Chicago Bears - NFFC | High Stakes Fantasy Football

Chicago Bears

NFC | High Stakes Fantasy Sports

News
DJ Moore DJ Moore Returning to remade offense Fri, May 3, 2024, 8:59 AM Moore worked out in April with Bears QB Caleb Williams and fellow Bears WRs Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports. Analysis: The workouts took place shortly before the draft, at which point Williams was all but locked in as the No. 1 overall pick for Chicago (and Odunze considered a strong candidate to join him at No. 9). The Bears ended up with both, completing their offseason makeover on offense after trading for Allen and signing RB D'Andre Swift and TE Gerald Everett. The crowded pass-catching corps means Moore is unlikely to match his career-high 28.8 percent target share from 2023, though there likely will be more overall targets, as the Bears figure to call pass plays at a higher rate and will no longer have sack/scramble-happy Justin Fields under center.
Keenan Allen Keenan Allen Part of loaded offense in Chicago Thu, May 2, 2024, 8:32 PM Allen, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze all worked out with new Bears QB Caleb Williams in April, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Williams and Odunze weren't on the team at the time, though in Williams' everyone knew he'd be going to Chicago with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 Draft. The Bears then took Odunze eight picks later, completing a fearsome WR trio with Allen and Moore. It's a situation that will make it nearly impossible for Allen to match his target volume from his years in San Diego and Los Angeles, even if Odunze needs some time to adjust to the pro game. Allen celebrated his 32nd birthday during the draft and is entering the final year of his contract, with GM Ryan Poles having said in March that he expected the veteran WR to sign an extension at some points. It's unclear if the Odunze selection changes the expectation for Alllen to sign a multi-year deal, as the Bears have enough cap flexibility to keep all three WRs for the next few seasons if that's what they choose to prioritize.
Khalil Herbert Khalil Herbert Could be moved Thu, May 2, 2024, 10:30 AM With D'Andre Swift signed this offseason and Roschon Johnson entering his second season, Herbert is viewed as potential trade bait, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Herbert is entering the final year of his rookie deal that is set to pay him a non-guaranteed $1.055 million salary, and the coaching staff is high on Johnson headed into his second season after he was taken in the fourth round of the NFL Draft last year. Swift inked a three-year, $24 million deal in March. After leading the NFL averaging 5.7 yards per carry in 2022, Herbert battled ankle and back issues last year, missing five games on injured reserve in the middle of the season. Travis Homer is also on the roster as a special teams ace. Herbert doesn't play special teams.
Tyson Bagent Tyson Bagent Tracking to be Chicago's QB2 Fri, Apr 26, 2024, 4:58 PM Following the selection of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, Bagent is viewed as the favorite to open the season as the Bears' primary backup quarterback, USA Today's Vincent Parise reports. Analysis: With Justin Fields traded to the Steelers earlier in the offseason, it leaves Bagent and Brett Rypien behind Williams. There's a chance Chicago adds an experienced veteran to what is currently a pretty young quarterback room, but Bagent showed well enough as a rookie last year to enter 2024 with a chance to claim backup duties. Bagent went 2-2 in four games as a starter, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 859 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions and adding 109 rushing yards and two additional scores on 23 attempts.
Keenan Allen Keenan Allen Could sign extension this offseason Mon, Mar 25, 2024, 8:46 AM GM Ryan Poles said Monday that he thinks Allen will sign an extension with the Bears "down the road" after the team handles other contracts, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Poles seems to be suggesting that the Bears first want to work out extensions for players that have been with the team longer, though they already took care of two big ones in DE Montez Sweat (November) and CB Jaylon Johnson (March). Allen's new partner at wide receiver might be next in line, as DJ Moore's contract has two more seasons and $32.1 million but nothing guaranteed. Allen has one year and $23.1 million remaining, with the large sum explaining why the Chargers traded him for a mere fourth-round pick on the heels of a 2023 campaign in which he had career highs of 95.6 receiving yards and 21.5 PPR points per game (both numbers ranking Top 4 among all WRs). Allen missed the final four games with a heel injury and will turn 32 in April, but there's been no report of offseason surgery or any complications, so he should be a huge asset in the short term for presumed No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
Dante Pettis Dante Pettis Back with Chicago Fri, Mar 15, 2024, 2:54 PM The Bears signed Pettis (undisclosed) to a one-year deal Friday, Larry Mayer of the team's official site reports. Analysis: Pettis was dealing with an undisclosed injury back in September of 2023, but it now seems as if he's moved past the issue. The 2018 second-round pick has spent time with the 49ers, Giants and Bears throughout his five-year NFL career, and he's agreed to terms to return to Chicago. Pettis' most recent in-game action came back in 2022 with the Bears, appearing in 17 games and catching 19 of his 41 targets for 245 yards and three touchdowns. The 28-year-old wideout also returned 18 punts for 163 yards in 2022, and he'll likely be competing to make Chicago's 53-man roster as a return man this offseason.
