the first avenue for the Bears as they seek to improve on their pass-catchers.

Chicago should compete at the top of the market, and that means the team’s initial calls should go to Jarvis Landry, Sammy Watkins, and a rehabbing Allen Robinson. Landry, notably, could potentially be targeting a Davante Adams-esque contract ($14MM annual salary, $30MM guarantees), which is a hefty total for a slot receiver. New head coach Matt Nagy didn’t use a typical slot receiver in Kansas City, so it’s unclear if Landry would be worth the deal he’s seeking. Robinson, meanwhile, should still generate a good deal of interest as he recovers from a torn ACL, but he will come at a much cheaper rate than Landry (and possibly on a one-year pact).

It’s not the end of the world if the Bears fail to land one of those aforementioned wideouts, but if they do, they need to hit the second tier of free agent receivers, a list that includes Paul Richardson, Terrelle Pryor, Marqise Lee, Jordan Matthews, John Brown, Mike Wallace, Danny Amendola, Donte Moncrief, and Brice Butler. Given his youth (age-25), Richardson is probably the only WR listed here that could eventually evolve into a No. 1 option, but that also means he’ll require a larger deal. Butler could be a particularly interesting, and Chicago could give him a clear chance to become a starter.

Even after (hopefully) adding an upper-tier pass-catcher, the Bears still need to take a few dart throws at low-cost options. Albert Wilson has spent his entire career working under Nagy in Kansas City, and though he’s never topped 45 receptions, he could theoretically offer scheme familiarity in Chicago. Jeremy Maclin could potentially be released by the Ravens later this year, and though he’ll be 30 years old when the season gets underway, he could be another target for the Bears given his time with Nagy in both Philadelphia and Kansas City. And Josh Huff enjoyed success under Helfrich at Oregon, so if he’s cut by the Saints in the near future, he could make for a worthwhile flyer.

After inking a few free agent wideouts, Chicago can still use the draft to supplement their offensive weaponry. The most obvious choice — and the only wide receiver worth selecting with a top-10 pick — will be Alabama’s Calvin Ridley, who totaled 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns over three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN.com (Insider subscription required) sent Ridley to the Bears in his first mock draft of the year, while Luke Easterling of USA Today calls Ridley a “sharp route-runner” and a “constant threat to beat defenses over the top.”

Of course, the Bears have enough needs that their first-round pick won’t necessarily be used on a wide receiver. If that’s the case, Chicago could target player such as SMU’s Courtland Sutton (an excellent size weapon at 6’4″), Texas A&M’s Christian Kirk (whom Matt Miller of Bleacher Report calls the best slot receiver in the draft), or Indiana’s Simmie Cobbs. The Bears don’t currently own a third-round pick thanks to the Trubisky trade, so they’ll likely need to secure a wideout in the first two rounds.

2) Fill holes at cornerback: On the whole, the Bears’ passing defense was acceptable under coordinator Vic Fangio, as the unit ranked 14th in DVOA. The only problem? Chicago’s top two cornerbacks — Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara, each of whom played at least 80% of the Bears’ defensive snaps — are scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency in March, meaning the club could potentially have to find two new starters.

Whether or not the Bears can, or should, re-sign either Fuller or Amukamara depends entirely on asking price. Amukamara is still only 28 years old, but the NFL free agent market has deemed him worthy of only a one-year contract in each of the past two offseasons. Fuller, meanwhile, is a former first-round pick coming off the best season of his career, but he missed the entirety of the 2016 season with injury and has been up-and-down in his other NFL campaigns.Read more

I’ll assume Chicago agrees to bring back only one of Fuller or Amukamara, meaning the team will need at least more corner. Part of Fangio’s appeal — and why the Bears fought so hard to retain him — is that he can draw solid performances out of non-elite talents. Therefore, the Bears don’t need to search near the top of the free agent corners, meaning options such as Trumaine Johnson and Malcolm Butler are probably off the table.

