NFL Free Agency: Bears Add Punter Adam Podlesh, Lose Wideout Rashied Davis
Published by Jake Perper on July 28, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears filled a position of need today by signing former Jaguars punter Adam Podlesh.
It might not be the flashiest move, like adding a big wide receiver or an experienced offensive lineman, but the Bears made a good decision by adding Podlesh. The deal is reportedly worth $10 million over five years, giving him an average of $2 million per season.
Podlesh, 27, was a fourth-round pick in 2007 out of the University of Maryland. He has appeared in 59 games, punting 229 times, averaging 42.6 yards in four seasons in Jacksonville.
He landed a career high 26 times inside in the 20-yard line and eight inside the 10-yard line last season.
Podlesh is excited to be a member of the Bears. He tweeted this moments before the signing was official: “I knew it was a done deal when they included a dinner with Abe Froman #thesausagekingofchicago.”
Podlesh will come in right away and gel with kicker Robbie Gould, long snapper Patrick Mannelly and special teams coach Dave Toub.
In other news:
Veteran wide receiver Rashied Davis has signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions. I thought the Bears would make a play for Davis once the lockout was lifted and free agency begun, but the Bears didn’t see him as a priority.
Davis was a fan favorite who will surely be missed by the real Bears fans. Some fans will likely be happy considering this opens up a roster spot for a “legit” wide receiver.
Here’s what Davis had to say about his departure, per the Chicago Tribune:
“I just want to thank the city of Chicago, and the fans,” Davis said Thursday. “I want to thank the team for giving me an opportunity to play in this league, and for all the great memories with the Super Bowl run, the NFC Championship, and even the rough years.
“I definitely wish they would have stepped up to the plate and tried to get a deal done,” he said. “I’m obviously not in their plans. But I’m in someone else’s plans. One man’s trash in another man’s treasure.
The Bears will now be looking for a veteran wide receiver on the market. I’m sure they’ve been looking, but now is the time to make a move.
Maybe one of the undrafted free agents they added could take over Davis’s role on special teams. Maybe Canadian star Andy Fantuz could as well. It remains to be seen, but as bad as losing Davis is to some fans, it could be a good thing for the Bears.
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