Packers sign tagged Chicago Bears CB Kyle Fuller to offer sheet

More breaking news out of Green Bay as the Packers may have just snagged a cornerback from the rival Bears.

Major news coming out of the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs today:

 

The Bears will have five days to respond and match the Packers offer, according to Tom Silverstein.

 

This is a bombshell--if it goes through, the Packers will have one of the better young corners in the league joining their squad. If not, they have at least managed to significantly drive up Fuller's price for the Bears.

More to come as the story develops.

 

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__________________________

Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.

__________________________

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Comments (121)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
jh9's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:08 pm

Although the Bears will probably match the offer, this is a good signing by BG.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:21 pm

Is the poison pill still a possibility?

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GBPDAN1's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:46 pm

Bears matched. We are back to square one. The FA CB list is barebones now that Melvin signed today.

Does anyone else feel that we should have kept Randell until we found his replacement? I know the guy had issues and ultimately wasn't what we wanted, but, he had a good second half of last season and he wasn't costing much on that rookie deal. We needed CB help when we had Randell, now we're scrambling.

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flackcatcher's picture

March 17, 2018 at 12:37 am

Squeezed the Bears by taking away some of their cap flexibility. (heh heh heh) On Randall, the team had to move him. Fair or not, he had become the cause of dysfunction in the DB group. ( Let me be clear. Most of the groups problems were not caused by Randall, a lot of blame shifting by players in the DB group last year.) The trade gives both young players Kizer and Randall a second chance and a fresh start. It's a win win for both clubs and players. In the old days, we would see this kind of trade deal pretty often. Today, the CBA makes it next to impossible.

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Royalty Free GM's picture

March 17, 2018 at 05:59 am

We could have had Trumaine with the same cap hit (2018) than Cobb!! It was a very stupid move by Gute to cut Nelson instead of Cobb... plus not getting Trumaine. Gutless Gute.

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zoellner25's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:10 pm

Just how good is Fuller? compared to the other FAs that are already gone?

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jh9's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:14 pm

It could be argued he is the best FA CB this year. The reason nobody was talking about him is because the Bears tagged him and could match any offer made.

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CheesyTex's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:39 pm

And the Bears did.

But it was a good ploy by Pack to drive up cost to Bears.

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chugwater's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:03 pm

According to Pro Football Focus, he was targeted 119 times. Gave up 2 TDs. Passer rating was 69.0.

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sheppercheeser's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:14 pm

Kinda makes you wonder how high would Gute go to bring this stud on board. Goodness knows, we sure could use him!

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TimBackes's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:16 pm

Really depends on whether or not they've already got a deal in place with Rodgers, one would think.

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jh9's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:17 pm

The offer is for $12.907 million, just about as much as we would have paid Jordy this year.

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croatpackfan's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:52 pm

Hell, why I did not think about that. We might ask Jordy to play CB for Packers...

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Similis's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:53 pm

No, it's not. You're quoting the Transition tag amount, that would have nothing to do with the actual contract offer the Packers would submit. (Other than to be a starting point for the first year financials, which as you probably know can include signing bonus, etc.)

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 17, 2018 at 01:43 pm

Guessing at the numbers based on Shefter, our offer probably was for a $7M cap in 2018, $14M in 2019, $17M in 2020, and $19M in 2021.

$18M guaranteed, $29M effectively guaranteed (means first two years) means the signing bonus is less than $18M. Figuring $4M prorations with base in 2018 guaranteed and .5M roster and workout gets one to somewhere around $6 to $7M first year cap. To get to $29M effectively guaranteed, need it to look like this:

2M BS, $4M SB, $1M RB/WO, $7M cap, 19M cash,
9M BS, $4M SB $1M RB/WO $14M cap, 29M $ Dead $12M
12 BS, $4M SB $1M RB/WO, $17M cap, 42M $ $8M dead
14 BS, $4M SB $1M RB/WO, $19M cap, 56M $, $4M dead

We will see how close I am when the contract gets published. I believe Chicago can renegotiate a new one later - they might prefer bigger cap hits earlier since they are rolling in cap space in 2018 and $111M for 2019.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:30 pm

It would be an understatement to say I'm surprised by this move. Do I think he'll end up in GB? No, I think the Bears ultimately match. But it's aggressive play on the part of the Packers that we're not used to seeing.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:23 pm

One that's sure to piss the Bears off for sure. That chuckle alone is enough for me to LOOOOVE this.

