Bears Notes: Freeman, Eachus, Ringer
While Kentucky and Connecticut go to battle in one of the more improbable NCAA title games, the machine that is the NFL never stops, and the rumors continue to stream in. The Bears had a busy day, hosting former Buccaneers and Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman and signing long snapper Chad Rempel.
Rounding up more of the latest Windy City news below…
- Don’t count on the Bears signing Freeman after his Monday workout, reports ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson (via Twitter).
- The Chicago Tribune asks its readers to vote on whether Freeman would be a good backup option to Jay Cutler.
- The Bears worked out three running backs today — Nate Eachus (via National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson), Phillip Tanner and Javon Ringer (via Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs). Eachus was signed by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent from Colgate University in 2012, playing sparingly before sitting out 2013. Tanner saw limited action for the Cowboys the past three years, while Ringer spent the past four with the Titans.
- Former cornerback Terry Cousin, who played in Chicago from 1997-99, joined his old team in a staff role, earning the title of director of player engagement, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune writes.
- Rempel’s signing is insurance for 16-year veteran and free agent Patrick Mannelly, who is coming off hip surgery and considering retirement, writes CSN Chicago’s Chris Boden.
Draft Notes: Manziel, Matthews, Mettenberger
As the NFL Draft quickly approaches, Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review takes a look at five players the Steelers could draft in the first round. The list includes receivers Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin, cornerbacks Darqueze Dennard and Justin Gilbert and defensive lineman Louis Nix. Robinson also brings up Pittsburgh defensive lineman Aaron Donald, but believes that the defender is not a good fit for the Steelers. Pittsburgh has the 15th pick in the first-round of this year’s draft.
Here are some more prospect notes…
- Johnny Manziel will begin meeting with the Jaguars tomorrow, reports Albert Breer of the NFL Network (via Twitter). Manziel spent that last two days with the Raiders.
- Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews will visit with the Bills tomorrow, tweets Joe Buscaglia of WGR Sports Radio.
- While the team will meet with the quarterback, the Titans have no intention of working out Zach Mettenberger, according to Jim Wyatt of Tennessean (via Twitter).
- University of Tennessee offensive lineman Ja’Wuan James is scheduled to visit the Titans this week, tweets Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com.
- Running back De’Anthony Thomas will visit with the Bears, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweets.
- Scouts for the Bills and Saints were at Terrance West‘s pro day, Wilson tweets. The Bengals also met with the Towson running back (via Twitter). West ran for 2295 yards last season.
- Center Bryan Stork will visit the Saints this week, according to Larry Holder of NOLA.com (via Twitter). The Florida State alumni won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center.
- Former Boise State defensive tackle Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe met with the Chargers, reports Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego (via Twitter). According to Gehlken, the Amsterdam-native is relatively new to the sport.
- Eagles coach Bob Bicknell worked out Rutgers receivers Quron Pratt and Brandon Coleman, tweets Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net.
- The Dolphins hosted offensive tackle Garrett Scott, writes James Walker of ESPN.com. The team has already added linemen Shelley Smith, Branden Albert and Jason Fox during free agency.
Bears Sign Chad Rempel
The Bears have signed long snapper Chad Rempel to a three-year deal, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter). This is coming off earlier news (via Biggs’ Twitter) that the team had hosted Rempel and fellow long snapper Brad Madison for a workout. In another tweet, Biggs adds that the signing has no impact on the status of long-time Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who will make a decision on his return from hip surgery in the upcoming months. The Bears also have Brandon Hartson on their roster, giving the team plenty of options should Mannelly decide to retire.
Rempel had bounced around the Canadian Football League since 2004, including a stint with the Montreal Alouettes where he played under current Bears head coach Marc Trestman. The 31-year-old’s best statistical season came in 2009 with the Toronto Argonauts, when he caught nine passes for 76 yards. Rempel also had 70 career special team tackles.
The Alberta-native also participates in bobsledding, a sport in which he won the Canadian four-man bobsled championship in 2009.
Free Agent Notes: Freeman, Jets, Daniels
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has a trio of re-signings (via Twitter): running back Matt Asiata (Vikings), wide receiver Jeremy Ross (Lions) and linebacker Craig Robertson (Browns). Each player signed an exclusive rights free agent tender to stay with their respect teams. The trio was solid in 2013; Asiata ran for 166 yards on 44 carries, Ross had six receptions and six kick returns and Robertson compiled 85 tackles.
Let’s take a look at some more free agent rumors…
- Quarterback Josh Freeman visited the Bears today, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Freeman finished the season with the Vikings after playing four-plus years with the Buccaneers. The Bears also worked out quarterback Adam Weber (via La Confora’s Twitter) and tight end Matthew Mulligan (via Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs on Twitter).