Even with a long list of available cornerbacks, Chicago probably still wants to stay relatively young on the defensive side of the ball, so players such as E.J. Gaines (age-25), Bashaud Breeland (25), Morris Claiborne (27), or Rashaan Melvin (28) could make sense for the Bears. Melvin, specifically, will be an interesting free agent case: he’s essentially the Case Keenum of defensive backs, a career journeyman who busted out with a breakout 2018 season (No. 17 CB per Pro Football Focus). His market value remains to be determined, but Chicago should make an effort to add him.

The Bears may also need to revamp their slot corner situation, although advanced metrics offer differing opinions on the quality of 2017 slot man Bryce Callahan‘s play. While PFF graded Callahan — who is a restricted free agent — as the No. 31 cornerback a season ago, Football Outsiders ranked Chicago 28th against opposing slot receivers. If the Bears decide to bring in a new slot cornerback, they could potentially target the likes of Patrick Robinson (Eagles), T.J. Carrie (Raiders), or Aaron Colvin (Jaguars), all of whom are coming off above-average campaigns.

There a few other cornerbacks who experienced little success in 2017 that could be of interest to the Bears. One is Tramaine Brock, who spent time in San Francisco with Fangio and current Chicago secondary coach Ed Donatell. Brock will be 30 years old next season and barely played with the Vikings last year, but he was a solid, full-time player from 2015-16. Meanwhile, the Saints’ Delvin Breaux was an excellent defensive back in 2015, but injuries have limited him to roughly 15% of the Saints’ snaps over the past two seasons. He’s a restricted free agent, so the Bears would either need to work out a trade with the Saints, hope that New Orleans non-tenders the 28-year-old Breaux, or sign him to an offer sheet.

3) Go young along the edge: The Bears ranked eighth in adjusted sack rate, 14th in sacks, and 15th in pressure rate last season without boasting a dominant edge rusher. That’s largely a testament to both Fangio’s ability as a schemer and the strength of Chicago’s defensive line (specifically interior lineman Akiem Hicks).

With the exception of 2016 first-round pick Leonard Floyd, the Bears’ edge rushers are getting old. Pernell McPhee is 29 and has dealt with numerous injuries, Willie Young is 32 and coming off a torn triceps, Sam Acho is a replacement level talent and 29 years old, and Lamarr Houston is 30 and a free agent who likely won’t be back. Chicago needs another youthful edge presence to pair with Floyd in order to complete their defensive makeover.

The free agent market generally isn’t the place to find younger players, and the 2018 crop of available edge defenders is especially uninspiring. Kony Ealy, Alex Okafor, and Tank Carradine (a former 49er under Fangio) could all make sense for the Bears, but there are two other defenders who I’d target if I were Chicago general manager Ryan Pace: the Chargers’ Jeremiah Attaochu and the Redskins’ Trent Murphy.

Attaochu is only 25 years old and comes with a second-round pedigree, but he doesn’t have the overall track record that will make him a pricey addition this spring. He’s failed to top 20% playtime in three of his four seasons with the Chargers, as he’s been blocked by the likes of Melvin Ingram, Dwight Freeney, and Joey Bosa. But when he garnered 67% playtime in 2015, Attaochu managed six sacks, 21.5 pressures, and earned a 76.9 overall grade from PFF.

Murphy is a few years older than Attaochu, but he was actually selected three slots higher in that 2014 draft. He’d been a steadily improving player from 2014-16 before suffering a torn ACL that wiped out his entire 2017 campaign. That injury could potentially reduce Murphy’s cost and market, meaning the Bears could land him on the cheap. Murphy also has a four-game PED ban on his ledger.

In the draft, Chicago’s dream scenario would be North Carolina State’s Bradley Chubb falling to the eighth overall pick, but not even the most devoted Bears fans think that is a realistic outcome. In fact, given the limited crop of collegiate edge rushers available in 2018, Chicago may be well-served waiting until Round 2 to target a pass-rusher. At that point, players such as Sam Hubbard (Ohio State), Clelin Ferrell (Clemson), or Marcus Davenport (UTSA) could come into play.