Keenan Allen Keenan Allen Dealt to Bears Thu, Mar 14, 2024, 9:27 PM Allen (heel) was traded from the Chargers to the Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick Thursday, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports. Analysis: Allen has been a key figure in the Chargers' offense for the last 11 seasons, but salary cap problems and a new coaching staff and front office have caused the team to move on. Despite entering his age-32 season, Allen has shown few signs of decline, as he racked up 150 targets across only 13 games in 2023. He turned that into 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns while also tallying a career-best 19 receptions of at least 20 yards. Allen will face some questions on his new team, however, as DJ Moore is the established top pass catcher in the offense, meaning Allen could lose out on some of his prolific target volume. While the Bears are expected to draft Caleb Williams with the top overall pick, it's also still unclear who will be under center in Week 1.
Brett Rypien Brett Rypien Set to join Bears Wed, Mar 13, 2024, 3:25 PM Rypien agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Bears on Wednesday, pending a physical, Larry Mayer of the team's official site reports. Analysis: Rypien has made four starts and appeared in 10 games over the past four seasons, split between the Broncos and Rams. He has a 4:9 career TD:INT and will likely compete with Tyson Bagent for the backup role, be it behind Justin Fields or a rookie quarterback from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Gerald Everett Gerald Everett Joining Chicago Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 1:53 PM Everett and the Bears are in agreement on a contract, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: One of the better receiving options among a weak free-agent class of tight ends, Everett is linking up with a Bears team that already has a proven starter in Cole Kmet, who is coming off a 719-yard, six-TD season. Everett could take some of the snaps in obvious passing situations given that he's probably a bit quicker and more agile, though Kmet is taller, heavier, stronger and has a better track record of receiving production. The Bears may have a lot of two-TE formations in mind, especially with their WR depth behind No. 1 DJ Moore looking shaky at the moment. Still, it's not a great fantasy situation for Everett, who turns 30 in June after five straight seasons in the range of 408 to 555 receiving yards (for three different teams).
Khalil Herbert Khalil Herbert Facing competition from Swift Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 9:42 AM Herbert is part of a backfield that's set to add D'Andre Swift on a three-year, $24 million contract, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Herbert has outperformed his draft slot since the Bears took him in the sixth round in 2021, averaging 4.9 yards on 364 carries. He's typically worked in timeshares and has just 43 receptions in 42 games, and it's not exactly surprising to see the cap-flush Bears brining in a more versatile running back. This isn't the worst outcome for Herbert's value given that the Bears were previously rumored to have interest in Saquon Barkley -- who is joining the Eagles -- but it does leave Herbert with a lot of snap/touch competition for the final year of his rookie contract, competing against Swift and 2023 fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson.
D'Andre Swift D'Andre Swift Heading to Chicago Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 11:29 AM Swift and the Bears agreed to terms Monday on a three-year, $24 million contract, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Analysis: It's the first major deal reported during the free-agent negotiating period and can't be made official until Wednesday afternoon. Swift figures to step in as the lead back for an offense with a new coordinator (Shane Waldron) and likely a new quarterback (Caleb Williams?), though he probably won't be a workhorse given that the Bears also have Khalil Herbert and 2023 fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson under contract. Herbert, in particular, is a threat to take a good chunk of the carries, as he's averaged 4.9 yards on 364 totes through three pro seasons. Herbert hasn't done much in the passing game -- 43 catches, 4.9 YPT -- and doesn't figure to get many chances there now that Swift is on the team.
Justin Fields Justin Fields Trade could come before free agency Tue, Feb 27, 2024, 10:30 AM General manager Ryan Poles said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that if the Bears decide they will be selecting a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft, the team would attempt to trade Fields before the start of free agency March 13, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: Poles' comments could be read as a response to Fields' recently stated desire for clarity on his future in Chicago, and it sounds like a decision could be made more quickly than expected. The official start of free agency is just over two weeks away, while the legal tampering period will begin March 11. If, as expected, the Bears determine they will be selectin a QB like Caleb Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft, trade options for Fields could include the Steelers, Falcons, Patriots, Raiders and Broncos. In 13 games last season, the 2021 first-round pick compiled 2,562 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions, to go with 657 rushing yards and four scores.
