Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[url=http://bears.scout.com/2/631069.html]Scout.com: Teams Entering Briggs Sweepstakes[/url]

The longer Washington's trade offer for Lance Briggs sits on the table, the greater the chance it probably dies a slow death. The Bears are wise to hold on to the Pro Bowl linebacker for now because his value could escalate as the NFL Draft nears. Although the Redskins appear to be the most anxious to make a deal, Scout.com has learned that a few more teams have made inquiries.

Veteran NFL scout Tony Pauline has had his ear to the ground regarding the Lance Briggs situation. It appears that a few teams are starting to make a push for the Pro-Bowler, but GM Jerry Angelo is taking his time fielding offers. On top of that, Pauline has noticed that the Bears have been going out of their way to interview outside linebackers leading up the NFL Draft, further suggesting that they are making plans to be without Briggs in 2007.

Here's the latest according to Pauline's sources:

Angelo trying to get more out of the Redskins The trade offer on the table would send Briggs and the Bears' first-round draft pick – No. 31 overall – to Washington in exchange for the Redskins first-rounder at No. 6. Briggs' representative, Drew Rosenhaus, has been running his mouth to anyone who will listen that this is a good move for both teams, but Angelo is not about to let an agent and a disgruntled player force his hand. According to Pauline, Angelo is also asking for linebacker Rocky McIntosh, Washington's second-round selection a year ago, to sweeten the pot.

McIntosh would be an instant replacement for Briggs and the Redskins actually traded up last year to get him, but owner Daniel Snyder has been known to throw away draft picks like Kleenex.

Bills need to replace Spikes and Fletcher-Baker Buffalo has been very active in the trade market this offseason, sending tailback Willis McGahee to Baltimore for a slew of draft picks before packaging linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb to Philadelphia for defensive tackle Darwin Walker. Linebacker London Fletcher-Baker left for the aforementioned Redskins via free agency, so the Bills have major holes to fill at that position. Pauline has learned that [B]Buffalo is offering their pick in the first round – No. 12 overall – to the Bears for Briggs, [/B]although Angelo would have to include another selection in return for that deal to happen.

This potential trade could pick up some steam because Buffalo is coached by former Bears front man Dick Jauron, who Briggs played for as a rookie.

Giants also in need of serious help at linebacker New York currently has openings at both outside linebacker positions, having cut both LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons in the offseason. Antonio Pierce is the only `backer the G-Men have with a legitimate NFL resume, plus their defense was absolutely ravaged by injuries last season. Pauline reports that the [B]Giants have offered their spot in Round 1 – No. 20 overall – to the Bears for the durable Briggs, [/B]although this deal would technically have less appeal than the other two according to the draft value chart.

Angelo would probably much rather pick 20th in the first round as opposed to 6th or 12th because of the money involved, but New York will have to offer more for this swap to happen.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I'm pretty sure Marv Levy doesn't have a plan.

If you are Chicago and you can get the 20th overall pick for Briggs straight up, you have to pull that trigger. Picking 20th, 31st, and 37th could net some real good players.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

Hopefully the Bills get him, so there can be an end to this madness, and save us from ourselves.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

It would be a suprise if he lands in Buffalo, those tight bastards don't even keep the players on there own team they NEED.

Think they will cough up the cash for a BRIGGS?

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan_nn;293288]It would be a suprise if he lands in Buffalo, those tight bastards don't even keep the players on there own team they NEED.

