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Bears 53-Man Roster Predictions

T.J. Shouse — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 20:00:39 -0000

Two preseason games in, and while the starting lineup is rounding into shape (except for the offensive line), things seem to be clear as mud at the bottom of the roster. There are a lot of interesting battles going on at the end of the roster (as there always is), but with two preseason games left it's time to take a shot at projecting the final fifty-three man roster. Hit the jump to look at my roster predictions, which are the selections that I think Lovie and company will make, not necessarily who I would keep. Be sure to include your commentary on the choices and your own roster guesses in the comments section. And remember, if you fanpost your own fifty-three man roster prediction, Kev will send you a stern email and cock back his banhammer (trust me, you don't want that).

Fifty-Three Man Roster

QB's in (3) - Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell, Josh McCown

QB's out - Blanchard

Reasoning: I know the Blanch-man looked decent last game, but I really don't expect Lovie and company to gamble with the third-string QB position after two straight years of finishing the season without Cutler. Blanchard goes (hopefully) to the practice squad.

RB's in (3) - Matt Forte, Michael Bush, Armando Allen

RB's out - Kahlil Bell, Lorenzo Booker, Harvey Unga

Reasoning: The third (and potentially fourth) running back spot is a threeway race between Allen, Bell, and Booker. Allen is cheap and more of a change-of-pace complement to Forte and Bush, which is why I'm giving the spot to him at this point. Booker's great kick return touchdown makes him a hard cut, but I feel like there's enough return depth without him. Bell is a bit pricey for a third string running back and really just hasn't done much this preseason. Unga needs and deserves no comment.

FB/TE's in (4) - Kellen Davis, Matt Spaeth, Evan Rodriguez, Tyler Clutts

TE's out - Kyle Adams

Reasoning: I'm gambling that an offense that wants to be heavy run-oriented needs to keep blockers like Clutts and Spaeth around. Adams is a nice young project that can move around, but he's essentially been replaced in that role by Rodriguez.

WR's in (5) - Brandon Marshall, Earl Bennett, Devin Hester, Alshon Jeffery, Eric Weems

WR's out - Johnny Knox, Dane Sanzenbacher, Rashied Davis, Terriun Crump, Brittan Golden, etc.

Reasoning: The injuries at safety and linebacker mean an increased look at depth at those spots, and I think Tice is pushing to keep blockers since we still don't know what the offensive line is going to look like. Knox will likely go from PUP to IR and sit out the season, which is probably the smart thing to do. I won't be surprised if it goes six, though, and if that's the case I think Davis gets that spot.

OL in (9) - Gabe Carimi, J'Marcus Webb, Chris Williams, Roberto Garza, Chilo Rachal, Chris Spencer, Edwin Williams, James Brown, Lance Louis

OL out - Cory Brandon, Ricky Henry, A.J. Greene

Reasoning: Brown won't make it to the practice squad, so he has to be kept. Spencer could be a casualty with another poor performance, but I don't know if keeping Brandon or Henry would really be worth it.

DE's in (5) - Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Cory Wootton, Shea McClellin, Chauncey Davis

DE's out - Thaddeus Gibson, Cheta Ozougwu, Derek Walker, Aston Whiteside

Reasoning: I'm keeping Wootton as a member of the opening day roster even though I doubt he survives the season healthy, and Davis beats out Gibson for the fifth spot (which I think they need to have with Wootton's injury history).

DT's in (5) - Henry Melton, Stephen Paea, Matt Toeaina, Nate Collins, Brian Price

DT's out - John McCargo, DeMario Pressley, Jordan Miller

Reasoning: I think this is the safest positional guess to make; Lovie always keeps a lot of defensive lineman, and both Collins and Price bring solid depth to the table.

LB's in (6) - Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Geno Hayes, J.T. Thomas, Nick Roach, Blake Costanzo

LB's out - Dom DeCicco, Robbie Thornton, Patrick Trahan, Jabara Williams, etc.

