Justin Fields Instagram Activity, Kevin Warren’s Comments a Red Flag? Almost Time to Pay Jaylon, and Other Bears Bullets

I’m making it a priority in 2024 to be better at budgeting and managing my money. And yet, I’m still going to find a way to buy a new jacket because I’m going to look good while being thrifty this year.

  • Cubs owner Tom Ricketts made comments that made me cringe so hard as a sports fan that I had to re-share this at the top of Bears Bullets:
  • I’m not going to go into a full-on tirade, although I’d certainly like to do so. There is a growing problem in American pro sports with team executives who prioritize winning the deal and coming out ahead money-wise over building a championship roster and it is showing up in different ways across the sports landscape. This isn’t to say I’m not cognizant of budgets. But for Tom Ricketts to go from winning a World Series being his top priority (he said it in October 2011) to wishcasting a division title (how else am I supposed to interpret these comments?) is a gut-punch as a fan.
  • I know what you’re thinking “where is this type of energy when it comes to the Bears?” And my answer is that I bring it every day. However, there is a misconception is that the Bears don’t want to spend and that they don’t want to win. But the reality is that they have spent, but done so very poorly. Chairman George McCaskey wants to win, but has no idea how to do so because the organizational mindset seems stuck in 1986. Just because someone wants something doesn’t mean they have the functionality to make it happen. And that’s the story of the Chicago Bears franchise for a good chunk of my lifetime.
  • Hopefully, the leadership tandem of President Kevin Warren and GM Ryan Poles can get this franchise out of being stuck in the mud.
  • Do you see why I’m on board with a Jaylon Johnson extension?
  • I fear that the modern-era executive’s obsession with “winning the deal” will keep the Bears and Jaylon Johnson from striking an agreement on an extension. Deployment of the Franchise Tag could be useful here to help extend the negotiating window for both sides. Here’s hoping something gets done soon.
  • This salary cap update is good news for the Bears (especially since a tag or an extension for Jaylon Johnson will eat into a chunk of Chicago’s cap space). The sooner the Bears iron out a deal with Jaylon, the sooner we’ll have even more clarity regarding the cap situation.
  • We made it this far without mentioning Justin Fields and his Instagram situation. Sorry our fun had to end:
  • That this became a thing on the day it was reported that Justin Fields was garnering trade interest at the Senior Bowl doesn’t feel like a coincidence.
  • I saw that post around the same time as everyone else and I have so many questions — most of which I’m not sure are worth answering. For instance, do we know if Justin Fields ever followed the Bears on IG in the first place? Did it matter? Should it? Also, whose job is it to check which players are following what teams on social media? Is this a paid gig? Full-time? With benefits? Are there job perks? Again, there are plenty of questions and no answers.
  • Here is a smooth transition from one quarterback who appears to be on his way out the door to another who seems to be on his way in:
  • Installment No. 1 of Patrick’s The Caleb Williams Tapes series was thorough and informative. I’m looking forward to seeing (and sharing) the rest.
  • A source reached out to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio to suggest that Bears President Kevin Warren’s comments about Justin Fields raised some red flags of concern. “This where the business guys get themselves in trouble,” the source said to Florio. “(Warren) knows nothing about players.” For me, this is mostly a nothingburger. Warren’s complimentary words of Justin Fields (which you should read for full context) are to be expected from an executive discussing the current starting quarterback on his roster. What was he supposed to say? Would you have preferred Warren said something that negatively impacted GM Ryan Poles’ ability to trade Fields?
  • Also, maybe GM Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus *SHOULD* weigh in on the future stadium. After all, Poles is the guy who is putting the players on the field. And Eberflus is the one coaching them. Also, we’ve already seen Eberflus get involved in stadium issues as he was the driving force behind the turf changes in 2022. So … what are we even talking about here?
  • Former Bears assistant coach Dave Ragone is joining the Los Angeles Rams as their quarterbacks coach, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Ragone was the Bears’ quarterbacks coach from 2016-19 before sliding over to the passing game coordinator in 2020. After leaving Chicago, Ragone was the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator from 2021-23. I’m curious to see if the Sean McVay magic touch will rub off on Ragone.
  • THE BLEACHER NATION NEWSLETTER: Chicago sports. Straight to your inbox. Every Weekday.

  • Yet another Chicago Blackhawks loss has me thinking now is a good time to look at some 2024 NHL Draft mid-term prospect rankings.
  • Sigh. The Chicago Bulls’ odds of moving up the Eastern Conference standings are … slim.
  • Spring training shenanigans are my favorite:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    What Caleb Williams Must Do to Re-Write the Chicago Bears Record Books

    I had a wonderful weekend away with friends. But while I was gone, there was a tweet that folks were sending my way and it gave me a laugh. You probably saw it, too. Reading it got me thinking about...

    What’s Missing From the Chicago Bears Offseason?

    Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles seemed pleased when discussing his team's offseason with ESPN's Adam Schefter. "I’m really happy about it. I know our entire organization is, our scouting staff is, our coaching staff they’re fired up," Poles said...

    Bobby Bonilla Day and the NFL, Fullback Plans, 69 Days Until Football, and Other Bears Bullets

    My birthdays have been weird since the calendar flipped to 2020. But I know better than to take them for granted because I know another trip around the sun is guaranteed for no one. Here's to another one in the...

    Around the NFC North, Braxton Jones Observations, Team Cash Flow, and Other Bears Bullets

    Hitting the road after a wonderful weekend with friends. Tomorrow, we celebrate another trip around the sun. But first: A Sunday installment of BN Bears Bullets. There are 70 days until the Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans renew acquaintances in...

    Sounds Like the Bears Will Experiment Using Rome Odunze in Different Positions as a Rookie

    In watching the other 31 NFL teams, one things that consistently pops up is how the best squads constantly do whatever it takes to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers. Sometimes, it takes involving a player on...

    Watch Jaylon Johnson Work, Receiver Talk, 71 Days, and Other Bears Bullets

    Day 1 of the weekend group chat trip was a great success. I'm looking forward to seeing what shenanigans today will bring us. Sheesh! I thought Bears GM Ryan Poles had a heckuva draft day. In case you missed it,...

    These Numbers Suggest D’Andre Swift is Underrated

    I did *NOT* expect to see a graphic where Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift shares space with Austin Ekeler, Alvin Kamara, and Christian McCaffrey. And neither did you. But don't feel bad. It's OK. This is a safe space...

    Velus Jones Jr. Has a Clear Path to a Roster Spot If He Doesn’t Fumble It Away

    No one loves an underdog story more than I do. And I don't think there is a bigger underdog in Bears camp than Velus Jones Jr., who has quite the opportunity ahead of him when training camp opens next month....

    Cole Kmet is Already Seeing the Progress Caleb Williams is Making

    Last year, we watched Cole Kmet elevate his game to another level. In doing so, Kmet helped Justin Fields make some strides as a passer. Not enough to keep Fields around for another season in Chicago, mind you. But enough...

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

    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...

    Latest News

    Chicago Cubs “Taking Incoming Inquiries” About the Possibility They Could Wind Up Selling

    Jon Morosi is doing his laps lately, and I appreciate him for it. Appearing this afternoon on Parkins & Spiegel on 670 The Score, Morosi was asked about the Cubs as sellers, and in essence, have they already engaged in...

    NHL Reinstates Joel Quenneville, Stan Bowman

    On Monday afternoon, in the midst of a free agency bonanza, the NHL made some other news. Former Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville and general manager Stan Bowman were fully reinstated by the league, allowing them to pursue job opportunities....

    Monday’s WNBA Picks and Predictions – July 1

    Today's WNBA slate has two exciting matchups on the docket. Among those contests is the Connecticut Sun playing the Phoenix Mercury.Interested in the best bets for today's WNBA games? This article features computer picks for every contest, so take a...

    Latest Mock Drafts: A New Pitcher Name for the Cubs

    The 2024 MLB Draft is officially "this" month. You know, because it's July now. Two weeks away ... A couple new mock drafts to share today, with the MLB Pipeline crew updating their thoughts here. For the Cubs, it's a...

    An Era Ends: Klay Thompson Reportedly Leaving Warriors for Mavericks

    The Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson are set to part ways, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Thompson intends to sign a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks. The deal will reportedly come via a sign-and-trade between the two...

    REPORT: DeMar DeRozan Hit ‘Final Straw’ With Bulls & Ready To Move On

    Just about all season, the Bulls and DeMar DeRozan both let it be known that there was mutual interest in a reunion this offseason as the veteran forward was set to hit free agency. Apparently, that is no longer the...

    Blackhawks Free Agency Spending Bolsters Lineup, Adds Depth for New Year

    Remember, back at the end of the regular season, when the media had a few minutes to chat with Blackhawks players and coaches about the 2023-24 campaign? And how Nick Foligno and Seth Jones put it out there that the...

    Blackhawks Re-Sign Joey Anderson

    Sure, why not. The Blackhawks are reportedly bringing back Joey Anderson on a two-year deal. https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/1807844883798827499 Anderson earned his roster spot this past season in a supporting role after starting the year in Rockford. The two-year commitment is more life...

    Lakers Now in the Running to Land DeMar DeRozan?

    We may have ourselves a new frontrunner in the DeMar DeRozan sweepstakes! When the offseason began, the Clippers and Sixers appeared to be the two most likely landing spots for the 34-year-old forward, but after Philly signed Paul George and...

    The Cubs Sell-Off Speculation (Rumor?) Begins With a Connection to the Mariners

    Over the last few days, MLB Network's Jon Morosi has twice discussed the Seattle Mariners plans for the trade season, and both times he has brought up the Chicago Cubs. To be clear, neither discussion was framed as "these two...

    more bears news