NFL Free Agency: Chicago Bears Trade Greg Olsen for a Prayer to Be Named Later
Published by Keith Grieve on July 28, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Chicago Bears have traded starting Tight End Greg Olsen to the Carolina Panthers for another player and a draft pick. Of course, in classic Jerry Angelo style there is no word on who that player or what that draft pick is.
Oh, I’m sorry, I exaggerated. We know the player isn’t WR Steve Smith.
So to recap, a quarterback who got hit more than every other quarterback in the league—even those that didn’t go to their conference’s championship game—just lost the player who tied for the team lead in touchdown catches last year.
You’ll pardon me if I’m not jazzed.
It’s no secret that the Tight End position is not exactly valued in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s system, but to trade a player who at the very least provided a good set of hands when your supposed superstar quarterback is running for his life is a bit much. Couple that with the signing of pure blocker Matt Spaeth from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the writing is on the wall: we’re getting Martz-ball whether we like it or not this year.
No matter how well the Bears offense played after the bye week and Head Coach Lovie Smith had a “Come To Jesus” talk and begged Martz to balance the offense. It’s Martz’s way or the highway.
At least Brandon Manumaleuna failed his physical, giving some semblance of competence to the day.
Rumors have the Bears targeting ex-Lion, ex-Cowboy Roy Williams to the receiver corps, proving that the Bears love wasted first-round draft picks—even someone else’s. Olsen’s departure means there is only one Jerry Angelo first round pick on the Bears’ roster: Chris Williams. 2011 pick Gabe Carimi will make it two when he signs.
Angelo better hope Carimi is as good as advertised, because there isn’t a whole lot of evidence to support letting him get near the “war room” next draft day. Oh, and free agent center Olin Kreutz is rumored to be considering signing with the San Francisco 49ers. If we count the TE position as an extension of the offensive line, Martz, Smith, and Angelo just found a way to do what no one thought was possible: make the situation worse.
Here’s hoping there’s some magic beans included in that trade. The Bears are going to need it.
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