Reasoning: I actually expect seven guys to be kept, but couldn't make another cut to balance out the roster. I think Thomas, DeCicco, Trahan, and Williams are in a close race, but give the slight edge to Thomas. If the Bears keep another 'backer, I'm guessing its DeCicco (and Williams gets the phantom IR).

CB's in (5) - Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, DJ Moore, Kelvin Hayden, Greg McCoy

CB's out - Isiah Frey, Jonathan Wilhite

Reasoning: The first four guys are locks, but the fifth spot comes down to McCoy and Frey. I think McCoy could get it for his return abilities, but that race is close.

Safeties in (5) - Brandon Hardin, Major Wright, Chris Conte, Craig Steltz, Anthony Walters

Safeties out - Trevor Coston

Reasoning: Hardin's status is up in the air so Walters gets brought back again. Don't be surprised if the Bears make another move like last year (Meriwether signing) before the season starts to strengthen the unit.

Special Teams in (3) - Robbie Gould, Adam Podlesh, Patrick Mannelly

Special Teams out - Ryan Quigley

Reasoning: You really need any?

Chicago Bears 2012 Position Battles: Defensive Tackle

Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:00:10 -0000

With so many defensive linemen on the Bears current roster, I decided to do two separate posts looking at their roster chances. Yesterday the spotlight was on the defensive ends, and today it'll be the tackles. The Bears have eight DTs battling it out for what could be as few as four spots. In the past the Bears have carried five and even six DTs on the final 53 man roster, so it could depend on how the bubble DTs perform in relation to the bubble DEs. That final d-line roster number could be anywhere between 8-10.

We should start out by setting aside the obvious locks for the week 1 roster; Henry Melton, Stephen Paea, and Matt Toeaina. Melton will be the 3-Tech starter and the other two will fight it out for the starting nose tackle job. But the loser in that battle will see the field plenty as the Bears love to rotate their d-linemen.

In two preseason games 3rd year pro Nate Collins has 7 tackles and a sack. The former Jacksonville Jaguar has stood out so far with his effort and if I was handicapping the race I'd say he has a spot locked up. The Bears invested a conditional 7th round draft pick in their trade for Brian Price, but that alone won't be enough to guarantee his spot on the roster. Price may have more upside, but Collins looks better so far.

Jordan Miller was on the practice squad in 2011, and he even finished the year on the 53 man roster. But chatter about him from camp has been quiet. That could be looked at in two ways, either he's solidly doing his job or he's failing to make an impact. We'll find out for sure in a couple weeks.

John McCargo and DeMario Pressley are a couple of DT veterans trying to show enough to warrant a spot on the roster. In my opinion both are long shots to make the team. Neither would be practice squad eligible so it's either the 53 man cut or unemployment.

(Editor: Pressley was just waived/injured, if he clears waivers he'll go to the Bears IR)

Another thing to consider is the versatility of starting left defensive end Israel Idonije. With Izzy able to play DT and with the Bears committing to playing him inside on occasion so rookie Shea McClellin can get some pass rushing opportunities, the Bears may go with an extra DE rather than an extra DT.

Poll

How many defensive tackles will make the Chicago Bears week one 53 man roster?

4

68 votes

5

254 votes

6

17 votes

339 votes | Poll has closed

A way too early look: Who's in and who's out?

Sam Householder — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 22:00:08 -0000

So we're a week into training camp now and everybody totally knows everything about the Bears roster. Well, maybe not, but we certainly know some trends. Who's up, who's down, that sort of thing. We know where the first team reps are going and where they aren't going. So after a week in, I want to look at who I think might not find a spot on the final 53 man roster and who, early on, looks like they could earn a spot. As always, feel free to chime in with your thoughts.

One thing Bears have been eagerly watching is the competition at left tackle. It seems the last couple days, though, that the competition could be over, as J'Marcus Webb has been running with the first team, while Chris Williams has been spelling Gabe Carimi on the right side. While Lovie has downplayed this (do you expect anything else) most of the rest of us think it means a bit more, about how they feel about Webb and Williams.

Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract and carries a salary of $1 million plus a $284,750 workout bonus. In the meantime, James Brown has been pretty impressive and is already running with the second team at left tackle.

See where I'm going with this?

Is it possible that Williams becomes a camp casualty? I think it's possible. The real question it could come down to is; Is Williams a better swing tackle than Brown? It seems like an awful lot to ask a rookie UDFA from a mid-major to jump into learning two positions on the line and be comfortable enough to play either one if called upon. I think it's possible, but only if the Bears aren't comfortable paying their swing tackle starting-type money.

At cornerback, it sounds like Tim Jennings and Kelvin Hayden have been impressing. You have to assume D.J. Moore is safe, as is Charles Tillman, but where does that leave Johnathan Wilhite? Probably on the cut list. And what about the rookies Greg McCoy and Isiah Frey? I think one of them makes it as a special teamer first and the other lands on the practice squad. I'll be watching them in the 3rd phase come Thursday night.

How about along the defensive line? Matt Toeaina has been relegated to second string NT behind Stephen Paea. We're all glad to hear Paea is making strides in his second season, but could Toeaina be on the outside looking in? He's valuable in the run game but offers almost nothing as a pass-rusher.

However, newly acquired Brian Price is not doing so well. He left yesterday's practice after being shaken up on a play and overall has not shown much. The Bears gave up just a 7th round pick to aquire him, could he be gone? Supposedly though, a lot of his troubles seem to be related to him being somewhat out of shape. Could the Bears stash him on the PUP list (can they even do that for someone who has participated in camp?). I haven't even heard much about either of the DTs the Bears signed in the offseason, John McCargo and DeMario Pressley. Nate Collins has impressed, though and I think he sticks as the final DT. I doubt McCargo or Pressley will.

Elsewhere, I've read that Tyler Clutts has been catching the ball well but had a couple of fumbles, I have also read about Kahlil Bell still coughing it up once in a while. That could give either one a pink slip. But, who knows, Clutts was probably a longshot anyway, but could Armando Allen or Lorenzo Booker stick as the third back?

At tight end; we've all read the good stuff about rookie Evan Rodriguez and vet Kellen Davis. I haven't read much good or bad about Matt Spaeth but his role has always been more blocker than catcher. Every team needs a blocking TE but could Spaeth be let go for Kyle Adams? With the TEs likely to be catching more passes, it might not be such a long shot. For as unknown as our TEs are, there certainly seems to be some depth there. Could they keep all four?

Now I'll turn it over to you. Who do you think is in and out with the Bears?

The 10 Most Important Bears for 2012 - #9 Stephen Paea

Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:00:18 -0000

It wasn't my intention to spotlight the last two top defensive draft picks from the organization, but that's what ended up happening. Number 10 on my list, rookie defensive end Shea McClellin, has to increase the edge rush threat for the Bears, and number 9 has to fill a few roles from the interior. Chicago second year defensive tackle Stephen Paea is another guy that will push for a starting position, but even if he's the 3rd DT, he has to make his presence felt. He has to be an impact player in 2012.

Henry Melton seems to have a solid grasp on the starting 3 Technique spot for the Bears, but Paea will see time there. And whether he rotates over from the starting nose tackle position or fills both DT spots as the top reserve, Paea has to make productive use of his snaps. The Bears lost Amobi Okoye to free agency and he was a pass rushing DT. They also elected to let Anthony Adams walk, and the Bears will miss his run stuffing ability. Paea has to bring both aspects to his play, get after the QB and play stout run D.

Along with Melton and Matt Toeaina, the Bears top three DTs should see similar time on the field unless an injury occurs. And if someone goes down with an injury it could be trouble. Without looking it up, can you name the next DT in line?

I'll admit I was flummoxed. I couldn't pull the next guy in line off the top of my head. Would DT #4 be John McCargo, Nate Collins, Jordan Miller, or DeMario Pressley? Does it even matter?

If Stephen Paea can play up to his potential the Bears will have a high motor, run stuffing, get after the QB type of player, that could be a fixture for years.