And if we do get him, we have a pretty darn good corner who's ready to play now for the price of a 2nd round pick!

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:40 pm

One other thing is likely. The Packers are probably out of the CB market for 5 days.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:53 pm

I don't see much left out there, anyway.

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Similis's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:55 pm

Nope, the Transition tag requires no compensation should the Bears not match it. I don't know where you're getting the 2nd round pick idea from?

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Bearmeat's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:56 pm

I stand corrected. Thanks.

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Spock's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:15 pm

dobber,

Aggressive. Where have we heard that before? heh, heh.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:34 pm

This is more than enough evidence for a hardened critic like me to once and for all say that Brian is not Ted.

Would the Bears really let him leave to their hated rival? Hard to think they would.

@RapSheet is reporting the Bears were adamant they'd match any offer that came to Fuller, so I wouldn't bank on this happening.

One of my buddies who is a Bears fan at SiriusXM NFL, and writes for a Bears blog, said the Pack played this perfectly as the clock just struck zero on the Bears ability to cut Dion Sims to get cap relief to sign Fuller. I just tweeted with him...he said NO WAY the Pack lands Fuller unless they did something "absurd". "Absurd" would be a move that would likely cause them to have to cut Bulaga, Matthews or Cobb, and I don't think they're doing that. Bulaga, maybe...but his relief isn't that great.

The one downside is we just sacrificed 5 days of going after another CB waiting to see what happens with Fuller. You can bet the Bears are milking this one down to the final moments to tie our hands on doing anything else.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:33 pm

It plays out in an interesting way in the sense that Fuller doesn't really profile as your prototypical press corner. What does this say about how Pettine wants to play it in GB?

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Mojo's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:33 pm

I wonder, can the Packers rescind their offer if they do sign another FA CB? Or do they have to wait on da Bears?

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Similis's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:56 pm

They have to wait now.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:35 pm

I'd be ok with cutting Cobb to get Fuller. More than ok actually....

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:36 pm

If they cut Cobb, they almost have to go back into the WR market and pick up someone...and there's nobody out there to sign that won't draw howls from the fan base over their treatment of Nelson.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:01 pm

Who cares? They don't need slot guys anyway. They have more than enough. Monty could do close to what Cobb does for 1/3 the price. Graham basically functions as a slot WR anyway. Paying Graham and a 10 mil slot WR without an outside WR is dumb.

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Oppy's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:04 pm

MAybe the Packers still go after another FA CB, and if they land both of them, they simply cut more wood off the tree.

If the packers thoroughly believe CB is a major need, and they also look at someone like Matthews, Cobb, or ????? as not being as needed as a CB revamp, why wouldn't the Packers still hunt after another FA CB?

Would it be horrible to see a guy like Matthews cut away if the packers got a different CB to sign, and then the bears Didn't match?? I'd be okay with it.

I don't think the offer sheet limits the packers if they feel they need to get the CBs on board.

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Lare's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:33 pm

There is little doubt the Bears will match the offer, not sure what this accomplishes.

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jh9's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:34 pm

To me at least, it sends a message that BG is playing to win.

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al bundy's picture

March 19, 2018 at 06:21 pm

He is playin something alright and it might be the pack fans. Taged guys are taged for a reason.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:49 pm

It forces the Bears to pay Fuller what we want them to pay, or we get him. Hopefully, after their spending spree, and the Sims situation, they rethink matching. It's a long longshot but it's nice to see an attempt.

Who knows? Maybe, it was done for PR purposes? Hey, we're trying to fix the position. We'll know how serious the play was when/if we see the details of the offer.

