Per reports, Trapilo (56th pick) gets the first 2 years fully guaranteed and 72% of Year 3 guaranteed while Turner (62nd pick) gets 35% of Year 3 guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/2xSKvTroKF
This was more or less expected. Still, it’s comforting to finally lock ’em down and not worry about some prolonged camp hold-out for three rookie prospects.
Most surmise guys like Burden are waiting for Tyler Shough to sign to create some precedent or benchmark to go off, but who knows? Wide receivers tend to be prima donnas, and Burden in specific may believe he’s a 1st RDer.
One reason Luther fell though was ‘character concern’, as in ‘Burden seemed entitled and loafed his final college season’, so it’s understandable Halas may be reluctant to fully guarantee his contract especially after Quinshon Judkins was arrested on a misdemeanor battery and domestic violence charge.
Guess us fans will have to wait, but hopefully it gets done before he misses any camp.
Boy, almost makes me miss the good ole days when Cliff Stein would wrap up the entire rookie class lickety-split.
There’s actually lots more NFL news dropping. Here’s a brief synapsis.
NFL is back, not that it ever left. This week alone: 🏈Lloyd Howell resigned as NFLPA executive director. 🏈T.J. Watt landed record 3-year, $123 million deal. 🏈WR Mike Williams retired. 🏈Vikings WR Jordan Addison pleaded to a lesser charge in DUI case, faces NFL discipline. 🏈… pic.twitter.com/UZe5eiY1lQ
Lloyd Howell, corporate hack, has resigned. That’s not going to make a lot of waves, but I think it’s a great move for the players going forward. To say Howell had some ‘conflict of interest’ is an understatement. Hopefully the NFLPA hires a real executive director who cares more about the players than own bank account.
This meme is flooding the interwebz. Apparently this CEO got caught with his sidepiece at a Coldplay concert. Maybe they were more embarrassed being caught at a Coldplay concert…
NEW: Astronomer CEO caught on camera with his HR chief during a Coldplay concert in Boston.
The pair was seen rushing to cover their faces in horror when they realized they were on the big screen.
“Oh what… either they're having an affair or they're very shy,” said Coldplay's… pic.twitter.com/RgWdCTVdKE
Pro Football Focus [PFF] seems to be omnipresent when discussing the NFL nowadays. For some reason, humans crave an ‘objective’ framework from which to interpret life. Something ‘outside ourselves’ to course-correct what our senses are inputting. What do you think the 10 commandments are?
The general public assumes that René Descartes concluded, “Cogito, ergo sum” [I think, therefore I am], but actually, he proclaimed, “Dubito, ergo cogito, ergo sum” [I DOUBT, therefore I think, therefore I am]. Something to ponder.
I envision Descartes staring intently into the flame of his candle, emersed in total darkness, desperately fumbling for some objective proof, a Mathematical God, some Unmoved Mover, to save him from his Evil Genius, to slip him the red pill to awaken from the Matrix…us football fans must settle for PFF.
So here’s PFF grading the entire league. If you want to skip to the Bears’ portion, fast forward ≈1hr1min
A scout relayed that he graded an olinemen low coming out of college. Then that Olinemen ends up on the Peyton Colts; he mutters, “Fuck. now I’m going to look stupid when he makes the PB.”
The Bears oline talent is now sufficient. It takes years of a smart GM [which Bears don’t currently employ] to properly get return on investment in the trenches. Ryan Poles had to apply some Gorilla Glue to patch up the gigantic holes he created through ineptitude.
That being said, like the scout expressed anecdotally.
1. A smart QB can make the oline look a lot better than it otherwise might be
2. A creative HC/OC can scheme around weaknesses [basically do the opposite of what Mike Martz tried with Webbnation]
3. A talented HB can hit the optimum holes and/or break tackles
Unfortunately, we don’t quite know if we have a smart QB, HC/OC, and Bears definitely don’t roster an elite HB [NTM it’s a brand new scheme], so for this Oline to dramatically improve, mucho must synergize [including staying healthy].
But hey, tis the off-season of hopium.
EDIT. I’m burying the lead as the Bears unwisely extended Ryan Poles‘ contract. That will get its own post soon, but for now, I can characterize how I feel about the move through a flick I’m watching for the 100th time. Halas plays the German Soldier while Bear fans are Mellish…
“Gib’ auf, du hast keine chance. Lass’ es uns beenden. Es ist einfacher für dich, viel einfacher. Du wirst sehen, es ist gleich vorbei.”
Translates to:
“Give up, you don’t stand a chance. Let’s end this here. It will be easier for you, much easier. You’ll see, it will be over quickly.”
I always liked Kam Chancellor. He’s one of those safeties MB loved. Yuge, athletic, and mean. I’m surprised he didn’t suffer as many severe concussions as Brisker.
Greg Gabriel examines the Bears’ D while Aldo updates us on basically everything.