Bears Roster: 20-70-10

Sam Householder — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 20:00:11 -0000

So the basis of this post came out of Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback, where King broke down the Houston Texans' offseason moves and referenced their general manager, Rick Smith's, philosophy for running the team. In it, Smith reference's former GE CEO Jack Welch's philosophy about workers:

Smith said he's studied NFL history at length, and he's studied business models of different business leaders. One that he's adopted is former GE boss Jack Welch's 20-70-10 philosophy: the top 20 percent of your employees are standouts and must be nurtured. The majority, the 70 percent, are the working class -- needed but still able to move if the right situation arises. The lowest 10 percent have to be churned and replaced, because a company always is looking for ways to get better by importing new blood. "If you have a 53-man roster, maybe you've got 10 or 11 core players,'' Smith said, "and then 25 to 30 roles players, and then you're always looking to churn the bottom of the roster.''

So I (Actually Mr. Sir Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. Esq. III Holy Roman Emperor) thought, let's apply that thought to the Bears' roster. Follow me below and see how I grouped it.

For this exercise, I will be using the Bears' current offseason 90-man roster. It's pretty straight forward, really. I am going to stick with the "10 or 11" core players despite the fact that 20% of 90 is 18. It's too easy to say the bears have 18 core players, this should be a challenge.

Top 20 Percent:

Alphabetically:

-Brandon Marshall

The 70 Percent, "The Role Players"

-Matt Toeania

-J'Marcus Webb (Apologies to "J-Webb Nation")

-Eric Weems

-Chris Williams

-Johnathan Wilhite

-Major Wright

The Bottom 10 Percent

-Alexander Alvester

-Joseph Anderson

-Terrian Crump

-Isiah Frey

-Draylan Ross

Davis Teggart

-Ronnie Thorton

My thoughts: How is there a kicker in the "core players" category? Who would you have in place of him? None of our offensive lineman have proved their worth yet, Gould has been a consistent force for years and his leg has gotten stronger. I consider Forte a core player, even if the Bears don't, he's certainly above role player status. All of the rookies are in the bottom 10 percent until they prove otherwise. I assume that two or three of them will have themselves in the 70% by mid-season, but until then...It's tough to put some of the free agent acquisitions into categories, like Devin Thomas, Johnathan Wilhite, Geno Hayes or Kelvin Hayden because we don't know what their role will end up being, if they get one. Lastly, Hester is in the core players for his return ability alone, anything he does as a receiver is gravy and I didn't consider for a second the usual "Hester is coming into his own" OTA-hype.

Defensive Tackle...where do we go from here?

T.Holmes — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:01:58 -0000

While I know that many us Jags fans are currently praying to whoever it is that we pray to that Terrance Knighton's initial reports of being out 4-5 months minimum are incorrect I think it would be responsible to take a look at what can the Jags do now?

First thing's first. Being in the AFC south has a few advantages. With Luck coming into the conference on an offensively lacking "offense" we know that the Colts will try to establish a running attack for the rookie. The Titans have Chris Johnson who while putting up pedestrian numbers last season, is still able to destroy any team with the plant of a foot. And finally the zone blocking stretch-running Houston Texans. I just see no way we stop Houston while missing a main cog in our defensive interior seeing as a great portion of their (and the Titans) rushing yardage is gained off of cut backs - essentially reading/waiting for the linemen and linebackers to be washed or blocked out and then turning it upfield.

I figure we'll have at least some sort of chance for one season to do some damage with the state of this conference IF...and I mean a BIG IF we can just slow down these teams' rushing attacks. Because let's face the music folks...this team's defense is not even close to the #4 ranked D without Knighton and another physical presence in the middle drawing those double teams off the LBs. While CJ Mosley is a solid backup he's nothing on the level of Alualu and Knighton. And seeing as everybody and "they momma nem" rested their hopes on our defense being able to hold the point until our O could catch up....the elephant in the room, "Where do we go from here?" We should at minimum assume that the Jags front office aren't insane and will be looking for some sort of insurance policy via the draft or Free Agency for Knighton in the event this eye issue lingers into the season or longer. After the jump we'll look at what's out there.