An interesting name to watch on Day 2 could be LSU’s Arden Key, who was once viewed as a top-10 prospect before leaving school, returning, and subsequently dealing with numerous injuries. “He’s built like Jason Taylor,” says Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (link via Ross Dellenger of the Advocate). “Exactly what you want a defensive end to look like.” If the Bears are willing to take a bit of risk, they could land a top-end talent for the price of a mid-rounder.

4 comments Chicago Bears Newsstand PFR Originals

Looking Back On All 7 Coaching Searches

By Zachary Links | at January 22, 2018 2:03 pm

The Cardinals formally announced the hiring of Steve Wilks on Monday afternoon, meaning that all seven of the NFL’s head coaching vacancies are effectively filled. Using PFR’s Head Coaching Search Tracker, here’s a rundown of every candidate who was in the running for the Cardinals, Bears, Lions, Colts, Giants, Raiders, and Titans:

Arizona Cardinals

Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Hired
Keith Armstrong, special teams coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed on 1/8; interviewed for a second time on 1/19
James Bettcher, defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed on 1/3
John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Interviewed 1/5; expected to receive second interview
Brian Flores, linebackers coach (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/6; expected to receive second interview
Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/6
Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed on 1/5
Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed on 1/5
Mike Munchak, offensive line coach (Steelers): Interviewed on 1/7; declined to take second interview

Chicago Bears

Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Hired
John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Interviewed on 1/6
George Edwards, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed on 1/4
Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator (Bears): Interviewed on 1/3
Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/5
Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed on 1/5
Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Requested interview

Detroit Lions

Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator (Patriots): Expected to be hired
Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed on 1/2
Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed on 1/2
Winston Moss, assistant head coach/LBs (Packers): Interviewed on 1/4
Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed on 1/4
Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed on 1/3
Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Declined to be interviewed

Indianapolis Colts

Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Expected to be hired
Kris Richard, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed on 1/5
Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed on 1/6
Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed on 1/7
Matt Rhule, head coach (Baylor): Interviewed; withdrew from consideration
Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): No longer scheduled to interview

New York Giants

Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Hired
Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/5
Mike Munchak, offensive line coach (Steelers): Dark horse candidate?
Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/5
Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Eagles): Interview put on hold
Steve Spagnuolo, interim head coach/DC (Giants): Interviewed on 1/3
Eric Studesville, former assistant head coach/RBs (Broncos): Interviewed on 1/10
Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed on 1/9

Oakland Raiders

Jon Gruden, ESPN commentator: Hired
Bobby Johnson, tight ends coach (Raiders): Interviewed
Tee Martin, offensive coordinator (USC): Interviewed

Tennessee Titans

Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator (Texans): Hired
Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Mentioned as candidate
Frank Reich, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
Matt LaFleur, offensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed on 1/19
Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed on 1/18

6 comments Arizona Cardinals Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Indianapolis Colts Las Vegas Raiders New York Giants Tennessee Titans

Updated 2018 NFL Draft Order

By Zachary Links | at January 21, 2018 9:16 pm

With the conference championship games in the books, we now know the draft order for 30 of the first round’s 32 picks. Here’s the rundown:

1. Cleveland Browns (0-16)

2. New York Giants (3-13)

3. Indianapolis Colts (4-12)

4. Cleveland Browns (via the 4-12 Houston Texans)

5. Denver Broncos (5-11)

6. New York Jets (5-11)

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)

8. Chicago Bears (5-11)

T-9. Oakland Raiders (6-10)

T-9. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) (Note: The Raiders and 49ers have identical records and the same strength of schedule. The tie will be broken by a coin flip with the winner getting pick No. 9 and the other club receiving the No. 10 pick.)

