April 26, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; General manager Phil Emery (left) and head coach Marc Trestman (right) stand with first-round selection of guard Kyle Long (center) from Oregon University during a Chicago Bears press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears have their entire 2013 draft class under contract, as they’ve reached agreement to a contract with first round selection Kyle Long.  Long was the last of the class to agree to terms as rest of the rookie class had new paper before rookie minicamp last week.

Terms of the four year deal, with a team option have not been disclosed, but with the new slotting you can bet that it’s somewhere in the ballpark of the 4 year $8 million that Shea McClellin got last season as the 19th pick.    (more…)

Nov 17, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive linesman Kyle Long (74) blocks as running back Kenjon Barner (24) runs the ball against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

The start of the 2013 NFL Draft certainly could have been considered the best reality show of the year. A lot of questions starting from the No. 1 pick surrounded this years draft. With the 20th pick in the draft, the Chicago Bears selected Oregon offensive lineman Kyle Long. Instead of giving you a bunch of tweets with obscenities, here are some tweets mixed from respected Chicago voices and more.  (more…)

August 30, 2012; Cleveland, OH USA: Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) is brought to the ground by Cleveland Browns defensive end Kiante Tripp (67) after throwing a pass in the second quarter in a preseason game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

With the Jason Campbell experiment over the Bears signed Josh McCown to a one year contract to become the official backup for Jay Cutler. Phil Emery must love the clearance racks at his favorite stores because he seems to be well versed at being able to find bargains and having them sign with the franchise.

McCown didn’t throw a pass last season, but if he had been the immediate replacement after Jay Cutler injured his thumb in 2011 the Bears may have been in the playoffs, but the Bears decided to ride the Caleb Hanie express right out of the playoffs.  Let’s not get carried away McCown is a career backup QB with career stats that read 645-1,113 for 6,998 yards 37 TD’s and 44 INT’s.

Another reason the Bears may have decided to go with McCown is his relationship with Cutler.

Bears sign McCown to be Jay Cutler’s friend, er, backup. Good guy to have in locker room. Allows Bears to draft QB in first three rounds.

— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) March 29, 2013

This could be the end of the Emery Bargain Deals, and it really puts a bulls-eye on what the Bears will be targeting early in this years draft.

Are you satisfied with McCown as the backup and do you expect the Bears to draft a quarterback later in the draft?

Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) works past Chicago Bears tackle Jonathan Scott (79) and pressures quarterback Jay Cutler (6) in the second quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

For the sixth consecutive day the Chicago Bears have signed a free agent. I would guess tomorrow will be a day of rest for Emery.  Today signing is Jonathan Scott who appeared in 12 games last season while starting 7 of those contests.  Now the Bears have some flexibility at the right tackle position.

#Bears now have three options at right tackle: Jonathan Scott, J’Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 25, 2013

The contract for Scott is for one year with the amount of the contract not disclosed yet, although last year he made $700,000.  Scott has 35 career starts in 70 games while playing for the Lions, Bills, Steelers, and Bears.

This move makes it look more and more like the Bears will be looking at the defensive side of the ball during the draft. Emery has done a lot to improve the offense in just over a calendar year the real question for me is with the defense aging can he build that unit back up through the draft.

What do you think of the Bears re-signing Scott, and are you satisfied with Scott, Carimi, and Webb fighting over the right tackle position?

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Steve Maneri (87) is tackled by Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandian Ross (39) and defensive back Sean Richardson (28) after catching a pass during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears announce that they sign Tight End Steve Maneri to a two year contract.

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 21, 2013

— Steve Maneri (@stevemaneri) March 21, 2013

The Bears needed a blocking Tight End after parting ways with both Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth.

It was unclear how the Bears were going to use tight end Evan Rodriguez until yesterday when head coach Marc Trestman said that they see him as a fullback.

Adam Jahns ‏@adamjahns
#Bears coach Marc Trestman said he sees Evan Rodriguez as a fullback right now. But he’s encouraged that he’s working with Brandon Marshall

Now it is even more unclear with the news that Evan Rodriguez has been arrested.

“We were unable to reach an agreement with Brian and both sides have decided to move forward,” general manager Phil Emery said in a release. “Brian has been an elite player in our league for over a decade. He showed great leadership and helped develop a winning culture over his time with the Bears. We appreciate all he has given our team, on and off the field. Brian will always be welcome as a member of the Bears.”

We’ll have plenty more to come on how the Bears will go forward without the heart and soul of their defense for the last 13 seasons.

What’s your initial reaction?  Post your Comments to be used in a Fan Reaction post.

Aug 25, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Turk McBride (90) knocks the ball out of the arm of Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) during second half of their preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Texans 34-27. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago, the Bears have agreed to a one year deal with defensive end Turk McBride.

— Jeff Dickerson (@ESPNChiBears) March 20, 2013

McBride spent the last 2 seasons with the New Orleans Saints as a backup at defensive end. He has recorded a total of 9.5 career sacks and brings another veteran presence along the defensive line.

The question is now that the Bears have signed McBride, will they still try and bring back Israel Idonije?

I think that bringing Izzy back would be a smart move, especially because he is a swing tackle. Having a player who can play defensive end and defensive tackle is very valuable for the 53 man roster. But, the Bears have salary cap restraints and he might be asking for more than the Bears are willing to pay. What do think Bears Fans?

Dec 2, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Nate Collins (left) and defensive end Israel Idonije (right) pressure Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Seahawks won 23-17 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

One day after announcing the release of defensive tackle Matt Toeaina, the Bears quickly made sure that the hole in the middle of the defensive line doesn’t get any bigger. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears have re-signed defensive tackle Nate Collins to a one year deal.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 14, 2013

The Bears signed Collins last year to a one year contract, where he appeared in 9 games.

He was suspended for the opening game last year for violating the NFL substance abuse policy after being charged with marijuana possession.

Collins previously played for the Bears new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker for two seasons in Jacksonville.

This to me is a good signing for the Bears. He is already familiar with the players around him, and he knows Mel Tucker from when he played in Jacksonville. Will the Bears sign any more defensive linemen in free agency? Keep checking with Bear Goggles On for the latest Bears Free Agency updates.