Think they will cough up the cash for a BRIGGS?[/QUOTE]

Let's ask Derrick Dockery

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;293290]Let's ask Derrick Dockery[/quote]

How many other suposed big names have you heard going to Buffalo?
DOCK PROBUALLY BROKE THE BANK. Buffalo is a small cap in general tight team, they always have plenty of cash to not spend.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I think this is a conspiracy. The Bears need to convince other teams that Lance Briggs is in demand. Afterwards once other teams start to feel like Briggs is about to go off the market they'll be more inclined to make an offer. The Redskins on the other hand are trying to send mixed messages. With rumors of them trading up and down, as well as bringing in guys like JaMarcus Russell, no one knows what the Redskins FO is thinking. Basically the Redskins are trying to run one big counter play.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I hope somebody at Redskins Park is keeping track of all this garbage. The media treats the front office as if they were desperately trying to make a bad deal. I have a problem with this Briggs deal, but the thought of throwing Rocky McIntosh in as a sweetener is a joke. We might as well just give the Bears our first rounder for future considerations and go stick our heads in the sand. Get that shit outta here! It's not going to happen.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

The Briggs aquistion is probably a done deal. I think that we should be worrying about wich WR will be available at 31 because this is where we are going to go with that pick.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[QUOTE=riggoraider;293314]The Briggs aquistion is probably a done deal. I think that we should be worrying about wich WR will be available at 31 because this is where we are going to go with that pick.[/QUOTE]

You're still pretty convinced we're going WR eh? Even if it's not Calvin Johnson? I can't see using the first pick we have on a WR

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

Throw in Rocky as well?? WHAT? Or we could just stand pat and not get completely and totally screwed. I am damn tired of all this.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;293318]You're still pretty convinced we're going WR eh? Even if it's not Calvin Johnson? I can't see using the first pick we have on a WR[/quote]

I am really convinced "smack", I think that it is the 'skins fandom who are expecting a D-lineman but the FO seems to be content with what we have.

I think that we are going to work on scoring some touchdowns now that we think our defense is ready.

I am not saying that I am right but it is a gut feeling

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

The concern I'd have with the Giants is that we can't fall into that trap of "Well, we can't let a division rival get Briggs. We have to do whatever it takes to get him before they do."

If I'm the Bears though Briggs for the #20 is a rock solid deal. You don't have to break the bank to pay the #6 and now you have the #20, #31, and #37 in a pretty deep draft.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I'm not sure how "we think our defense is ready." We have done nothing to improve a D-line that was terrible last year. We can expect our LBs to struggle just as much if our tackles and ends can't pressure the QB, eat blocks, or stop the run.

On a side note, that Wiz game tonight made me friggin sick to my stomach.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=GMScud;293324]I'm not sure how "we think our defense is ready." We have done nothing to improve a D-line that was terrible last year. We can expect our LBs to struggle just as much if our tackles and ends can't pressure the QB, eat blocks, or stop the run.

On a side note, that Wiz game tonight made me friggin sick to my stomach.[/quote]

Believe me... I do understand what you are saying... but...the hand writing is on the wall if we sign Briggs (and I am sure that this a done deal).

We are moving down to 31, which gives us no shot at one of the the top D-lineman in the draft this year. That speaks for itself to the fact that the coaching staff is not really worried about improvement at that position this year.

So you have to ask yourself...what was the next biggest concern on our team this past season?

The answer is a definite, intermediate and red-zone passing offense, therefore,I am sure that we are going to address that concern with a bigger receiver who can give our young QB more options in both situations.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=riggoraider;293334]Believe me... I do understand what you are saying... but...the hand writing is on the wall if we sign Briggs (and I am sure that this a done deal).

We are moving down to 31, which gives us no shot at one of the the top D-lineman in the draft this year. That speaks for itself to the fact that the coaching staff is not really worried about improvement at that position this year.

So you have to ask yourself...what was the next biggest concern on our team this past season?

The answer is a definite, intermediate and red-zone passing offense, therefore,I am sure that we are going to address that concern with a bigger receiver who can give our young QB more options in both situations.[/quote]The obvious flaw causing our inability to move the ball in short yardage situations is a running issue. The solution would be to get bigger up front at the Tight End position, and quicker at the interior line positions.

I hope you aren't suggesting we get a big guy and throw him goalline fades. The success rate of that play is in the 15-18% range. If we threw 4 straight goalline fades, theres a better than 50% chance we'd fail to score.

