Live updates of the Chicago Bears moves and rumors during the 2016 NFL Free Agency Period
One of our favorite times of the year is back. The NFL Free Agency kicks off on Monday as teams are allowed to talk to players before they can officially sign contracts on March 9.
Check back in this post for all things Chicago Bears related throughout free agency this year. As always, check out our official Chicago Bears forum.
Friday, March 11
10:43 am: LB Jerrell Freeman will be in Chicago for a visit today. Would be another starting option at ILB. Although he will turn 30 when the season starts, he has still been performing at a high level. Could be good stopgap player for young draft pick:
With talks at a stand still w/ Colts, Jerrell Freeman will be in Chicago today to meet with the Bears. The Giants & Falcons also in the mix.
— Chris Hagan (@ChrisHaganIndy) March 11, 2016
Thursday, March 10
3:34 pm: DL Akiem Hicks will be visiting with Bears brass tomorrow at some point. Would be a definite upgrade at the position:
Sounds like #Bears could be lining up a visit for DL Akiem Hicks. GM Ryan Pace knows him well but Fox/Fangio might want to meet him.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 10, 2016
3:25 pm: The Bears are visiting with TE Jermaine Gresham today. TE is an area of need, especially if Bennett is moved and Miller is not resigned. Would be an even better combination of blocking and receiving if both Gresham and Miller are brought into the fold:
Former Cardinals TE Jermaine Gresham on way to visit Bears, who are shopping Martellus Bennett.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2016
12:00 pm: The Bears are said to be interested in QB Scott Tolzien. The move would make sense as he has familiarity of the NFC North, and is a Rolling Meadows native. The Bears definitely need to upgrade at backup QB:
Been told that #Packers QB Scott Tolzien is making a visit to the #Colts today. The #Bears are also showing interest in him.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 10, 2016
11:15 a.m: Seems like the Bears are really in on CJ Anderson. The former Broncos running back was reportedly boarding a plane to Chicago when he changed his mind and went to Miami. It looks like it’s John Fox versus Adam Gase for his services.
Wednesday, March 9
4:38 p.m: The Bears have also signed OL Bobby Massie to a 3-year deal. Massie is a natural RT, and offers the Bears versatility on the line with Kyle Long:
Let's do this again… IT'S OFFICIAL!#Bears and T Bobby Massie agree to 3-yr deal.
Welcome to Chicago, @MrBig434! pic.twitter.com/k9QrrmvycC
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 9, 2016
4:27 p.m: The Bears have also reportedly resigned CB Tracy Porter. He had a strong season last year, and provides veteran leadership in the defensive backfield:
The #Bears are signing CB Tracy Porter to a 3-year deal worth $16.5M, source said. He cashes in on his resurgence.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
The #Bears are re-signing CB Tracy Porter, source said. They rejuvenated his career there.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
4:24 p.m: The Bears are reportedly one of the teams inquiring about RB C.J. Anderson. He has experience with coach John Fox. The Broncos tendered Anderson at the lowest level, so if the Bears were to make an offer, the Broncos have five days to match:
Mike Florio writes:
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Patriots, Dolphins, 49ers, and Bears already have expressed interest in man who currently is the best tailback on the Denver roster.
4:16 p.m: The Bears have resigned RB Jacquizz Rodgers and T Nick Becton to one year contracts. The Bears were high on Rodgers last season before he went on injured reserve:
#Bears have re-signed RB Jacquizz Rodgers and T Nick Becton to one-year contracts. pic.twitter.com/9VZzkTPzue
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 9, 2016
3:13 p.m: Reports say that the Bears get one of their targets in LB Danny Trevathan. We will update details as they are released.