Bears have 59 mil in space and we have 24, if Spotrac is up to date. I don't see how the Bears "can't" match. No reason they couldn't so unless they just don't want to, he'll be staying with Chicago.

EDIT: The Bears just doled out 9 mil per to Amukamara over 3 years. I'm so curious to learn the details of the offer. Did Brian front load it to uncomfortable levels for the Bears? They were willing to pay Kyle almost 13 million for this season, in theory, unless they worked out an extension. Would have to think our offer would have to be over the 13 million the Bears looked willing to pay Fuller. If the offer is not over 13 million in Year 1, this whole thing was a sham as Fuller is getting more than the 9 mil per Amukamara received. My confidence level in this happening is less than 10%.

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MytQ's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:55 pm

Not overly concerned how this plays out but it sure is exciting.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:08 pm

Yeah, buddy! This is the real March Madness...I usually am glued to it but haven't seen more than a few moments being focused on Packers news. Perhaps, that's why Ted never did anything in March? He was watching the Tourney? :)

I was thinking about this "absurd" offer that may not be matched angle some more... Trubisky is on a rookie deal for 4 more seasons. Perhaps, the Pack backloaded it to coincide with a potential extension for Trubisky that would break their bank. If we offered a 5 year deal and year 5 is outrageously huge then they may not want to risk it. However, that's some huge risk for us structuring in such a way we'd have to pay him big bucks 5 years from now. Most players are taking these shorter 1-3 year deals so they can cash in again. The Bears didn't give him the long term deal he wanted so there's obviously something there that would be a tipping point for them.

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MytQ's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:34 pm

Come on John. Nevada/Texas in OT on the big screen and Packers news on the tablet. Its called multitasking. Interesting take on the contract.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:49 pm

I missed all of Tex/Nev... saw Wolfpack got them in OT. This is way more exciting to me. I couldn't care less about Texas or Nevada basketball compared to Packers football.

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Cubbygold's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:06 pm

So worst case, gb makes Chicago spend 10m they didn't want to?

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Similis's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:56 pm

It accomplishes getting the Bears to pay more than they wanted to. It's a win-win for the Packers.

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Lare's picture

March 16, 2018 at 04:58 pm

Might be due to the fact that Rashaan Melvin signed with the Raiders today. Only a one-year, $6.5 million deal, not sure why the Packers wouldn't offer that.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:27 pm

No kidding. That's disappointing.

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Community Guy's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:50 pm

Melvin has history of several injuries.

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Oppy's picture

March 16, 2018 at 11:36 pm

How would anyone know the Packers didn't make a competitive (or even bigger) offer to him

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dobber's picture

March 17, 2018 at 01:54 pm

In the event of him passing up a bigger deal, those things usually leak out.

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al bundy's picture

March 19, 2018 at 06:22 pm

He didnt want to deal with lo ball gut, son of ted

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kevgk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:07 pm

I'm glad that Gute is being agressive with exploring every avenue of acquisition, but his goal should be players come fall, and nothing less. I hope he has a sure plan to either aquire fuller because he is a very promising prospect, and if not he needs to keep working the market. I would be very disappointed if he signs nobody in the next 5 days and loses out on fuller. We need some more corners and cant wait around a week while melvin signs with the raiders, honey badger signs elsewhere, and all the other corners disappear.
Maybe Bears will let fuller go because they are chasing after Matheiu? Or maybe Gute is tying the Bears' hands while he chases Matheiu himself? I hope either of these are the answer and he isnt just gambling with money he doesnt have.

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JDK52's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:56 pm

Honestly I like Gute a lot, but he doesn't seem like the athletic type, so chasing a guy like Honey Badger down himself isn't likely to work.

Best-case Gute signs Fuller, worst-case the Bears have to pay more than they wanted and probably a longer contract. Win win!

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:53 pm

The Bears have already blown it. They could've kept Fuller on his 5th year option, but went this route instead. It could be that this will end up being cheaper in the long run if he plays well in 2018, but it's still pretty steep compared to the option number.

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Since'61's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:10 pm

Interesting play by Gute. Maybe he knows that Fuller doesn't want to remain in Chicago. Either way the ball is in the Bears court now.

