Archive for the 'NFC North' Category

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports, “Running back Ryan Grant did not report to training camp Sunday and based on how angry his agent was Sunday with the Packers’ first offer, it could be a long time before he’s back in uniform.” Full story here.

Monster Take: What began as amicable negotiations have now taken a distinct turn toward getting ugly. The two sides don’t sound like they’re even close. The Packers already have their hands full with the Favre distraction, they don’t need this to get ugly too. Hopefully they’ll get something put together here soon. If not, Brandon Jackson’s stock will continue to rise throughout the preseason.

ESPN reports that Devin Hester has a new 4 year deal with Chicago. Full story here.

Monster Take: Hester is back in camp with a new contract and is reportedly making strides in his receiving game. If he can develop chemistry with the yet-to-be-named QB in Chicago he could be fun to watch this year.

Regarding Devin Hester, the Chicago Sun-Times reports “the wide receiver arrived at training camp happy teammates reported at breakfast this morning, in time for a morning weightlifting session and today’s 3 p.m. practice.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Are you kidding? A two day holdout on the heels of stating he was prepared to sit out the entire season. This can’t do much for his credibility at the negotiating table. Still, we hope he gets something worked out with the team here.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports, “running back Kevin Jones ….. begins training camp on the PUP list. Jones is still recovering from the torn ACL in his right knee suffered Dec. 23.” Full story here.

Monster Take: This was likely the Bears strategy all along. They know where Jones is with his recovery and will be cautious in bringing him along slowly. This give Matt Forte additional time to become comfortable with the offense and entrench himself as the starter. Jones will probably see a complementary role when he is able to return.

ESPN quotes Devin Hester regarding his holdout from training camp. “I’m not coming,” Hester told the Chicago Tribune in a phone interview. “I have to make a statement. I showed by going to [organized team activities] that I was a team player. But then, I just felt like they weren’t taking it seriously that I wanted to get a new deal.” Full story here.

Monster Take: The Bears are looking for Hester to make a difference in their passing game this year and he would be especially missed on special teams. The Bears will likely get serious about getting something done here.

The AP reports “the Chicago Bears signed running back Kevin Jones to a one-year deal worth $605,000 on Tuesday.” Full story here.

Monster Take: This is an interesting development in Chicago. Matt Forte has looked good in the early going here and with the departure of Cedric Benson figured to have the starting spot all but locked up. Kevin Jones knee is a question mark at this point, though the Bears saw enough to sign him. We’ll watch this situation carefully during training camp. For now, we think Forte has the advantage.

NFL.com reports that “the Chicago Bears agreed to terms on a four-year contact with RB Matt Forte. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.” Full story here.

Monster Take: There was very little doubt this would happen as the Bears have few options at running back after cutting Cedric Benson. If Forte is your guy this year, it’s good news that he’s under contract.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports, “There is no indication RB Ryan Grant, who has been sitting out while awaiting a contract resolution, will practice in minicamp.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Coach McCarthy doesn’t seem too worried about this one. That lends us to believe that a contract will be worked out soon. However, we’ll watch this one closely and keep you updated.

ESPN reports, “the Bears placed Benson on waivers Monday, two years before the end of his contract and three years into a disappointing career with the team.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Benson’s self destruction leads to the immediate upgrade of Matt Forte from promising rookie running back trying to beat out the incumbent to the probable starter for the Bears.

The Austin American Statesman reports, “a month after being charged with boating while intoxicated on Lake Travis and resisting arrest, Chicago Bears and former University of Texas running back Cedric Benson was arrested and charged with drunken driving in downtown Austin early Saturday, police said.” Bears general manager Jerry Angelo had this to say, ““There was alcohol involved, that’s all we know. We are certainly going to take this seriously. Disappointment is a too often-used word when talking about Cedric. The number one lesson of every player is protect your job.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Benson is really digging himself a hole here. Will this be the last straw? We’ll keep you updated.