11. Miami Dolphins (6-10)

12. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9)

13. Washington Redskins (7-9)

14. Green Bay Packers (7-9)

15. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

16. Baltimore Ravens (9-7)

17. Los Angeles Chargers (9-7)

18. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)

19. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

20. Detroit Lions (9-7)

21. Buffalo Bills (9-7)

22. Buffalo Bills (via the 10-6 Kansas City Chiefs)

23. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)

24. Carolina Panthers (11-5)

25. Tennessee Titans (9-7)

26. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

27. New Orleans Saints (11-5)

28. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6)

30. Minnesota Vikings (13-3)

31. (New England Patriots (13-3) or Philadelphia Eagles (13-3))

32. (New England Patriots (13-3) or Philadelphia Eagles (13-3))

20 comments 2018 NFL Draft Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Giants New York Jets Newsstand Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Washington Commanders

Coaching Rumors: Cardinals, McAdoo, Fins

By GregGoldstein | at January 19, 2018 10:23 pm

The Cardinals interviewed two more head coach candidates today, but the search will continue into next week, according to Kent Somers of AZCentral Sports. The Cardinals have met with Steve Wilks and Keith Armstrong twice and will not need to interview current defensive coordinator James Bettcher another time because of his history with the organization. The team will also interview John DeFilippo and Brian Flores next week, per Mike Jurecki of ArizonaSports.com (Twitter link).

In addition, Somer states that the team could look at giving Jim Schwartz a second interview, but Jurecki did not mention the Eagles defensive coordinator in his tweet. The search is mostly continuing because both the Eagles and Patriots will be playing in their respective conference championships, so depending on how the games shake out, Arizona could resolve their head coaching search by the end of next week.

Finally, Somers importantly notes that former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has recommended Bettcher and Armstrong among this pool of coaches the front office is considering.

Here are more a coaching notes from around the NFL:

In more Cardinals coaching staff news, now two former staffers have now left for new opportunities, reports Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com (Twitter link). In addition to former special teams coordinator Amos Jones moving onto the same position with the Browns, former wide receiver coach Darryl Drake has been hired by the Steelers.
Hue Jackson is adding an offensive coordinator to his staff and have interviewed former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo for the job. He interviewed with the Browns three days ago and apparently “It went fine”, a Browns source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Anderson adds that the source mentioned that they are “Just not going to rush into anything” after speaking to two candidates as of right now. Cleveland is also interviewing a high profile college coach in LSU’s RB coach Tommy Robinson for the same position on their staff, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
The Dolphins announced a slew of coaching moves today. The biggest apart from Dowell Loggains being brought on as offensive coordinator is former OC Clyde Christensen being reassigned as the team’s new director of football and player development. Shawn Jefferson was wide receivers coach, but will now be an assistant head coach working with the offense. They are also are promoting Ben Johnson to WR coach. He got experience with this group of players as an assistant WR coach last season.
The Bears have named Brock Olivo as the team’s new assistant special teams coach, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Olivo was the Broncos’ special teams coordinator last year and was with Matt Nagy on the Chiefs’ staff from 2014-16 as an assistant to special teams coordinator Dave Toub. He previously was a former running back for the Lions back in his playing days.
The Texans have promoted Anthony Midget to the team’s secondary coach, according to Mark Berman of Fox26 (Twitter link). Berman also notes that they have also hired Danny Barrett as the RB coach and Tracy Smith as an assistant special teams coach.

8 comments Arizona Cardinals Chicago Bears Cleveland Browns Houston Texans Miami Dolphins Anthony Midget Ben Johnson (Coach)Ben McAdoo Brock Olivo Clyde Christensen Danny Barrett Darryl Drake Jim Schwartz John DeFilippo Keith Armstrong Shawn Jefferson Steve Wilks Tommy Robinson Tracy Smith

Vic Fangio's New Deal A Three-Year Pact

By Sam Robinson | at January 18, 2018 9:19 pm

Vic Fangio‘s new Bears contract is a three-year agreement, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com reports. The veteran DC said he had “a lot” of options but chose to stay in Chicago because he’s confident in Matt Nagy‘s direction for the team. Fangio said he won’t be gaining more defensive responsibility under Nagy than he had under the defensive-oriented John Fox, per Dickerson, because Fox gave him full autonomy to run the Bears’ defense.

1 comment Arizona Cardinals Chicago Bears Minnesota Vikings New York Giants Carson Palmer David Johnson (RB)Eli Manning Joe Berger Josh McDaniels Larry Fitzgerald Terence Newman Vic Fangio

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