If nothing else this attempt by Gute tells me that he is deadly serious about improving our CB position this season. I am happy to finally see some sense of urgency from Packers management about filling a position of need on this team rather than waiting 2 or more seasons like TT did with TE, ILB, Safety, RB, CB and backup QB and I've probably left out a few others.

I'd rather fail daring greatly than do nothing as has been the case too often since the 2010 SB. Go Gute Go! Thanks, Since '61

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MITM's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:17 pm

Also interesting to note Breeland failed his physical with the Panthers so that deal is null and void he becomes a free agent again. And reports were that Breeland was the Packers top choice at corner in free agency. The injury was a cut on his foot that requires a skin graft. Doesnt sound like anything major. You have to wonder what happens with him now.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:51 pm

@RapSheet reported Breeland won't be ready for months due to an infection in his foot.

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MITM's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:07 pm

Yeah i just saw that but that doesnt really turn me off. Its only March.

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Cubbygold's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:04 pm

Exactly

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:13 pm

Carolina offered him 3 yr/$24M, $11M guaranteed. I suspect he'll go lower than that, now. I see him as more of a Tonto than a Lone Ranger, though.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:23 pm

Infections are serious business. People loose body parts to them. If the Panthers failed him I doubt it is a trivial issue. If you think it's BS read about Lauren Wasser.

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Spock's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:29 pm

MITM, I have a friend who had an infected graft on her foot. In her case it didn't go well: multiple operations, a hole in her foot from areas having to be removed, damn near getting it amputated. Not saying that is likely with Breeland, but this could definitely be 'major'. I wouldn't dismiss the issue without surgeons and doctors seriously checking this out!

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MITM's picture

March 16, 2018 at 10:52 pm

Ohh I believe it trust me, just trying to be optimistic about a guy I really wanted being available again. Hoping for the best here.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:17 pm

Here's a guess from a Bears fan buddy of mine who works for SirusXM NFL and writes for a Bears blog:

My guess is 5 year deal with a balloon payment in 2019. Rodgers contract won't hit til 2020, Packers can afford it and Bears cap gets tighter in 2019. I guessed 14, 18, 14, 10, 9, that's 65 million, right at the 13 what the transition tag is and guarantee 32.

---I thought balloon might go into year 4 or 5 when Trubisky will break the bank for them IF he's their guy.

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NitschkeFan's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:59 pm

I'd sure like to pick up a true #1 CB. It would be great and also free's up the draft pick at #14 to let the Pack go for BPA!

But what is the pay scale for top tier DB's? I can't seem to find a list. Initially 13 mill AAV over 5 years seemed pretty steep to me. Which top DB's is this in line with?

I must admit, that every year I get surprised by the inflation in what the top 5 paid guys at any position seem to get.

And if the Bear's match this, do the Packer get to re-bid like at an auction? Or this is a one and done type of offer, so if matched it is all over?

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Colin_C's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:19 pm

I love this move, and personally don't think it's a ploy. I'm sure they're legitimately trying to bring him in, not just drive up the price. Whether or not we actually land him is another matter, but it must be a decent offer since he previously turned one down before. Fuller is just the kind of signing we need. Instead of a bunch of band-aid signings for 1-2 years, we could add a long term fixture. In other news, it's looks like Rashaan Melvin just signed with the Raiders. Wonder if that had anything to do with this move.

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Community Guy's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:57 pm

also, i am not sure about the claim that the Packers need to wait the 5 days to pursue another corner.. i think they can still pursue another (low cost) corner now.

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:05 pm

They could try bringing in a Delvin Breaux on a one-year, show you can stay healthy, Rashaan Melvin type deal.

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worztik's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:38 pm

I am SOOOOO happy TT is gone!!!

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kevgk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:13 pm

Needs more likes! People overlook that he was a lineback for the Oilers so I'm sure the years have taken a toll on his mental health. While he was a phenominal GM leading up to the 2010 run, he has taken a step back in recent years. Good for Gute to come onto the scene with a splash!

