I find it absolutely obnoxious when I’ve heard on the radio constantly these last couple weeks that the Bears are interested in signing or training for an edge rusher. Even Khalil Mack’s name came up again. We’ve been through this shit already.
THEY DRAFTED AUSTIN BOOKER LAST YEAR. WASN’T HE SUPPOSED TO BE THE GUY TO TAKE THAT SPOT?
Oh, and what about Montez Sweat who they just gave a ton of money to with an extension?
Again, this is the problem. Ryan Poles does not know how to draft players. Making a trade for a 32-year old offensive lineman in Joe Thuney reeks of desparation. It screams “abject failure” with Poles. I am sorry. Thuney may still be good. But 32 is at the tail end of a career for a lineman these days. So they made a trade for a guy who may only play a year or two more?
They also traded a pick for Jonah Jackson. As our friend Dave mentioned in the previous thread, this guy was hurt most of last year. This also isn’t good news despite him being “healthy” now.
I saw enough of Ryan Poles and his chin pubes years ago. I don’t give a shit if Ben Johnson is the coach. The general manager needs to give his coach the best players possible to succeed. It won’t matter because the players who have a history of being hurt are hurt again.
The Eagles have been to two Super Bowls in three years and won this last one. Why? Most of their offensive line was drafted. Their playmakers on both sides of the ball were drafted. Yes, they made a free agent signing here and there that made a big difference. But the majority of their success was in the draft. That’s how teams win.
Not by signing a bunch of free agents and/or trading for veterans past their primes.
Fire Ryan Poles | Fire Ben Johnson 
March 6, 2025 at 7:51 am
Being a member of this page since 2006, I guess I should expect the negative reactions to trading for players. However a first round draft pick QB needs proven protection, which is what these guys are. So I still like the moves. And its pretty obvious that Ben Johnson had some influence on Poles in getting them too, as they fit Ben’s coaching vision, Jonah Jackson was part of Ben’s offense in Detroit and was good throughout the time he was there. Also Thuney is just 32, Jason Kelce was still good at 36. Also have you seen the penalty numbers on these guys? 1 or 2 per 1000+ snaps? That’s discipline right there. Protect the QB with proven disciplined tackles and guards this year, then draft and develop O-linemen in subsequent years.
March 6, 2025 at 6:27 pm
I really don’t what the hell to think. I think I’m just going to withhold judgement until midway through the season.
Fro, how’s that foot doing? You feeling any better? I can’t imagine how scary it would be to get hurt like that in a foreign country. Hope you’re doing OK, my old fitness frendt!
March 7, 2025 at 2:09 pm
Dave,
You know we all love ya. You are the only “glass half-full” guy here. I think the concern is while these players they are trading for have a proven track record, a veteran can fall apart at any time, especially a lineman.
CHUCKSTER!
My foot is in a boot as of Monday and I do feel much better. But damn, it became even more swollen on Tuesday (it’s normal). This whole fucking fiasco has been stressful on me.
I guess the only positive was that United Airlines gave me wheelchair service. Wow. I should fake injuries in the future. Not only did I get wheeled all the way past security and U.S. Customs Pre-Clearance up there instead of waiting 40 minutes, but they allowed me to get on the plane first to board O’Hare. AND, another airline employee with a wheelchair awaited me after arrival and got me all the way to an Uber.
March 10, 2025 at 11:56 am
Drew Dalman to sign a 3 year deal to play Center, that’s 3 of 5 starting O-line positions significantly upgraded. Still need to sign and/or draft some depth on the interior, and perhaps upgrade from Braxton Jones.
March 10, 2025 at 2:52 pm
Two defensive linemen signed as well, one being a pro bowl player. This pretty much covers starting personnel in the trenches on both sides of the football. Still need a lot of good backup depth in those trenches, but this appears that it may clear the way for an Ashton Jeanty draft pick in April. Then Ben Johnson may be able to duplicate his previous successes with a running back tandem of Swift and Jeanty, similar to what he had with Monty and Gibbs in Detroit.
March 10, 2025 at 10:38 pm
I find it absurd that Poles had to get three new linemen via trade or free agency. How many linemen has he drafted since his arrival? Seven? Eight? Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones are the only holdovers.
This is not a winning formula.
You can’t buy a Super Bowl. You need to draft one. Poles signing all of these free agents the last couple years is proof he can’t draft.