- There are still eight Jets free agents left on the open market, and Rich Cimini of ESPN.com takes a look at all of their statuses. Cimini mentions that Rex Ryan hasn’t “shut the door” on bringing back Ed Reed, but that a return doesn’t seem likely. Among possible returns, Cimini looks at Josh Mauga and Lex Hilliard.
- Owen Daniels visited with the Patriots before deciding to sign with the Ravens, tweets ESPN.com’s Tania Ganguli. The tight end also visited the Packers and Redskins.
- The Titans have officially cut Chris Johnson, as well as defensive end Adewale Ojomo, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- The Redskins released linebacker Josh Hull, tweets Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In 2013, Hull had 14 tackles in 11 games.
NFC Notes: Bell, Wilson, Vaughn
Cardinals safety Yeremiah Bell is likely to retire despite the team offering him a one-year contract, reports Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910 in Phoenix (via Twitter). A Dolphins sixth-round pick in 2004, Bell, 36, spent eight years in Miami before joining the Jets in 2012 and the Cardinals in 2013. He played all 16 games in each of the last six seasons, starting all but one contest. Pro Football Talk provides additional perspective on a remarkable career which began when Bell decided to walk on at Eastern Kentucky.
Bell’s retirement would leave the Cardinals with Tyrann Mathieu at free safety and Tony Jefferson or Rashad Johnson at strong safety. However, the secondary has struggled to handle tight ends in coverage, and it would not be a surprise if the team added a bigger, more athletic, more physical safety in the draft.
In other NFC news and notes…
- David Wilson would be an ideal No. 2 back for the Giants, but he’s coming off career-threatening neck surgery and his availability is unknown, writes Ralph Vacchiano in the New York Daily News.
- Meanwhile, the Giants still have questions at three of five spots on their offensive line, in the opinion of ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano.
- Losing starting center Brian De La Puente to the Bears didn’t surprise the Saints, as they seemingly chose to go another direction, writes ESPN.com’s Mike Triplett, who details De La Puente’s replacement options.
- The Lions have agreed to a one-year deal with cornerback Cassius Vaughn, reports Aaron Wilson of National Football Post (via Twitter). Vaughn, 26, played all 16 games (four starts) last season for the Colts, recording 30 tackles, six passes defended, three interceptions and a forced fumble.
- Oregon running back/receiver/returner De’Anthony Thomas (otherwise known as “Black Mamba”) will visit the Bears tomorrow, per Ross Jones of Fox Sports (via Twitter). Thomas displayed speed, quickness and playmaking ability in Oregon’s prolific spread attack, but concerns about his size, durability and work ethic could push him into the middle rounds. Thomas’ skill set seems to fit with the Bears, who are in need of a speedy compliment to their large receivers, as well as a replacement for Devin Hester.
Bears Sign Brian De La Puente
The Bears have signed center Brian De La Puente, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter). Biggs adds that the contract is a one-year deal for the minimum salary benefit, with a $65K signing bonus and $100K in base salary guaranteed. The team has officially announced the transaction (Twitter link).
The 28-year-old De La Puente is a veteran of six NFL seasons, and spent the last four years as a member of the Saints, becoming a starter during the 2011 season. He will reunite with former Saints offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, who is now the offensive coordinator in Chicago.
De La Puente graded out well in 2013 per Pro Football Focus, earning a +4.0 grade, which ranked him 16th among centers; he especially excelled in pass-blocking. However, despite taking a visit with the Redskins and mulling a potential return to the Saints, he appears to be settling for a backup job, as the Bears already have Roberto Garza entrenched at the center position.
De La Puente adds quality depth to a Bears offensive line that mostly succeeded last season. Pro Football Focus ranked the unit 18th (up from 30th last season), while Football Outsiders graded the Bears O-line as excellent in pass protection.
Extra Points: Pats, Ravens, Bears, Keller
The Patriots raised eyebrows this week with a string of quarterback draft prospect visits, and overthecap.com’s Aaron Fitzgerald says the team has structured its salary cap to allow for the addition of Tom Brady‘s successor.
Miscellaneous lunchtime news, notes and links. . .
- The Ravens are expected to draft a safety, and ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley discusses the merits of three of the top available, saying Northern Illinois’ Jimmie Ward might be the best fit. Last year’s first-rounder, Matt Elam, who did not produce an abundance of impact plays as a rookie, is expected to be used closer to the line of scrimmage more often next season. Says Hensley: “The Ravens can’t afford for Elam to disappear so much in games this year.”
