Elvis Dumervil #92 of the Denver Broncos tries to sack Caleb Hanie #12 of the Chicago Bears at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 11, 2011 in Denver, Colorado.
(December 10, 2011 – Source: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Though it’s unfortunate that a great player has to leave his team for such a ridiculous reason, it means that there is a great pass rusher left on the market. Would it be completely outrageous for the Bears to go after him? If the Broncos and Dumervil cannot clear things up, it would sure be nice to see him wearing a new style of navy and orange. NFL Network has confirmed that teams have already been contacting him. Last season, Dumervil had 11 sacks and forced 6 fumbles. He, Peppers, and Melton on the same line could be glorious.

What do you think? Should the Bears take a chance on Dumervil? Where will he end up?  Let’s see your comment below!

January 25, 2013; Ko Olina, HI, USA; NFC defensive tackle Henry Melton of the Chicago Bears (69) looks on during practice at NFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

There will be no holdout drama from Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton.  On Friday evening, Melton’s agent announced that his client would accept the Bears’ franchise tag, assuring that Melton would be participating in all of the offseason activities and guaranteeing $8.45 million in 2013.  (more…)

Sep 09, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Henry Melton (69) reacts after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Chicago defeats Indianapolis 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears made a move just days before the deadline passed (March 4) and placed the franchise tag on Henry Melton according to all the Chicago Bears beat writers on Twitter, and the Chicago Tribune.  Melton a first time pro bowler this past season will be a Chicago Bear for at least another season.  Melton as every other player that gets slapped with the franchise tag is looking for a long-term deal as Matt Forte did last year.

Melton sent out this tweet after news of the franchise tag placement broke:

Good to be a Bear for another year hopefully we can get a long-term deal done soon! #BearDown #FranchiseTag

— Henry Melton (@HenMel) March 2, 2013

Melton is 26 years old and seems to be continually improving over the last two seasons.  This was a move that the Bears needed to make on a defensive unit that stars are mostly on the wrong side of 30.  Keeping a young star is a move that Phil Emery had to make even if the money is more than the team wanted to spend, to the tune of $8.45 million.   Now the task at hand is freeing up some cap space.

What do you think? Was this “Must Move” by Emery and the Bears?

Sep 9, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Henry Melton (69) celebrates a sack during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field. The Bears won 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Time is running out between the Chicago Bears and free-agent-to-be Henry Melton.  The deadline for the Bears to tag Melton is Monday March 4th.  Despite the Bears’ limited cap space and numerous needs, a lot of experts think the Bears will slap the old tag on Hank the Tank.
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Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the Jerry Angelo era, the conversation around free agency, and especially the draft, seemed to return to the defensive side of the ball.  Now, it seems, the worm has turned and while I believe the Bears off-season will be dominated on the offensive side, the defense has many questions to answer.  I will not talk about the Safety position.  It has been a very long time since that has happened.  Two Pro Bowl cornerbacks on the roster too!  Do we even need to draft a lineman?  Well, the free agency period will have much to say about that as it always does. (more…)

Oct 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) pressures Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) during the third quarter at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears face an interesting decision this offseason besides the fate of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.  While there is certainly a sentimental and symbolic importance to the Urlacher situation, the reality is that they are not making a decision on a future Pro Bowler.  The next trip Urlacher makes to Hawaii will be on his dime; he won’t be going to represent the NFC any more.

But a player that may be making future trips to Hawaii is defensive tackle Henry Melton, who’s coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance at just the right time, just as he’s due for a new contract.  Starting Monday, the Bears have a 15-day window to apply the tag before the new league year and free agency start on March 12th.  I think the Bears should slap the old franchise tag on Melton to keep him around for 2013.

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January 27, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; AFC wide receiver Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans (80) misses a catch while defended by NFC cornerback Charles Tillman of the Chicago Bears (33) in the first quarter during the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Four Chicago Bears acquitted themselves just fine in Sunday’s Pro Bowl as the NFC steamrolled to a 62-35 victory over the AFC.   No one embarrassed themselves and the Bears defenders helped limit the AFC to just 35 points.  In Pro Bowl scoring, that’s virtaully a shutout.

Cornerback Charles Tillman, who was named one of the NFC’s captains contributed 3 tackles and had a patented ball punch, though AJ Greene’s forward progress was deemed stopped.  Peanut also got toasted on a couple of TD’s, but in the Pro Bowl, who hasn’t been torched.  Tim Jennings added 4 tackles from the other starting cornerback spot while defensive end Julius Peppers made his presence felt with a couple of sacks to go along with three tackles.  Henry Melton did not show up in the box score, though I did see him play when I peeked in on the game.