Justin Fields Justin Fields Wants word on future soon Wed, Feb 21, 2024, 3:50 PM Fields said Wednesday during his appearance on the "St. Brown Bros Podcast" that he prefers to stays in Chicago but wants to know if he's getting traded as soon as possible. Analysis: Fields downplayed his recent decision to unfollow the Bears' official account on Instagram, noting that he also unfollowed other accounts (including the NFL's) to avoid having football content on his timeline during the offseason. He had nothing but praise for Bears fans and the city of Chicago, but Fields also seemed well aware of the possibility of being replaced by the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Talking with teammate Equanimeous St. Brown and Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown on their podcast, Fields mentioned a couple of the teams rumored to have interest in trading for him, saying that the Steelers have a great stadium atmosphere and the Falcons have impressive playmakers on offense. Atlanta is the early favorite in betting markets to acquire the Georgia native, with other possibilities including Pittsburgh, New England, Las Vegas and Denver. Despite Fields' desire for a quick resolution on his future, the Bears' decision on whether to keep him on the roster for 2024 or work toward a trade could drag on for weeks, or even months.
Cole Kmet Cole Kmet Recovering from broken forearm Thu, Feb 8, 2024, 2:14 PM Kmet said Thursday on media row before Super Bowl LVIII that he sustained a broken right forearm in the Bears' Week 18 loss at Green Bay, Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Analysis: Kmet was donning a brace due to the hit he took at the end of a 27-yard catch in the season finale, which caused him to sit out most of the fourth quarter. The timing of the injury likely allowed the 2020 second-round pick to keep his games played streak (67 of 67) to begin his career intact, and his career-high 73 catches (seventh among tight ends) translated to 719 yards (ninth) and six touchdowns (tied for second). Kmet expects to gain medical clearance in the near future, meaning it won't impact his work in the offseason.
Khari Blasingame Khari Blasingame Handles eight carries in 2023 Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 7:22 AM Blasingame ended the 2023 season with eight rushes for 23 yards along with three receptions for two yards. Analysis: Balsingame served as Chicago's fullback, playing less than 18 snaps in all but one game. In Week 5, the Bears had injuries to each of their running backs, leading to the fullback rushing eight times for 23 yards. Otherwise, he was targeted once in three different games, which accounted for all of his season stats. In his five-year career, he has a total of 24 touches, as Blasingame's main role is to block. The veteran has one year remaining on his contract.
Nathan Peterman Nathan Peterman Heading toward free agency Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 7:15 AM Peterman served as the third-string quarterback for the Bears in 2023, playing just four snaps. He did not attempt a pass during the 2023 season. Analysis: Peterman finished his sixth NFL season. He's played two years each with Buffalo, Las Vegas and Chicago. Over the last four years, he's attempted just 30 passes. He'll head into free agency in the hope of finding a role as a backup quarterback.
Nsimba Webster Nsimba Webster Staying in Chicago Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 6:39 PM The Bears signed Webster to a reserve/future contract Monday, Larry Mayer of the team's official website reports. Analysis: Nsimba spent the entire year on Chicago's practice squad. He has been with the team three years overall and suited up for eight total games over the previous two years. The 27-year-old will now use the offseason as an opportunity to earn a bigger role with the team.
Tyson Bagent Tyson Bagent Ends season on sidelines Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 6:37 AM Bagent didn't see the field in the Bears' 17-9 loss to the Packers on Sunday. Analysis: When Justin Fields missed time in Weeks 6-10, Bagent served as Chicago's starting quarterback. In five games, he completed 94 of 143 passes (66 percent) for 859 yards with a 3:6 TD:INT. During the offseason, the team will determine if the rookie will continue to serve as their backup quarterback. If the team chooses to keep him in a similar role, Bagent is under contract with the Bears for two more seasons.
Travis Homer Travis Homer Concludes first season in Chicago Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 6:31 AM Homer played 17 snaps on special teams in the Bears' 17-9 loss to the Packers on Sunday. Analysis: After signing a two-year deal with Chicago entering the season, Homer was a core special-teams player who was only used on six offensive snaps in 16 games played. Going into the final year of his contract, the five-year veteran could be in a similar role next season.
Marcedes Lewis Marcedes Lewis Set for free agency Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 6:24 AM Lewis played 33 percent of the snaps but was not targeted in the Bears' 17-9 loss to the Packers on Sunday. Analysis: Lewis, a 39-year old blocking specialist, ended the season catching four passes for 29 yards and a touchdown. With 14 NFL seasons on his resume, he's now an unrestricted free agent.