NFL may have blocked them from embedding, so click here if can’t click below.
Few points stood out:
#1. Gabriel states he’d cut anyone who reports out of shape [who is healthy].
I tend to agree. You got ONE job. Well, maybe more, but staying in shape is #1.
#2. OK [for now] about the 2nd rounders not signing. Pick #33 and #34 have signed getting four years guaranteed. Gabriel thinks Luther Burden MIGHT get a fully guaranteed contract, but doubts that the later 2nd rounders Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner get same deal. It could be a tiered result. “I’m not worried about it until they don’t show up when the vets must report.”
#3. Tremaine Edmunds might play some WLB which Gabriel contends might suit him better. Only thing I can think is that Flus wanted his Lach gobbling up passing lanes in the middle while Dennis Allen might prefer a more attacking MLB.
#4. Za’Darious Smith and Matthew Judon are essentially the same DEs. Would be solid depth, but shouldn’t get more than a 1-yr deal.
#5. Xavier Carlton doesn’t impress Gabriel. He likes fast players. Carlton runs a 5.05 forty which doesn’t bode well for specials
#6. Doesn’t seem too concerned about the safeties. Doesn’t believe the Bears are as shallow as some fans may feel. Basically mirrors Poles’ nonchalant attitude on the position. Guess both assume safety is relatively easy to replace in this system.
#7. Doesn’t know if Gervon Dexter will take the next step, but Gabriel knows he’s a legit football player who takes his body and career seriously [Can’t say the same about Zacch Pickens]. Not sold Dexter could play DE. Supposedly Allen shut the door on that option, paraphrasing, ‘Dexter needs to first learn how to play inside before even thinking about moving outside.’ Aldo was surprised as am I since I figured Allen would have no issue moving em around, but perhaps he’ll be more strategic about it.
#8. Shemar Turner reminds Gabriel of…wait for it…Tommie Harris. Wow. I didn’t see that first step explosion, but I guess he does. Let’s hope Turner is another [healthy] T-Harris.
#9. Bears’ CB should play more press. We all know this already, but I for one am thrilled I am no longer going to see our CBs give 5 yard cushions for WRs to do whatever the fuck they want. Hit em in the mouth like Peanut did. Make those speedy little suckers earn it.
#10. Acknowledges many fans want to give Das Boot to Tyrique Stevenson, but he’s still better than Terrell Smith behind him. Wonders if Terrell Smith can play man-press. Hope so because I’m one of those fans who wants that knuckle-head gone; though if he turns it around, good on him.
Still, Chicago has a VERY long memory. Just ask Cody Parkey, Conte or Steve Bartman…
Still quiet on the Northern front. I think I read that once the Bears lost Khari Blasingame, their season went down hill, so that just gives me an excuse to post Mike “Juggernaut” Alstott highlights. I do wonder if Ben Johnson will utilize a full-back, or if he’s trying out linemen to do spot FB duties like Doug Kramer last season.
The other football – U.S. vs Mexico was entertaining. I never played much soccer growing up, so like many Americans, didn’t give it much thought ’til the World Cup hit Pasadena in 1994; then I experienced first hand the electric atmosphere it could generate. I saw a bunch of Germans, Brazilians, etc getting on top of lampposts waving their flags, just jubilant having a good ole time. Of course if they do that now they’d likely get deported, but I digress…
Something about soccer lends itself to international pageantry. The low scores might turn-off a lot Americans, but I think they build up tension. I mean, imagine shouting “Gooooooooaaaaallll” 15 times a game…just not the same. Besides, hockey and some baseball games can be just as low-scoring, yet equally entertaining as long as the teams are good. Just takes a bit more nuanced appreciation like a stout beer.
One thing that caught me off guard. [spoiler alert]. Mexico scored a goal, but was flagged “offsides,” so goal didn’t count. In the past, this would’ve been an international incident and in some countries motivated rioting and conspiracy theories.
MEXICO TAKES THE LEAD 🇲🇽😱
After a VAR check, the goal is confirmed and Edson Álvarez puts Mexico on top 🔝 pic.twitter.com/5bNm5Ymsnm
However, soccer now implements replay. It’s a rather fast process too. I wish the NFL would streamline its replay system like soccer instead of showing us every angle in slow-mo like it was the Zapruder film.
Still, it’s hard for me to get TOO invested in soccer because of one MAJOR flaw.
FLOPPING
I mean, sometimes it’s like a whole team of Vlade Divacs out there, and it just kills it for me. Hard to respect “world class athletes” who go down faster than Mia Khalifa.
But when there’s not too much flopping, international soccer games can be a lot of fun, though I’m not waking up at 6AM to watch matches – that’s for damn sure!
I was also surprised that Alexi Lalas looks like this now.