We certainly need to fix our short yardage problem, but you'd be crazy to start anywhere but the guys up front.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I think we can still get a quality DE/DT at the #31 spot. Ideally if we're going to trade down and for a player that player would be a DB though, not a linebacker.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=riggoraider;293334]Believe me... I do understand what you are saying... but...the hand writing is on the wall if we sign Briggs (and I am sure that this a done deal).

We are moving down to 31, which gives us no shot at one of the the top D-lineman in the draft this year. That speaks for itself to the fact that the coaching staff is not really worried about improvement at that position this year.

So you have to ask yourself...what was the next biggest concern on our team this past season?

The answer is a definite, intermediate and red-zone passing offense, therefore,I am sure that we are going to address that concern with a bigger receiver who can give our young QB more options in both situations.[/quote]

Why are you so sure that this is a done deal with the Briggs thing?

Also, I kind of disagree that we have "no shot" at one of the top D-lineman with the 31st pick. Guys like Carriker, Spencer, Crowder, Harrell- all could be there. This is one of the deepest drafts for D-line that I can ever remember.

The red-zone passing issues probably had something to do with the QB. Brunell got benched mid-season for a guy who had never started a game before. Not exactly consistency from the most important position. Remember in '05, Sellers catching 7 TDs in the red zone? Cooley's productivity? Also, last season Portis led the NFC in rushing TDs when he got hurt. We are run first. We have blazing speed in ARE and Moss, really all we need in the WR department is a big possession receiver, and Cooley functions pretty well as that guy. Remember my comparisons it Saunders' offense in KC??

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=GTripp0012;293335]The obvious flaw causing our inability to move the ball in short yardage situations is a running issue. The solution would be to get bigger up front at the Tight End position, and quicker at the interior line positions.

I hope you aren't suggesting we get a big guy and throw him goalline fades. The success rate of that play is in the 15-18% range. If we threw 4 straight goalline fades, theres a better than 50% chance we'd fail to score.

We certainly need to fix our short yardage problem, but you'd be crazy to start anywhere but the guys up front.[/quote]

I am not talking "short yardage", as far, as 3 to 5 yards. The red-zone starts at the 20 yard line.We do OK from the 20 to the 20... hence the #4 rushing offense in the NFL .... Our problem starts when we get into the red-zone when our only, true, passing option is Cooley.

We can,also, help our backs out if we can get an receiver who can , effectively, catch the 15-20 yard passes across the middle of the field.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;293336]I think we can still get a quality DE/DT at the #31 spot. Ideally if we're going to trade down and for a player that player would be a DB though, not a linebacker.[/quote]

I am 90% sure that we are going to get a receiver

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=GMScud;293337]Why are you so sure that this is a done deal with the Briggs thing?

Also, I kind of disagree that we have "no shot" at one of the top D-lineman with the 31st pick. Guys like Carriker, Spencer, Crowder, Harrell- all could be there. This is one of the deepest drafts for D-line that I can ever remember.

The red-zone passing issues probably had something to do with the QB. Brunell got benched mid-season for a guy who had never started a game before. Not exactly consistency from the most important position. Remember in '05, Sellers catching 7 TDs in the red zone? Cooley's productivity? Also, last season Portis led the NFC in rushing TDs when he got hurt. We are run first. We have blazing speed in ARE and Moss, really all we need in the WR department is a big possession receiver, and Cooley functions pretty well as that guy. Remember my comparisons it Saunders' offense in KC??[/quote]

Carriker will not be there at 31 and the other guys will not beat out the players that we have now, therfore we may as well play what we have now and wait to next year, when we have plenty of draft picks, to get a better quality D-lineman than the 31st pick.

The "big possesion receiver" is my point and who we will probably go after with the 31st pick. Saunders' offense worked well in KC but we are trying to be better than a first round playoff losing team.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=riggoraider;293340]I am not talking "short yardage", as far, as 3 to 5 yards. The red-zone starts at the 20 yard line.We do OK from the 20 to the 20... hence the #4 rushing offense in the NFL .... Our problem starts when we get into the red-zone when our only, true, passing option is Cooley.