FROM THE DRAFT:

Quinton Coples - DT/DE – North Carolina 6’6" 281 Lbs. – Coples is the most physically gifted athlete in this draft. If he worked to improve his skill set he could dominate the NFL but he relies too much on natural ability. With that alone, he will still be highly effective as a 3/4 DE or 4-3 DT. Draft projection: First round-possibly top 10.

Jerel Worthy – DT – Michigan State 6’3" 310 Lbs. – The most dominant defensive tackle in this group. We love his size and how well he uses it. He doesn’t just move well or eat up space, he causes havoc. Draft projection: Late first round-early second

Billy Winn – DE/DT – Boise State, 6’3" 296 Lbs. – Winn is another one of these easy moving big bodies. This is a great class to find explosive 300 pounders. He has the skill set to be effective in whatever the defense call for. Draft projection: 3rd round

Brandon Thompson – DT – Clemson, 6’2" 311 Lbs. – When Thompson has his head over the ball in the 1 technique, they may not be anyone quicker off the snap. He’s a big body that not only can stand up two defenders but can also penetrate quickly. Draft projection: Second Round

Devon Still - DT – Penn State 6’4" 310 Lbs. – Still is explosive but he doesn’t always show up. He’s a lesser version of Coples. He loses at the point way too often. Draft projection: Late first to second round.

Fletcher Cox – DE/DT – Mississippi State 6’4" 295 Lbs. – Cox moves better than any 300 pounder that we have seen. He would be effective inside or out. He’s fast, strong, and doesn’t quit. Draft projection: Ranging from mid-late first round.

Michael Brockers- DE/DT - LSU 6' 5" 322 Lbs. - Brockers is an elite athlete with positional versatility. Teams that run a 3-4 defense could be interested in playing him as a defensive end, because he is athletic enough to work from the edge in a scheme that requires bigger ends to maintain their blockers and keep the linebackers free. Brockers, however, has more value as a 3-tech defensive tackle within a 4-3 defense. He will make an immediate impact as a rookie. Draft projection: Late first round

FREE AGENCY:

There are 20 UFA defensive tackles available on the market. I'll be honest and say I don't know much about many of them minus Former Jaguars Big John Henderson or C.J. Mosley. This is when I go to the professionals over at ProFootballFocus.

Defensive tackles	FA Type	2011 Team	2012 Team
Anthony Adams	cut	Chicago
Remi Ayodele	cut	Minnesota
Rocky Bernard	UFA	New York Giants
Aubrayo Franklin	UFA	New Orleans
Tim Bulman	UFA	Houston
Fred Evans	UFA	Minnesota
Eric Foster	UFA	Indianapolis
Marcus Thomas	UFA	Denver
Shaun Rogers	UFA	New Orleans
Gary Gibson	UFA	St. Louis
Amon Gordon	UFA	Kansas City
Howard Green	UFA	Green Bay
Kelly Gregg	UFA	Kansas City
C.J. Mosely	UFA	Jacksonville
Tommie Harris	UFA	San Diego
Jovan Haye	UFA	Tampa Bay
Albert Haynesworth	cut	Tampa Bay
John Henderson	cut	Oakland
Amobi Okoye	UFA	Chicago
DeMario Pressley	cut	Carolina
Jimmy Kennedy	UFA	New York Giants

From this remaining list two players actually make Pro football focus' 2012 Top DT list:

Shaun Rogers, New Orleans Saints

Age as of September 1st, 2011: 32

2011 PFF Grade: +2.2

Key Stat: Has averaged only 440 snaps per season over the last 3 years.

Behind The Numbers: After getting released by the Browns last offseason, Rogers signed a $4 million, one-year contract with the Saints. He showed enough to set things up for perhaps an even better deal this year. Averaging only 20 snaps per game, he was the Saints’ highest-rated defensive player (+5.9 overall) and was at his best playing the run (+6.4). With low mileage over the last three years, his age may be less of a concern for teams looking for an early-down lineman.

