The Bear’s Den, February 19, 2025

Bears, NFL preparing for HBCU bowl week, last all-star game before the NFL combine

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THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

DENMASTER KEN’S VIDEO GRAB BAG

BEARRRSSSS

Chicago Bears’ 2025 free-agent wide receiver target expected to avoid franchise tag – SI – The Chicago Bears are expected to be active in the wide receiver market in free agency, and one player who will rank high on their wish list will avoid the franchise tag.

3 players from HBCU Combine the Chicago Bears should consider in 2025 NFL Draft – SI – GM Ryan Poles needs to leave no stone unturned this offseason as he continues to build out the Chicago Bears roster, and the HBCU Combine on Monday was a good place to start.

Bears named best fit for top interior lineman NOT named Trey Smith in NFL free agency – SI – The Chicago Bears have long been connected to Trey Smith in free agency, but there’s another offensive lineman they’ve been dubbed an ideal fit for.

Bears offseason outlook: Linebacker – 670 – Led by Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, the Bears have stability at linebacker, but a couple key decisions still loom for them at the position this offseason.

Bears offseason outlook: Defensive line – 670 – The Bears have several decisions to make this offseason before fortifying their defensive line. That will entail an honest evaluation of certain players and perhaps a salary cap-saving cut.

Five burning Bears questions awaiting Ben Johnson’s answers – SI – Bears coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles will reveal a little more about their plans when they speak to media at the scouting combine and there are issues to resolve.

Bill to lure Chicago Bears to Indiana moves to final reading – Chicago Tribune – A bill aimed at attracting the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana is one step closer to passing onto the Senate after the Indiana House approved its second reading.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Matt Eberflus, who’s stepping in as Cowboys’ DC, learned ‘a lot’ in 3 seasons coaching Bears – Chicago Sun-Times – Eberflus went 14-32 before the Bears fired him in November. They hired Ben Johnson as their new coach last month.

Joe Mixon wins appeal of $25,000 fine for criticizing officials – NBC Sports – Hearing officer rescinds fine for comments made after playoff loss.

Will Cowboys drag their feet on Micah Parsons’s new deal? – NBC Sports – Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons said earlier this week that there’s “definitely a plan in place” for his second contract.

Faced with probation revocation, Pat Mahomes Sr. admits John Rocker squabble was staged – NBC Sports – Pat Mahomes Sr., the father of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, created a bit of a stir when video emerged of a squabble with former baseball player John Rocker on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Browns release Nyheim Hines – NBC Sports – The Browns released running back Nyheim Hines on Tuesday.

Matt Eberflus has a plan for Micah Parsons, hopes to make him even better – NBC Sports – Micah Parsons is a defensive end.

Panthers re-sign Andy Dalton to two-year deal – NBC Sports – Carolina’s veteran backup QB will not be heading to free agency after agreeing to a new contract with the club.

NFL Sends Chiefs’ Unused 3-Peat Kits to 5 Countries After Andy Reid Responded to Super Bowl Loss – “Today was a rough day,” Andy Reid sighed, his mustache drooping like a deflated balloon after the Chiefs’ 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles. The post NFL Forced to Send Chiefs’ Unused 3-Peat Kits to 5 Countries After Andy Reid Responded to Super Bowl Loss appeared first on EssentiallySports.

NFL News: Chiefs player leaves Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes for Bears after Super Bowl loss to Eagles – The Kansas City Chiefs are making changes after Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes failed to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, with one of their players joining the Chicago Bears for the 2025 NFL season. Ken’s Note: Clickbait headline much?

All 32 teams in attendance at HBCU Combine on Monday; 5 prospects highlighted – Arrowhead Pride – NFL draft preparation season is officially in full swing.

Six HBCU Super Bowl Winners – HBCU Buzz – Here are six players from historically Black colleges and universities who have already played in and won a Super Bowl.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Bears 2025 Roster Turnover: How will the wideout depth chart stack up? – Windy City Gridiron – In this 13-part series, we’ll take an in-depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye toward the 2025 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Poles make.

New NFL Media mock brings OT Kelvin Banks Jr. to the Bears – Windy City Gridiron – The Texas offensive lineman could potentially play both tackle and guard in the NFL.

Assuming the Bears land Trey Smith, who is your number two free agent? – Windy City Gridiron – We kicked off a 4 part WCG roundtable about free agency yesterday, and here’s part two.

Tee Higgins saga could be informative for Chicago Bears’ future – Windy City Gridiron – The Chicago Bears aren’t likely to put the franchise tag on anyone once the window to do so opens today. But at least one big tag-related announcement could have league-wide ripple effects.

Who is your favorite Chicago Bears Wide Receiver of All-Time? – Windy City Gridiron – It hasn’t been a position of strength, but who is the WR you’ve loved the most?

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