We can,also, help our backs out if we can get an receiver who can , effectively, catch the 15-20 yard passes across the middle of the field.[/quote]I think you have correctly identified the problem, but not the solution. Our red zone pass offense ranks 17th by [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/premium/beta/zoneallteams.php"]this metric[/URL]. As you can see, our red zone rush offense ranks 30th. Additionally, our 3rd and short offense [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/premium/beta/allTeamsByDown.php"]ranks a pathetic 30th[/URL] by the same measure. Even moreso, our power (run) success rating, described below:

[QUOTE][B]Power Success:[/B] Percentage of runs on third or fourth down, two yards or less to go, that achieved a first down or touchdown. Also includes runs on first-and-goal or second-and-goal from the two-yard line or closer. This is the only statistic on this page that includes quarterbacks.[/QUOTE]

By this measurement, our power running game [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.php"]ranks 29th[/URL].

All these metrics bring us to the exact same conclusion. We lack the ability to run the ball in short yardage. While a tall target would give us passing options to try to throw around our running problems, statistics show that we have already attempted to compensate (and have been relatively successful). The only way to fix this issue is to combat it head on. Bring in powerful blocking TEs. Bring in quick centers and guards who fire off the ball and drive the defense back. Let's raise our ranking in the power running game. After all, isn't that what Redskins football is all about.

We have adequate personel to run our finesse offense already. Sometimes you need to line up and hit somebody in the mouth. We don't have the personel to do that right now.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=riggoraider;293341]I am 90% sure that we are going to get a receiver[/quote]

For some reason I just feel the urge to argue this. With all the money we have invested in Moss, ARE, and Lloyd, (next year at this time Cooley will have a big contract, too), why do we use our only pick on the 1st day on a wideout? This offense has been proven to work with nothing more than role players at the WR positions. A pass catching TE, a great O-line, and an excellent rushing attack with pass catching RBs made it tops in the league for 5 straight years. We already have the ingredients. It just took us a season to get familiar with the recipe. I have confidence in our O. We'll just have to use Cooley and maybe Thrash for the short yardage over the middle passing game (which mind you is only a small fraction of our total yardage). Cooley is better than a lot of the possession receivers in the league.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I knew GTripp's two cents was coming! :thumb:

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=GTripp0012;293344]I think you have correctly identified the problem, but not the solution. Our red zone pass offense ranks 17th by [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/premium/beta/zoneallteams.php"]this metric[/URL]. As you can see, our red zone rush offense ranks 30th. Additionally, our 3rd and short offense [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/premium/beta/allTeamsByDown.php"]ranks a pathetic 30th[/URL] by the same measure. Even moreso, our power (run) success rating, described below:



By this measurement, our power running game [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.php"]ranks 29th[/URL].

All these metrics bring us to the exact same conclusion. We lack the ability to run the ball in short yardage. While a tall target would give us passing options to try to throw around our running problems, statistics show that we have already attempted to compensate (and have been relatively successful). The only way to fix this issue is to combat it head on. Bring in powerful blocking TEs. Bring in quick centers and guards who fire off the ball and drive the defense back. Let's raise our ranking in the power running game. After all, isn't that what Redskins football is all about.

We have adequate personel to run our finesse offense already. Sometimes you need to line up and hit somebody in the mouth. We don't have the personel to do that right now.[/quote]

First, I would like to applaud you on your diction and the way you are able to carry on a, very, respectable debate as you have presented at the young age of 19. Your parents should be congratulated.

BUT...

"Redskins football" is about establishing the lead with ball control offense which includes utilizing all of their resources. Monk, Clark and Didier was just as big of contributors, if not more, than our "power runners".