- Dustin Keller, who tore his ACL, MCL and PCL and also dislocated the knee last August, is not yet 100 percent, but “hasn’t been ruled out and remains on the Dolphins’ radar,” writes ESPN.com’s James Walker.
- A brief, position-by-position analysis of the Jaguars’ off-season moves is provided by Jacksonville.com’s Ryan O’Halloran, who describes under-the-radar free agent acquisition Dekoda Watson as an “ascending player.”
- During an edition of ESPN’s First Draft podcast (listen here), ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay campaigns for the Bears to draft Pittsburgh three-technique Aaron Donald 14th overall, saying the team’s Plan B would be “panic” in a scenario where Donald is off the board. McShay also called Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert the most overrated player in the draft.
- Georgia Tech pass rusher Jeremiah Attaochu, recovered from a torn hamstring injury, worked out for scouts at GT’s pro day yesterday, and has visits scheduled with the Colts, Eagles and Patriots.
- A list of reported prospect workouts/visits as well as head coach and general manager sightings at various pro days can be found on NFL.com.
NFC Notes: Jackson, Hawkins, Coleman, Giants, Panthers
Former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson claims the team never specified why he was cut. “I was sitting there waiting for the reason why, but that’s basically all I can (recall) from the conversation,” Jackson told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “. … I got off the phone. I was like, ‘Are you sure? That’s it?’ We hung up. That was it.”
While the Eagles haven’t addressed the issue directly, more details of Jackson’s behavior have emerged thanks to Joseph Santoliquito of CBS Philly.
In other news and notes from around the NFC. . .
- Receiver Lavelle Hawkins worked out for the Buccanneers, according to Aaron Wilson of National Football Post. Hawkins, who was cut by the Patriots last year, played for Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford at Cal.
- Wilson also reports that former Eagles safety Kurt Coleman worked out for the Colts.
- The Bears are not actively seeking to replace second-year right tackle Jordan Mills, writes ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright in a mailbag piece. Says Wright: “…the Bears are fairly happy with Mills, and expect him to improve in his second year. Mills to me has a very bright future in the NFL, and has the right attitude in terms of doing what it takes day in and day out to be a pro.”
- The Packers’ biggest defensive weakness is a lack of speed at inside linebacker, writes ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky, who suggests Alabama’s C.J. Mosley for the 21st pick.
- The Panthers could very well draft two receivers and two offensive tackles, speculates ESPN.com’s David Newton, who also says the “Double Trouble” running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart should remain intact for two more seasons.
- The Giants earned a B-minus grade in free agency in the eyes of NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan, who recaps and reviews the team’s signings.
Poll: Chris Johnson’s Future Home
The Titans gave running back Chris Johnson his unconditional release today, giving the three-time Pro Bowler and 2009 NFL rushing leader the freedom to choose his next team. There was speculation that Tennessee would try to trade Johnson, but a prohibitive salary and the decreased value of running backs led to a lack of substantive interest league-wide.
Now comes the streaming of rumors as to who’s in and who’s out on the Chris Johnson market, much like we saw when former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson became a free agent a week ago today. In this rumors roundup post by PFR’s Luke Adams, we see that four teams — the Jets, Bills, Dolphins and Falcons — all discussed a possible trade for Johnson, but nothing came to fruition.
In this writeup by SI.com’s Chris Burke, the writer outlines eight teams as potential landing spots for the one-time 2,000-yard back: Jets, Giants, Cowboys, Bears, Cardinals, Broncos, Rams, and Jaguars.
Will CJ2K end up with one of these eight teams? Or is there a sleeper team Burke failed to mention that could wind up utilizing Johnson’s services for the foreseeable future? Let us know in this PFR poll.
Which Team Signs Chris Johnson?
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New York Jets 32% (422)
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Denver Broncos 15% (200)
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New York Giants 11% (144)
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Dallas Cowboys 10% (127)
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Other 9% (113)
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Chicago Bears 7% (90)
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Arizona Cardinals 6% (81)
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St. Louis Rams 6% (75)
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Jacksonville Jaguars 4% (54)
Total votes: 1,306
Bears To Re-Sign Eben Britton
The Bears have reached an agreement to retain free agent offensive lineman Eben Britton, the team announced today (via Twitter). Britton will return to Chicago on a one-year contract, according to the club.
Britton, who spent the first four season of his NFL career with the Jaguars, saw 239 offensive snaps for the Bears in 2013, primarily at right guard. While the sample size was limited, Britton recorded a respectable +4.1 grade according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). He’ll provide line depth for Chicago in 2014.
According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Bears kicked the tires on Mike Brisiel after he was let go by the Raiders, but opted to re-sign Britton instead.