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Bert's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:39 pm

I would assume that Gute would be savvy enough to structure the Fuller contract offer in a way that would be of benefit to the Packers and at the same time make it difficult for the Bears to match. If you offer a player a contract then you have to assume you will have to honor said contract. Screwing with the Bears is secondary to getting the player you want but is simply a byproduct of working within the system.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 05:54 pm

That same buddy I've referenced a few times thinks Year 2 is key in this whole thing as the Bears cap tightens in 2019. He thinks the Packers probably set Year 2 at 18 million. That's an outrageous number, but we're better off next year and they're worse.

I wish we had some bulldog reporters in Packerland to get a look at the numbers.

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OnWisconsinGoPack's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:23 pm

On APC, someone mentioned the Pack are projected at $71M in cap space next year. If that's legit, I could see Gute and Ball very easily making next year a big year for Chicago and their cap....but, they would still have a whole year to figure it out, which is probably more than doable.

Not optimistic, but very excited.

Fall back Tyran Mathieu?

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marpag1's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:30 pm

Kinda makes you wonder if maybe Gutekunst was spending a lot of time in Russ Ball's office just to see what a full blown capologist might say about the situation, huh?

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Bert's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:16 pm

Regardless of my diatribe, Fuller would be a HUGE signing! He would put us a in much better spot with the draft and open up some interesting options between now and TC. My hats off to Gute for going after a legit high quality and young FA who would really upgrade the roster.

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MITM's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:05 pm

I know hes a good player and I think he would be an even better player in Green Bay for the simple fact that he wont have to play against us. He ALWAYS seems to get targeted when we play the Bears. From my understanding he turned down an offer sheet from another team but was quick to sign ours. If you cant beat em, join em.

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OnWisconsinGoPack's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:27 pm

If the bears have that much cap space, why the hell not franchise him and force someone to give you two 1st for him? If no one signs him, then work out a long term deal prior to the beginning not the season.

Transition tag seems folish for the team that uses it, unless there's something I don't get.

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Lare's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:44 pm

By my count, the Bears have committed around $50 million in salary so far this year to the ten players they've signed in free agency depending on how the deals are structured. If that's correct, matching the Fuller offer may make it interesting.

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kevgk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:49 pm

they had a bunch of cap space but went and singed a bunch of receivers. The transition tag was temporary to work out a deal or something

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:47 pm

That didn't take long.

Bears have already matched...

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2018/03/bears-match-packers-offer-shee...

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jh9's picture

March 16, 2018 at 06:52 pm

I'm giving you a thumbs up for reporting, not the facts.

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NitschkeFan's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:02 pm

Why didn't the Bears make the Packer wait a few days?

Also, I asked this just above, is this over? Can't the Packers re-bid like at an auction and raise the price, or is it a one and done?

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:06 pm

Once the Bears agree to match, they're committing to give the player the contract terms the Packers are offering. When the player signs the offer sheet, they know this is the deal they're going to get...it's just a matter of who's signing them. It's all done.

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Since'61's picture

March 16, 2018 at 09:27 pm

Easy come, Easy go! Worth the try. Thanks, Since '61

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Cubbygold's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:05 pm

One and done. But yeah they should have held GB hostage for 4.99 days

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dobber's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:08 pm

I tend to agree. They have to have that money already set aside in their planning once they put the tag on him, so it would be unlikely to hold them back from any additional wheeling and dealing.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:17 pm

It's over. He's staying. Joke of an offer. Only 18 million guaranteed. Bears matched already per @RapSheet

Sorry, dobs. I'm out and didn't see your post.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:25 pm

Yeah, if they wanted to make Chicago sweat, they needed to increase the AAV substantially, backload the deal to 2019, and have a HUGE signing bonus.

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Chuck Farley's picture

March 17, 2018 at 09:50 pm

Plus vacations for life, two escalates, a go fast boat, tickets to Cher, a pony and free gas for a year

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 16, 2018 at 10:35 pm

Actually, the offer sheet was enormous. Top 5 CB money. TT didn't leave enough cap space to make Chicago sweat. $14M AAV is serious money. It was for an amount we would have found difficult to pay had we gotten Fuller. $29M effectively guaranteed over 2 years.