AFTER we got the lead ,Riggins and other power runners were more of a importance.

edit: Name one power runner, besides Riggins, who had, stellar, careers in our Superbowl years. Even Riggins did not average a lot of yards for us but he did seal the game.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=GMScud;293345]For some reason I just feel the urge to argue this. With all the money we have invested in Moss, ARE, and Lloyd, (next year at this time Cooley will have a big contract, too), why do we use our only pick on the 1st day on a wideout? This offense has been proven to work with nothing more than role players at the WR positions. A pass catching TE, a great O-line, and an excellent rushing attack with pass catching RBs made it tops in the league for 5 straight years. We already have the ingredients. It just took us a season to get familiar with the recipe. I have confidence in our O. We'll just have to use Cooley and maybe Thrash for the short yardage over the middle passing game (which mind you is only a small fraction of our total yardage). Cooley is better than a lot of the possession receivers in the league.[/quote]

I understand what you are saying but money does not catch passes.

KC's offense consisted of a 1700 yard back, 3000+ yard passer and a 1200 yard pass catching tight end AND their receivers produced just as much as ours did last season.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

If we had any brains, or any balls, we would pull the offer off the table and tell Angelo to seek a better deal then just wait, because he will not find a better deal for LB who doesn't rush the passer, at some point he WILL come calling and then we can negotiate from strength which is what we should be doing right now but are just to stupid to do. Let the Bears get close to the draft and have them wondering what they should do as far as LB's and what they need to fill without knowing whether or not Briggs will be there to start the season. Yea right other teams are interested, but not for the price we are offering.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=riggoraider;293347]First, I would like to applaud you on your diction and the way you are able to carry on a, very, respectable debate as you have presented at the young age of 19. Your parents should be congratulated.

BUT...

"Redskins football" is about establishing the lead with ball control offense which includes utilizing all of their resources. Monk, Clark and Didier was just as big of contributors, if not more, than our "power runners".

AFTER we got the lead ,Riggins and other power runners were more of a importance.

edit: Name one power runner, besides Riggins, who had, stellar, careers in our Superbowl years. Even Riggins did not average a lot of yards for us but he did seal the game.[/quote]Thank you for your kind words.

I think we have the resources with Moss, Cooley, and Randle El to convert 3rd downs and score a good percentage of the time with the passing game. If we want to achieve balance in that short yardage game, I believe we will have to shore up some up front run blocking issues. I believe most if not all of our offensive issues--of which there aren't all that many--are blocking related.

I think if we want our offense to improve beyond the natural progression of Campbell, we have our work cut out for us over the next few months. To clarify, I don't think we need any runner besides Betts or Portis to improve this. I feel they are adequate. I would start by bringing in some skilled blocking TEs and if that doesn't work, then start looking at the interior of our offensive line as being inadequate.

I don't see a great improvement in our short yardage offense in the cards for next season, to be completely honest.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

Unless we draft a game changing player like Calvin Johnson, we need to draft for the defense, in my view, given the way it broke down last year.

Our offense will improve greatly from the opportunity for Jason Campbell to get his timing down with his receivers, something that wasn't possible last year.

Also, we will go into the year with the Gibbs/Saunders hybrid offense that was working at the end of the year, instead of being completely unsure of our identity as we were when we changed everything to Saunders system at the beginning of the year.

We also have the fact that the players had much needed time off this year, and that Gibbs, showing real leadership in listening to his players, allowed them to work out on their own for a couple of months.

Our secondary has been solidified with free agency and players returning from injury. We have an excellent new defensive quarterback in Fletcher. With Washington, McIntosh, and Marshall we have a lot of talent, but I think Briggs would add a lot. I can see McIntosh and Marshall as able backups and McIntosh getting a lot of playing time in a rotation.

Unless there is a game breaking player, I would draft for the defensive line. A major impact player at a position of non-need still gives you more overall strength, and you can trade or adjust your roster later. Without such a player, like Calvin Johnson, I would draft for the line. We need to get younger there. Still we have the emerging Carter, who was coming on at the end last year, Cornelius Griffin, Golston, Salavea, Daniels, Wynn - all good players. We do need youth there though.