Aubrayo Franklin, New Orleans Saints

Age as of September 1st, 2011: 32

2011 Grade: -1.4

Key Stat: Earned a +24.3 run defense grade as a nose tackle in 2010.

Behind The Numbers: Franklin had a great 2010 season playing NT in San Francisco’s 3-4 defense (11.8% RSP). The fact that production only garnered him a one-year contract with the Saints for 2011, had to be a major disappointment. Equally disappointing had to be his drop off in play as a 4-3 DT (+3.8 run defense, 8.1% RSP). Franklin was out-performed by Shaun Rogers, and saw limited snaps (18 per game). That said, we expect a few teams that miss out on Bunkley and Pouha to be intrigued by the thought of Franklin lining up over center again

Now I know many of the Jaguar faithful will say that we should wait and see if he can make a full turn around (which I absolutely agree with), but please remember extra depth at DT will never be a negative for us. Having Tyson Alualu come off knee injury only adds risk to our overall situation. If we do chose to either draft or sign a DT and Knighton and Alualu both come back 100% by the season we're just one step closer to being the next New York Giants! We always have the option to keep Knighton and (fill in the blank) at DT and move Alualu to DE with Mincey. But doing...signing no one nothing would be a foolish, foolish thing to do. Personally I'm open to either Shaun Rogers as a temporary filler for the interim or I have no problem with us going with Coples or Worthy (in the second round only).

Which route would you go BCC? FA or draft? And with who?

***Sources: From nfl.com, cbssports.com, opposingviews.com, and profootballfocus.com

(I added their projected draft range for you mock drafters who think that will be the route Gene chooses)***

Fleur-de-Links: March 19, 2012

David "Satch" Kelly — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:00:24 -0000

TWEETS:

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SAINTS:

New Orlean Saints | Blog | Mercedes-Benz Superdome Nominated for Sports Facility of the Year in the 2012 Sports Business Awards

New Orleans Saints visits with free agents Curtis Lofton, Brodrick Bunkley still in progress - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Both are ranked among top defensive players available

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Roger Seigel stands on a hill overlooking some of the fields that Gregg Williams helped build. A breeze flows through as Siegel talks about the past, and how it paints all we think we know - but how it also hides secrets.

Former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason celebrates a birthday today - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Former New Orleans Saints player Stephen Michael Gleason turns 35 today. Send Steve birthday wishes at @Team_Gleason.

Linebacker Joe Mays re-signs with Denver Broncos after visiting New Orleans Saints - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Saints still considering other options at linebacker

NFL FREE AGENCY:

Broncos Calling Teams To See If They Need Anyone Who Can't Play Quarterback | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Panthers sign running back Mike Tolbert; Jonathan Stewart's future in question
Jason La Canfora is reporting that the Carolina Panthers have secured a four-year contract with free agent running back Mike Tolbert, formerly of the San Diego Chargers.

Peyton Manning's Decision, and the Trickle-Down Effect - NYTimes.com
The fate of three franchises - the Titans, the Broncos and the 49ers - hangs in the air as Peyton Manning takes his time to decide his future football home.

In The Category Of ‘Remember Where You Heard This One’ There Is Peter King | Kissing Suzy Kolber
Peter King had no way of knowing that the Peyton Manning signing would break mere hours after his column went live, because PK knows nothing. Nor did I, as the news arrived while I was in the process of tearing the column to shreds. It helps if you remember that the mockery is of the perspective of those heady pre-Manning-to-the-Broncos moments, before the free agency period that Peter King both over-covers and says is over-covered was forever changed. READ ON.

Peyton Manning has signed with Denver according to reports - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The biggest free agent on the market, quarterback Peyton Manning, has signed with the Denver Broncos, according to multiple reports. ESPN's Adam Schefter is also reporting the Broncos will try to trade Tim Tebow. Manning, according to Schefter, send a message to Broncos president saying he was looking forward to play for him.

