Punt Return Debate, President Warren’s Summertime Task, Dissecting Roster Rankings, and Other Bears Bullets

Jun 28, 2024

I baked cookies and popped home-made popcorn for the annual group chat trip that is happening this weekend. What a wonderful journey this will be. But first … a Friday set of Bears Bullets.

The only debate I want to participate in right now will hash out who will be the Chicago Bears punt returner in 2024. It sounds like the Bears are open to the idea of giving rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze a crack at the gig. No, it isn’t my preferred option. I don’t love the idea of deploying a potential future WR1 in a return specialist role. However, I am open to getting the ball in Odunze’s hands by any means necessary. I’ll gladly hear your pitch for or against giving Rome a shot at returning punts.

Other Bears punt return options include (but are not limited to): Velus Jones Jr., Dante Pettis, Tyler Scott, and DeAndre Carter. Sheesh! No wonder the concept of Rome Odunze returning punts is being floated.

Bears Chargers punt returner DeAndre Carter — Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The only president I want to hear from is Kevin Warren, who still doesn’t have a stadium deal ironed out with Chicago or Arlington Heights. To be clear, I don’t expect a resolution anytime soon. But it would be nice to get shovels in the ground sooner rather than later. Ideally, the Bears President and CEO will deliver some positive news (or at least, hint at progress) before the regular season kicks off. Because once the footballs go in the air for real, the stadium issue is hitting the backburner unless something of consequence pops up. It’s a long summer. Use it wisely, President Warren!

Since voting is a hot topic this morning, I’d like to remind you that there is still time to vote in this poll:

Compared to how you felt at this time last year, do you feel better or worse about #DaBears moving forward?
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) June 27, 2024

Your vote counts, friend.

If I had a dollar for every time I saw the Bears at (or near) the top of one of these lists, I’d have enough to buy a breakfast sandwich for everyone in the vehicle:

.@mspears96's most improved teams going into this season ✍️

Which teams' offseason moves will pay off the most? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/fEI560d1QL
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 25, 2024

I sure hope the Bears are among the most improved teams heading into the 2024 season. This squad has new starters at quarterback, two wide receiver spots, center, and free safety. It also has a new punter, who I’m convinced can’t be worse than the guy he is replacing. The coaching staff has a bunch of fresh faces (and presumably, some new ideas). The 2024 Bears have all the ingredients to be one of the league’s most-improved teams on paper. Of course, games aren’t played on paper. If they were, it would be a messy sheet.

In ranking all 32 NFL rosters, ESPN analysts Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder provide evidence that the 2024 Chicago Bears are markedly better now than they were at this time last year. Rome wasn’t built in a day. And neither were the Super Bowl LIX champions.

A fun fact from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, who notes that – under antitrust law – the actual Sunday Ticket lawsuit verdict comes out to $14.088 billion. Florio notes that comes out to $440.25 million per team. And to further drive home the point, the salary cap number for the 2024 NFL league year is $255.4 million. I hope team owners don’t pass the bill down to fans. We’re already getting hosed on the price of everything as things currently stand. (Pro Football Talk)

Jeez! I thought the Bears were stingy with their public practice limitations. The Detroit Lions announced their training camp schedule, which includes only six (!) practices that are open to the public. Detroit is coming off a division-winning season the ended with a trip to the NFC title game. That the Lions are having just six practices that the public can get their eyes on is disappointing to read. (WXYZ)

Just 72 days until the Bears kick off their regular season slate of games. Here’s hoping rookie offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie rocks the No. 72 as well as The Fridge did back in his heyday.

Kiran Amegadjie Bears — May 10, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie (72) during Chicago Bears rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

HAPPY FRIDAY! Check out The Bleacher Nation Newsletter

Chicago Bulls front office exec Arturas Karnisovas sure made it sound like his team is setting course for a rebuild. Better late than never, I guess. (BN Bulls)

HE DID IT! Chicago Blackhawks rookie sensation Connor Bedard won the Calder Memorial Trophy.

The Chicago Cubs are undefeated in the second half, thanks in part to this Ian Happ extra-inning home run:

Ian Happ's 10th Inning Home Run Gives the Cubs the Lead!https://t.co/pISyi0udUy pic.twitter.com/ZNuWcUsWcM
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) June 27, 2024

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Punt Return Debate, President Warren’s Summertime Task, Dissecting Roster Rankings, and Other Bears Bullets

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