Signing a UDFA this late into camp likely isn’t going to turn many heads, but hey, it’s a Bear move and piques my interest. He’s not a RAS champ, that’s for sure, but at 6’5, 273 with 34″ arms, gives something Dennis Allen can mold.
Here’s some pertinent twits on him:
The Bears are signing Cal edge rusher Xavier Carlton as an UDFA. Fits the mold of a Dennis Allen DE at 6’6 275 pounds with almost 35 inch arms pic.twitter.com/LWKcOHyGXZ
— Steve Letizia (Formerly CFCBears) (@CFCBears) April 26, 2025
Xavier Carlton’s athletic numbers might not turn heads, but here’s why he’s one of the rare UDFAs destined to make the roster by camp’s end. Curious? Watch the video to see what sets him apart 👀👇https://t.co/lb43c4hm8Upic.twitter.com/CwNFK1qN9E
You may not like either of these guys on a personal level, but at least they squeeze out some interesting sport’s talk.
Some Spark-Notes from Lach
‘I loved playing against Michael Vick, Culpepper, or any QB who can move really, to show off my stuff’
I still recall Lach chasing down a prime-Vick. It was a sight to behold. Lovie Smith’s Cover-2 was almost custom made to stop running QBs. Everyone attacked their gaps. ‘DE just had to get a hand to slow down QB’. All 11 eyes were in the backfield, so the second a QB split, all 11 rallied to the ball, and under Lovie, they closed with good angles and tackle discipline. On top of that, any runner had to worry about getting Peanut-punched by every defender amped to create a turnover.
This might be why the Cover-2 is back in fashion with so many running QBs though they’re a bit more exotic than the Lovie-2
‘Favre would give us 2-3 chances [for INTs], but he threw it so damn hard, hard to pick-off sometimes’
‘Rodgers knew our checks. You play any team enough, they’re gonna know. So we had to change our pirate checks [that started with “P”]…so one play Lance [Briggs] starts yelling, “Big Pussy! Big Pussy!” and Aaron just started laughing before the snap.”
‘2006 was unbelievable…but I think we had a better team in 2010’ [the year Jay Cutler messed up his MCL vs GB in the NFC Championship and Caleb Hanie came off the bench]
Who did the media get wrong? Jay, Bmarsh?
‘Julius Peppers. The media [in 2010] put out a narrative that he didn’t practice hard or took plays off. That dude showed up to work every day and busted his ass off in practice’
‘Bmarsh said some crazy things, but a lot of people do. He was out there on the jugs machine 45 minutes before the game. Jay simply didn’t care, so it doesn’t matter if the media got him wrong’
Dooooon’t Caaarrrrrre…
Lach talks about hating players kneeling during national anthem, and how he tuned out of the NFL during that time.
‘2005 we had four players who got Defensive Player of Year votes. Me [Lach], Briggs, Alex Brown and Nathan Vasher”
“There’s pre-season, regular season, and post-season speed”
‘SB, opening kickoff, Devin Hester takes it to the house. Then, Chris Harris picks off Peyton Manning on their opening drive. Then, we just shit the bed’
‘Some fans accuse Rex Grossman of playing badly, but he didn’t play that bad. We gave up 250 yds passing, and 190 yds rushing. That’s not good, not when all season long we were giving up like 300 total.”
I’m a little surprised by this, but perhaps I shouldn’t be. For starters, Lach is a leader, and not about to throw anyone under the bus. But, c’mon, Lach, there’s a reason Sex Cannon washed out of the league. Too bad Manziel didn’t mention Lovie’s baffling decision to stop running Thomas Jones and instead insert Cedric Benson who proceeded almost immediately to fumble it away…
“I had 21 different QBs in my 13 seasons”
‘Lovie was like your dad, a guy you wouldn’t want to disappoint. In one game when we were down to the Lions with a backup QB, at halftime, Lovie said ‘crap, darn and dang’ in the same sentence, and we knew it was go-time. We beat the crap out of them in the 2nd half.’
“They should’ve never fired Lovie”
‘I didn’t like the way they [Halas] handled the offer they made me though I’m glad I didn’t return [to endure the Marc Trestman era].’
“I had TOO much fun spending $ in college” – Johnny Manziel “I was happy when my mom gave me quarters for laundry. Now kids are getting $100K a month”
Same here, Lach. I always hoped an extra quarter or two slipped in so I can play Shinobi or Double Dragon! 100K? I could buy the whole damn laundromat with that.
“What are dos and don’t of training camp?” Manziel Lach, ‘You learn what to take up there, what to do in your off-time, what you shouldn’t be doing. We first went to Platteville about 4 hours away. Then Bourbonnais. I liked going away.’