I think Brandon Lloyd is still a talented player who came out here into a confused situation with our offense and perhaps was a little overwhelmed by things with the expecations and so forth. SF is a very laid back place. Hopefully, he will come on strong this year, but I would start ARE, (who I think is a game breaking player), given his experience and status as a team leader - and he will have a chance to get his timing with Campbell from the beginning. We will have a situation where the offense, from the start of the year, will be something the players relate to and have a strong sense of identity with.

Finally, I think that the Redskins' system of bringing players in who are really good people, who will work together cooperatively, through tough times and good times, will pay its dividends.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=GTripp0012;293344]I think you have correctly identified the problem, but not the solution. Our red zone pass offense ranks 17th by [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/premium/beta/zoneallteams.php"]this metric[/URL]. As you can see, our red zone rush offense ranks 30th. Additionally, our 3rd and short offense [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/premium/beta/allTeamsByDown.php"]ranks a pathetic 30th[/URL] by the same measure. Even moreso, our power (run) success rating, described below:



By this measurement, our power running game [URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.php"]ranks 29th[/URL].

All these metrics bring us to the exact same conclusion. We lack the ability to run the ball in short yardage. While a tall target would give us passing options to try to throw around our running problems, statistics show that we have already attempted to compensate (and have been relatively successful). The only way to fix this issue is to combat it head on. Bring in powerful blocking TEs. Bring in quick centers and guards who fire off the ball and drive the defense back. Let's raise our ranking in the power running game. After all, isn't that what Redskins football is all about.

We have adequate personel to run our finesse offense already. Sometimes you need to line up and hit somebody in the mouth. We don't have the personel to do that right now.[/quote]

that's al saunders horizontal/WR reverse running game though. the year before, sellers and cooley and our running game did MUCH better (as did our offense in general). of course, we also played the rams and 49ers, which helps.

btw, if bowe (WR) is there at 31, he'd be a great value. I thin we'd probably go 2nd tier DE myself, but for whoever's thinking WR, bowe is probably the 2nd best WR in the draft and he might be there cause he ran a slow 40.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

You've gotta give Rosenhaus credit, Briggs has been a headline for a week now and it's only going to end with his client getting a nice payday from somebody. Let's just hope it's not from us.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I really hope someone else gets him... why trade ur future for a malcontent who benefited from the system

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

All of this offseason speculation and crazy rumors are putting us all on edge. I think we need to step back from it a little while and catch our breath. Hopefully the team will do something SMART to address our needs for the team. When is the draft?

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;293282][url=http://bears.scout.com/2/631069.html]Scout.com: Teams Entering Briggs Sweepstakes[/url]

The longer Washington's trade offer for Lance Briggs sits on the table, the greater the chance it probably dies a slow death. The Bears are wise to hold on to the Pro Bowl linebacker for now because his value could escalate as the NFL Draft nears. Although the Redskins appear to be the most anxious to make a deal, Scout.com has learned that a few more teams have made inquiries.

Veteran NFL scout Tony Pauline has had his ear to the ground regarding the Lance Briggs situation. It appears that a few teams are starting to make a push for the Pro-Bowler, but GM Jerry Angelo is taking his time fielding offers. On top of that, Pauline has noticed that the Bears have been going out of their way to interview outside linebackers leading up the NFL Draft, further suggesting that they are making plans to be without Briggs in 2007.

Here's the latest according to Pauline's sources:

Angelo trying to get more out of the Redskins The trade offer on the table would send Briggs and the Bears' first-round draft pick – No. 31 overall – to Washington in exchange for the Redskins first-rounder at No. 6. Briggs' representative, Drew Rosenhaus, has been running his mouth to anyone who will listen that this is a good move for both teams, but Angelo is not about to let an agent and a disgruntled player force his hand. According to Pauline, Angelo is also asking for linebacker Rocky McIntosh, Washington's second-round selection a year ago, to sweeten the pot.

McIntosh would be an instant replacement for Briggs and the Redskins actually traded up last year to get him, but owner Daniel Snyder has been known to throw away draft picks like Kleenex.