Fuller is good, not great, right? Not top 5, right? I am almost glad we didn't get him.

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Colin_C's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:24 pm

Question for you guys. Now that the contract is finalized, are we able to offer a trade using that contract? Simplified example, if we traded Cobb for Fuller, would we be picking up the contract we just put forward? This transition tag is new to me, so I really have no idea what the legal specifics are.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:33 pm

Yup. His contract is his contract just like any other player.

I'm just shocked that the guaranteed money was so low. 18 mil? Already had 13 from his tag. It's embarrassing, really.

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Colin_C's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:42 pm

Much appreciated John!

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 07:55 pm

:). Maybe, they matched quick to trade him to somebody else? Could even have done it so quick to wrangle compensation from us. Bears would've gotten nothing with trans tag.

Jason Verrett is a great trade target. Affordable and can play. Coming off injury, too.

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Colin_C's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:23 pm

Hmm, haven't heard of him. I'll have to check him out. At this point, it seems like we're going to roll with quantity over quality from the CB pool, unless a trade happens. I think right now the CB position is in complete overhaul, so I don't expect it to be good this year. Gute will probably draft at least 3 corners for the future, and try and stopgap with guys like House and Williams.

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ben's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:54 pm

Jason Verrett is a top-3 cover corner when healthy. If anyone knows that it's the chargers. They probably value him more than anyone else.

I wish the bears would have stuck the packers with an overpaid possibly injury prone corner. That would have been awesome.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 16, 2018 at 10:39 pm

We'll see the actual numbers soon. But once matched, Chicago would have to eat every nickel of the signing bonus. That's likely in the $15M or $16m area.

So, what could Chicago get for Fuller at $10M AAV with no dead money? A second rounder? If we throw in Cobb, would we have to send a first instead? Just joking of course: Chicago would never trade Fuller to a division rival.

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dobber's picture

March 17, 2018 at 01:56 pm

I wondered how long it would take for ben "the Viking troll" to reappear...

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Chuck Farley's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:09 pm

Bears matched under two hours. Ya unlike the pack, they got da money. So why do lions Vikings and bears have all the money and the pack are packers.
If Ted was playing cheap ball where is the money? Rogers and mathews. Between the two 66% of the salary from teddy

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kevgk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:47 pm

Vikings and bears have much less cap space next year while the packers get a windfall. Cap money comes in waves

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 16, 2018 at 10:43 pm

The bears have $119M in cap space in 2019. The Lions and Vikings have a lot less than we do.

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Spock's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:22 pm

My take: Maybe the reason the Bears matched so fast is because (like us fans) they just don't have a feel for what 'Gute is gonna do'. The GM's are used to TT, this is new. I'm not going to quibble about what the offer 'could of been'. The fact is that Gute made an offer and the Bears seemed to have been a little panicked/surprised into matching sooner then they could have. I've said it before and I'll say it again, "Gute has a little bit of the gambler in him". In fact, for some reason, I keep hearing, "You've got to know when to fold them and know when to hold them" in my head. (So sad that dementia took such an iconic singer/song writer from us.). Gute took a shot (maybe low risk) at getting a CB with the only downsize that a division rival would have to pay a bit more. I like that. I can't wait to see what Gute's "card playing" in the draft will be like!

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EdsLaces's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:46 pm

Well ....onto EJ Gaines ....

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 08:49 pm

A good thought I read on Twitter was maybe the Pack wanted the Bears off CB in the draft. Now, they have ridiculous money at CB like we had at WR before Jordy release.

Bears may have been tempted for protection not having a long term done with Fuller.