Bears are signing former Broncos LB Danny Trevathan, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
2:10 p.m: Kyle Long tweets what all Bears fans were thinking. At least it’s not the Packers.
https://twitter.com/Ky1eLong/status/707659176227438592
2:08 pm: It is looking like Matt Forte will be signing with the Jets:
Matt Forte is signing with the NY Jets, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
12:14 pm: Other teams may be in the mix for Matt Forte. Gase would know just what he is getting in the talented RB:
Among the teams interested in veteran RB Matt Forte: The #Jets and #Dolphins. His market will heat up when the other RBs sign.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
12:09 pm: Guard Jeff Allen is rumored to be in talks with the Bears and Falcons. Allen can play both guard and tackle:
.@KCChiefs G Jeff Allen being heavily pursued by @ChicagoBears & @Atlanta_Falcons among others. @NFLonFOX
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 9, 2016
11:58 am: The Matt Forte to Packers talk may be heating up:
Someone just mentioned to me that the "Matt Forte to the #Packers" talks are intensifying. They could be the front runners for him. #NFL
— Doug Moore (@DMooreNFL) March 9, 2016
Tuesday, March 8
2:09 pm: First one locked down? More updates to come:
DEVELOPING: Bears reportedly offer a 4-year deal to Broncos LB Danny Trevathan. (via @AaronLemingNFL) pic.twitter.com/CyYOjbAcKg
— Stadium (@Stadium) March 8, 2016
1:45 pm: The Packers are reportedly showing interest in Martellus Bennett. Should be interesting to see compensation for a division rival:
Source confirms the #Packers are indeed showing interest in TE Martellus Bennett. As things stand would be a trade situation. #Bears #NFL
— Luke Rodgers (@thelukerodgers) March 8, 2016
1:44 pm: As suspected, the Bears are having talks about DE Akiem Hicks. He also has a history with Ryan Pace:
Bears among the multiple teams to have expressed interest in former Saints/Patriots DE Akiem Hicks.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 8, 2016
12:39 pm: According to Adam Schefter, the Packers have expressed interest in running back Matt Forte. The Bears decided not to re-sign the veteran running back and it could result in him landing with their rivals.
10:42 am: Bears might be kicking the tires on LB O’Brien Scholfield. He has played for a few teams, most recently Atlanta, and can play multiple linebacker spots. At 6’3, 260 lbs, he has the size to play in Fangio’s system:
The Falcons and OLB O'Brien Schofield's camp are working together on a deal but Schofield also is generating… https://t.co/RmDwohwSe4
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) March 8, 2016
4:54 pm: Bears may have interest in CB Patrick Robinson. Speedy slot corner where upgrade is needed, and has a history with Ryan Pace:
Re: impending UFA #Chargers CB Patrick Robinson, I’m told the #Giants, #Eagles, #Bears, #Dolphins among teams showing preliminary interest.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 7, 2016
11:47 am: Bears among teams said to be interested in Guard J.R. Sweezy. Odds are, it is not just because of his last name:
For OG J.R. Sweezy, teams who've expressed interest: #Bucs, #Falcons, #Lions, #Dolphins, #Saints, #49ers, #Jags, #Bears, #Jets, others.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) March 7, 2016
11:00 am: Kick returner Deonte Thompson could still return to the Bears, but he will not be tendered as an RFA. Thompson came on strong as the season progressed, and showed solid skills as a returner. He may not be the answer they are looking for as far as receiver depth, but he may be tough to beat in the return game coming out of camp:
#Bears Deonte Thompson was 2nd in NFL in kickoff returns but won't get RFA tender. Could still return. Details: https://t.co/y7ky52Te5t
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 7, 2016
10:46 am: As noted, expect the Bears to be in on Malik Jackson. Could be their big signing this year:
2 teams who will be very aggressive for Malik Jackson will be Oakland & Chicago. Both teams led by men who coached/drafted him
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) March 7, 2016
7:34 am: First news of the day and it isn’t free agent related. Lovie Smith is officially the new head coach of Illinois football.
THIS JUST IN: Illinois hires former Bears, Bucs coach Lovie Smith as its new head coach. pic.twitter.com/M3nMPu7wR4
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 7, 2016
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