‘I knew I wasn’t going to be a 6’4, 250 lb safety. They first tried me at SAM, but I was terrible. Rosi [Roosevelt Colvin I’m guessing] beat me out in 2 weeks. They had me line up directly over the TE and jam, but I didn’t know how to use my hands. I’m now a draft bust. Barry Minter gets hurt in week 2. Greg Blache [Then current Bears’ DC] says, ‘Go in and play MIKE’, I told him, “I never played MIKE’ Blache, ‘just run to the ball and we’ll figure it out’ Lach, “and I started every game after that at MIKE’
Reminds me of the saying, “don’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree”. To the outside world, SAM and MIKE seem nearly identical, but those few yards were the difference between a draft bust and a HOFer. In college, Lach’s coach played him at Rover, which allowed Lach to show off his athleticism and versatility. Something to think about with Bears’ new coaching staff and life in general
‘I wasn’t even going to run the 40, but Greg Blache challenged me, and I ran a 4.56 at 258 which opened a lot of NFL eyes at the combine.’
‘I love Caleb. If you put him in a different situation like Jayden with Klingsbury or Bo with Sean Payton, I think Caleb could’ve been ROY’
‘Ben Johnson’s the man’
‘Before Lovie got there, we played fast, but once he was HC, we played hard and fast. He kept track of loafs. You know how embarrassing it is to get in front of the whole team and be called out for loafing?’
Still slow. Nothing really to report . Only real “news” is that Colston Loveland is expected back sometime during training camp. What that means – who knows? Doubt Loveland is full-go from the start.
However, a big story dropped that no one really seems to care about [no, the OTHER story].
The NFL has essentially been found to be colluding, though no ‘smoking gun’ was definitely discovered , so they keep on trucking.
—– “In a decision dated Jan. 14, 2025, Judge Christopher F. Droney, head of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, concluded NFL teams did not collude with one another to ensure other veteran players did not get similar fully guaranteed deals in the aftermath of Deshaun Watson’s $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.
However, he did clarify: “There is little question that the NFL Management Council, with the blessing of the Commissioner, encouraged the 32 NFL Clubs to reduce guarantees in veterans’ contracts at the March 2022 annual owners’ meeting.”
I mean, is anyone shocked? What’s more telling is that the NFLPA hasn’t aggressively used this for some sort of leverage, even if it’s just PR ammo for down the line when they have to renegotiate.
I imagine NFL owners meeting like the NY Five Families, speaking in code to avoid prosecution. Maybe they should hold their future meetings at their lawyer or doctor’s office like the “Sopranos”
Mike Florio, a former actual lawyer, over at PFT has been on it like white on rice.
If you want a layman’s [and sometimes not so lay] explanation of it, here’s his take:
In some sense it DOES pertain to the Bears because ole Butcho strongly suspects ‘passive collusion’ in the owners trying not to pay guarantees to 2nd rounders, three of which are unsigned by the Bears as of today.
I’m curious how this issue will get resolved. It only takes one owner to cave – could it be George McCaskey with the most to lose?
I love Bill Burr. He’s a funny fuck. I could link a thousand clips of him, and not just his stand-up but even his interviews.
And as it so happens, Burr is an avid football fan. Not like the ‘only watches the SB’ or ‘casually for FF’ type of celebrity fan, but an actual hardcore NFL fan with tons of opinions, knowledge, and history of the sport.
However, Burr is not some Rainman pod like Warner or Brady, so he’s a great listen.
Anyways, I never saw this clip before. It seems everyone has a crazy Lawrence Taylor story, and his might be the most nuts!
Colin Cowherd apparently dined and talked with Kevin Warren. Here’s the thing about Cowherd. He’s basically an L.A. guy now, and as such, pretty plugged in with the L.A. sport’s scene, especially USC, so he’s relatively reliable when relaying L.A. gossip. The usual is covered – Caleb Williams struggled, but still played a solid rookie campaign despite disastrous coaching, yada yada. More interesting is what I pointed out in my 2-part Caleb piece. Namely, that Caleb’s college bad habits indeed carried over, and perhaps worsened with terrible coaching and interior Oline.
“The first year at USC, Caleb Williams was absolutely magical. The first 6 games in his 2nd year at USC he had 21 TD’s and 1 INT. If you look at his first 18 games at USC he was unbelievable. Then the last 6 games it was a disaster, so what happened? Notre Dame sacked him 6 times. USC had been doing smoke and mirrors in pass protection and it all unraveled against a really good coach and Notre Dame defense. That point forward Lincoln Riley knew he had the #1 draft pick and didn’t want him to get hurt. He went into protection mode with Caleb. He shrinks the playbook, didn’t allow him to run certain stuff. And then Caleb, knowing he’s going to be the #1 pick, went into survival mode. He was just trying to get into the season. He ends up in Chicago with a staff in survival mode. Caleb Williams was in survival mode. There’s no growth in survival mode. So Ben Johnson’s job in Chicago is extreme QB makeover. The talent is all there but they’ve gotta renovate the house.” – Cowherd