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Oz40's picture

March 16, 2018 at 09:34 pm

It does appear that Gute has a plan and that he is somewhat of a risk taker and wants to be unpredictable in other peoples eyes,which will help the Packers in the draft and free agency. This is so refreshing compared to Ted Thompson that I don’t know why anybody would even consider criticizing this. So what if they didn’t offer a huge poison pill in this deal. What he is done has put stress on to the Bears and made them spend extra money. All good things.....and it cost us nothing

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Chuck Farley's picture

March 16, 2018 at 10:27 pm

Smart move to get the bears to pay 4 mil more than they wanted too. Smart move for his agent to cuddle to the Pack knowing the bears would match. The problem with these smart moves the Packers still have no one to play CB. Ya that will bite them in the ass next year

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 10:31 pm

Oz...he better fix this. My fear all along is 2018 CB fix was going to be the 2017 fix that wasn't.

Trades are about what we're down to...well, scraps and the draft like 2017.

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Oz40's picture

March 16, 2018 at 10:49 pm

John I see your point. I am hoping that the slight glimpse into how the sausage is made under Gute encourages me to trust him a little more. I do think the Wilkerson deal makes our cornerbacks better just because we’re gonna have a better pass rush. I still think it sends a message to the rest of the league, players agents, and free agents that the packers are players now. I think that helps us no matter what

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 11:03 pm

I think we're sending mixed messages. Graham and Wilkerson, even Kizer, said...things are different.

The way Jordy was handled and this embarrassing fiasco says something entirely different.

This is one last bit from my Bears bud at SiriusXM NFL:

Seriously? That's it? That was much ado about nothing. #Bears Not sure what #Packers thought they'd accomplish with only an additional $5 million guaranteed but they had to know that was going to be matched.

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al bundy's picture

March 19, 2018 at 06:30 pm

I got the feeling gut is just puppet boy like ted and the money shots are being called higher up. Gut never went for a top quality cb, fuller dont count, and he really just passed on a lot of talent. The two bums we got need to prove themselves to me after the bennit fiasco last season.

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MITM's picture

March 16, 2018 at 10:55 pm

Honey Badger to Texans 1 year 7 million. I know he's not a true corner but I mean at that money he could have been an upgrade matchup wise somewhere? The well is running dry and I do not want to go into the season relying on a rookie to bail us out.

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John Kirk's picture

March 16, 2018 at 11:07 pm

Trade that 2nd rounder for a proven vet.

Could they possibly believe the fix is already on the roster? #Herb #Lenzy #Q #GottaBeKidding

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stockholder's picture

March 16, 2018 at 11:23 pm

keep the 2nd. Trade the first@14, for two more 2nds. get a Te and two Wrs. Next draft 3 Cbs like the Rbs last year. This draft has to be about the future. The offense must reload. Cobb/Kendricks will be gone next year. There are plenty of CBs that can do just as much as Randall did.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 17, 2018 at 08:00 am

I would LOVE to see #14 traded for two 2's, but I would go OLB, CB, WR and use my #3 for TE. I think the value would match up well in those spots. I actually think the current roster's backup CBs aren't much worse than Randall, but a higher quality guy would be nice.

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dobber's picture

March 17, 2018 at 10:18 pm

Only two teams have two 2nds to deal: Cleveland and now the Colts. Cleveland's two #2s at the top of the round grade out a little higher than the value for the Packers #14 pick while Indy's two #2s (also in the top 6 of round 2) rate slightly lower than the value of GBs #14 pick.

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al bundy's picture

March 19, 2018 at 06:34 pm

Id like our 3 traded to move up to 10th but that wont happen. The best defenders are gone after 10

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ScaryGary's picture

March 17, 2018 at 12:52 am

here a little song i wrote, derwin james is gonna fall to us, don't worry, go packers! i may not be the best at grammar but when i waytch the game i really know whats happenin. aaron rodgers and randall cobb, mixed in with jimmy graham and allison, don't worry... big mike and big mo throw in a kenny clark and i smell Super Bowl with blake martinez and clay matthews. when aaron jones gets the ball he might just score and that will be all.

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CAG123's picture

March 17, 2018 at 01:48 am

I kind of bounced between edge rusher and corner before FA but with the signing of MW and no corners of note really worth signing besides depth purposes the Packers once again find themselves needing a CB and with the chances of James and Ward not being there what do the Packers do next? BPA and then try to grab Jaire Alexander in the 2nd?