VIDEO:

Fleur-de-Links: March 8, 2012

David "Satch" Kelly — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:00:20 -0000

TWEETS:

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Johnny Patrick ‏ @JohnnyPatrick32I cheated on my FEARS , broke up with my DOUBTS , got engaged with FAITH , and now I'm marrying my DREAMS. <3 Liked this...

New Orleans Saints ‏ @SaintsHappy Birthday to @thomasmorstead! #TheLeg

DeMario Pressley ‏ @dmpressleySaints stripped off their title??? Can someone come clean this BS off my TL???

Jason La Canfora ‏ @JasonLaCanforaOfficial 2012 salary cap numbers set to be released to teams by Friday and possibly by end of day today. Will be close to the $120M from '11

Johnny Patrick ‏ @JohnnyPatrick32Workout time and 4 days till I'm back in Miami.. Then going to to few workouts in the sand.....

Grandmaster Wang ‏ @moosedeniedIt'd be a sad thing but it needs to happen. RT @wwltvsports: If Vilma does get cut, how many are fine with it & how many would be upset?

Jonathan Vilma ‏ @JonVilma51Finally...freedom!!

Jonathan Vilma ‏ @JonVilma51Freedom from these crutches...relax lol

Drew Brees ‏ @drewbreesEveryone please sign the bully petition change.org/petitions/mpaa…

Jo-lonn Dunbar ‏ @JDunbar56C.M.M.C. Continue Mission until Mission Complete! If you don't know what Kony means check out this video: youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Mnpz… #StopKONY2012

Jeff Duncan ‏ @JeffDuncanTPLooks like the Saints will begin offseason workouts on April 17. Key question: Will franchise-tagged QB Drew Brees attend?

Chase Daniel ‏ @ChaseDanielIt's hard 2 fit 2 weeks worth of clothes/gear n 1 bag! I got it done! Dubai & Africa 4 the next 2 weeks! Can't wait! pic.twitter.com/e6v0RXpd

Courtney Roby ‏ @robyslyfeTo be the best, you must have the Self Drive & Motivation that nothing will stop you; even when you try to stop yourself..

Lance Moore ‏ @LanceMoore16Gotta work before you eat. Grinding every morning bc your boy is still hungry!!!

MORE ON HOW THE SAINTS ARE EVIL MONSTERS (BWAH, HA, HA, HAAAAA):

Ex-Saint Hargrove: I hit Favre late, but never intended to injure | wwltv.com New Orleans
Former Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, singled out as one of the players who delivered a late hit to Brett Favre in the NFC Championship.

Saints LB Vilma tweets freedom is his, says it's about getting off crutches | wwltv.com New Orleans
Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma sent Saints nation abuzz Thursday morning with a tweet. While it wasn't about getting cut, would fans care if it was?

Anthony Hargrove speaks on Favre hit - NFC South Blog - ESPN
We’ve got a new development in the story about the New Orleans Saints’ bounty program. Former New Orleans defensive lineman Anthony Hargr

NFLPA to conduct investigation into Saints bounty system - New Orleans Saints - SunHerald.com
The Associated Press reported that the NFL Players Association will do its own investigation of the New Orleans Saints’ bounty system and asked the league to help set up interviews with the team’s coaches and front-office staff.

Sid Hartman: Grant says officials deserve blame, not Saints | StarTribune.com
Longtime Vikings coach Bud Grant, still one of the sharpest judges of the NFL game, can't understand why league administration didn't look to punish the officiating crew that worked the 2010 NFC Championship Game between the Vikings and Saints, whose responsibility it is to control the physical nature of the game.

Sportsmanship is becoming less relevant: A letter to the editor | NOLA.com

New Orleans Saints fans were cheering loudly when opponents were hit: A letter to the editor | NOLA.com
Re: "Saints players paid to hurt opponents," Page A1, March 3. Football is a sport where men are motivated by money, ego and pride. For those fans who are whining about bad sportsmanship, just don't be a hypocrite and forget when you sat in the Superdome screaming "hit em ... kill em ... get em!" Geaux Saints! Who Dat! I think we will come back stronger! Kathleen Hodgins River Ridge

NFL Videos: NFLPA to review Saints' violations
Steve Wyche reports that the NFL Players Association is set to begin a comprehensive review of the reported violations of the New Orleans Saints.