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JohnnyLogan's picture

March 17, 2018 at 01:51 am

I actually do believe it was to get the Bears off of corner in the draft. And if true, Gute is playing three moves ahead. If not true... oh well.

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Cartwright's picture

March 17, 2018 at 07:48 am

And where does this leave Morgan Burnett? If we could fork up the cash for Fuller we got the space to keep Morgan Burnett. If the Bears match, sign Burnett and go get Josh Jackson in the first round. Without Burnett with all his experience and Randall we will be leaving a glaring hole in the backfield. However, with the way this new GM is handling things, in Gute I trust.

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dobber's picture

March 17, 2018 at 08:20 am

"f we could fork up the cash for Fuller we got the space to keep Morgan Burnett."

It's all about what the Packers and Pettine think about their safety group. If they believe they've got players there that they like, then I don't think they'll pony up for any safety. Under those conditions, signing Burnett is just signing someone to sign someone. They can still draft the CB, and they've saved some cap $$.

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Cartwright's picture

March 17, 2018 at 01:53 pm

I must respectfully disagree. Who do we have to replace Burnett? He is our QB in the secondary, who do we have besides Morgan to make the calls, Ha Ha, don't make me laugh, he ain't the answer that's for sure. Without Burnett and his experience I think we'll see a lot of missed assignments and blown coverage's. When he was down the defense seemed lost. I rather we keep him and roll the dice with who we already have and whoever we'll get in the draft. With Mo Wilkerson we now have a consistent pass rush and that may be all we need to improve the secondary. Glad we didn't sign Fuller, he's a Chicago Bear anyway. Let him stay there and besides had we signed him I believe another fan favorite was going to get cut to make room. We need to save what's left for Rodgers and make him a Packer for life.

If we lose Burnett and the way Clinton-Dix played I'm more worried for the safety position than at CB because other than those two I don't know who we have. At least at CB there there is some promise. I kind of like the trio of Waters, Pipkins and Josh Hawkins I see untapped potential there. They have experience now and with some good coaching we may see that potential come to the fore.

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dobber's picture

March 17, 2018 at 12:50 pm

" I believe another fan favorite was going to get cut to make room. We need to save what's left for Rodgers."

Isn't this a major part of what's gotten the Packers where they currently are?

The Packers can be bottom quarter in the league defending the pass with Morgan Burnett or without him...in which case they've got cap room to do other things.

"Glad we didn't sign Fuller, he's a Chicago Bear anyway."

Yep. So glad a rivalry would prevent the Packers from signing a far better quality player than they've currently got anywhere in their secondary.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 17, 2018 at 02:12 pm

Fordham, Dobber said it depends on what GB thinks of their safeties. Your whole reply was that GB should think badly of their safeties sans Burnett. Maybe they should, but it doesn't change or refute what Dobber wrote.

Haven't heard of anyone being interested in Burnett so far. Maybe his estimated price is much too high. IDK, every time Burnett tackled someone I wondered if he was going to get up. I wrote him off at $10M AAV, but might change my mind at $7M. Wait him out.

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dobber's picture

March 17, 2018 at 02:33 pm

I think the Bears and Browns were both cited as having some interest early on, but no visits and the rumor mill has been silent since...

Speaking of which (the rumor mill), I haven't seen the Packers linked to anyone but Fuller for some time.

IN EDIT...
The whole Burnett thing reminds me of a conversation I had with my wife earlier this week.

Spouse: I hate these shoes they hurt my feet.
Me: Well then, get rid of them and get more comfortable shoes.
Spouse: I can't do that.
Me: Why?
Spouse: Because I bought them to go with these pants and this other skirt. They look good with them.
Me: So you'd rather have your feet hurt but look good than have shoes that work?

....you can imagine how this conversation ends.

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al bundy's picture

March 19, 2018 at 06:37 pm

Gut will end up with 12 players but no play makers if he doesnt move up in my opinion. Just sayin

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