DREW BREES:

Drew Brees surprises with selfish turn - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
New Orleans Saints will be hurt by Drew Brees selfish turn Drew Brees surprises with selfish turn

Drew Brees throws his support behind petition to change R-rating on anti-bullying documentary | NOLA.com
Saints QB urges Twitter followers to sign petition to persuade MPAA to reconsider

LAGNIAPPE:

Saints TE Graham to host youth football camp | wwltv.com New Orleans
Jimmy Graham continues to find ways to make himself beloved in the New Orleans area.

Leading Off: The Classy Goodbye - NYTimes.com
Quarterback Peyton Manning and the Colts' owner, Jim Irsay, managed to be honest and humble as they went their separate ways.

Saints Nation: Brian De La Puente Returns to Saints To Play... Guard? | March

Salary cap mystery an issue for the New Orleans Saints
The unofficial salary cap number could be the cause of some of the problems for working out contracts for the New Orleans Saints.

Free agency math not in New Orleans Saints' favor - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Team soon must decide whom it will bring back, cut loose

New Orleans Saints free agency spotlight: Cornerbacks - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Third in a five-part series on target positions for the Saints

New Orleans Saints re-sign center Brian de la Puente - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
de la Puente was exclusive rights free agent

Top 30 free agents: New sheriff in town, a certain QB at No. 1 - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy Advice
You knew Peyton Manning was gonna be No. 1. Pete Prisco reminds us that DE Mario Williams and CB Brandon Carr at Nos. 2-3 remind of us of the state of the NFL.

MOST RIDICULOUS ITEM OF THE DAY:

New Orleans Saints Should Trade Drew Brees and Build for the Future | Bleacher Report
Sounds crazy, right? Not really. The reason Drew Brees hasn't signed his offer is due to greed. The team offered Brees more than $18.5 million per season and a $30 million signing bonus...

Replacements picked, no big names.... shock! horror!

James Dator — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:17:07 -0000

The names won't move the needle, but then again we didn't expect them to. Tonight the Carolina Panthers have signed DTs Ogemi Nwagbuo, formerly of the San Diego Chargers and NC native DeMario Pressley most recently with the Denver Broncos.

Nwagbuo played in 15 games last season in Ron Rivera's defense and totaled 19 tackles. The 25 year old out of Michigan State adds some size at the position as he weighs in at 312 lbs and clearly he's a player Ron Rivera was happy to bring in, the next Charger in line for the Panthers.

DeMario Pressley is a more interesting case. A 5th round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2008 the Greensboro, NC native and NC State alum was on injured reserve his first season and cut by the Saints in 2010. He's bounced around numerous teams before arriving in Carolina, and despite not playing a down in a few years he has a Superbowl ring which he won with the Saints.

One Practice Squad Spot Remainin': Bengals Hold Tryouts For Multiple Defensive Players

Josh Kirkendall — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:07:14 -0000

This week the Cincinnati Bengals made a handful of roster moves, mostly in response to losing Leon Hall for the rest of the season to an Achilles injury that he suffered against the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a result the team promoted cornerback Brandon Ghee, a 2010 third round draft pick, from the practice squad. Additionally the team placed linebacker DeQuin Evans onto the practice squad injured list. The moves left two spots on the practice squad open.

On Tuesday, as Jason Garrison posted, the Bengals filled one spot with former Oakland Raiders cornerback Walter McFadden, who had been released off two teams' (Raiders, Jaguars) practice squads prior to signing with the Bengals on Tuesday.

That leaves one spot remaining.

According to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals held their usual Tuesday tryouts for free agents (one of which included McFadden). The tryouts also included cornerback John Bowie, defensive tackles Lamar Divens, DeMario Pressley and Jarron Gilbert and linebackers Brandon Williams and Bruce Davis

As of this posting, that one spot still remains.