Bills need to replace Spikes and Fletcher-Baker Buffalo has been very active in the trade market this offseason, sending tailback Willis McGahee to Baltimore for a slew of draft picks before packaging linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb to Philadelphia for defensive tackle Darwin Walker. Linebacker London Fletcher-Baker left for the aforementioned Redskins via free agency, so the Bills have major holes to fill at that position. Pauline has learned that [B]Buffalo is offering their pick in the first round – No. 12 overall – to the Bears for Briggs, [/B]although Angelo would have to include another selection in return for that deal to happen.

This potential trade could pick up some steam because Buffalo is coached by former Bears front man Dick Jauron, who Briggs played for as a rookie.

Giants also in need of serious help at linebacker New York currently has openings at both outside linebacker positions, having cut both LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons in the offseason. Antonio Pierce is the only `backer the G-Men have with a legitimate NFL resume, plus their defense was absolutely ravaged by injuries last season. Pauline reports that the [B]Giants have offered their spot in Round 1 – No. 20 overall – to the Bears for the durable Briggs, [/B]although this deal would technically have less appeal than the other two according to the draft value chart.

Angelo would probably much rather pick 20th in the first round as opposed to 6th or 12th because of the money involved, but New York will have to offer more for this swap to happen.[/QUOTE]

Can we get the Bears to make the trade with the Giants, then trade their two firsts and a third for the #6? Then everyone is truly happy.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

If we throw in Rocky, we are a joke to the NFL period. If we get the 62 pick and throw in Rocky it will be OK.

I would love to have Briggs on this team, he is a top 5 LB in the league, he will do nothing but help us.

We can draft Crowder or Harrell at 31 and we are instantly back to being a dominant Defense. No question in my mind. Just picture the line-up.

The more I think about it Briggs and the 31st is a good deal for the sixth, this year because Dline is so deep. Anything more is ludicris.

We should know soon, I for one will root for Briggs if he is on the team.

On a side note, why is Michael Ruffin still on the Wizards? That was the worst play I have ever seen.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I see you guys are just barely missing the problem. I think our problem is that our O-line (while good) is not quite physical enough. Back in the "hey day" our O-line would just maul you to death from start to finish, without taking any plays off. Also, our O-line was far bigger than any D-line out there. Now-a-days, not so much... I see our guys just making one or two blocks at the point of attack, and that is it. And, once the running back breaks through the line of scrimage they are off duty. It wasn't like that back in the day. Once the ball was snapped, pads and bodies were flying until the whistle blew. That is how we used to roll.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

The more I think about it, the less I like the Briggs trade, period. If they throw McIntosh in, then I just give up on this team completely. Coach Gibbs, please restore some sanity and veto Boy Danny and Incompetent Vinny and their stupid personnel moves!

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

I'm a Chicago Bears fan checking in to see what Skins fans think about the Briggs trade idea. From the looks of things you hate it as much as we do.

-For us, there is no one we need at #6. The bears need G, TE, WR and LB. If we took anybody to fill those slots it would be a huge reach.

-Giving up #31 is a bad idea as there are so many good players in this draft that would fill one of the needs I described.

-Trading Briggs would require us using our second round chocie on a LB so nothing is gained.

-Briggs is an all-pro stud even if you think he benefits from the Bears defensive system or having Urlacher next to him

-You don't need him as you have a decent LB corp. The Giants or Bills have a real need for this guy

Not trying to stir the pot, just telling you we hate the idea as much as you do.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

Is the Danny just playin everybody on this? just as he did w/L. Davis & let the copokes pay big $?
If we're not gonna get Briggs, let someone else pay him a huge contract. The Danny & Drew R. have to do something in late March.

Re: Another Briggs Thread-More Teams Entering the Bidding?
 

[quote=Mattyk72;293388]You've gotta give Rosenhaus credit, Briggs has been a headline for a week now and it's only going to end with his client getting a nice payday from somebody. Let's just hope it's not from us.[/quote]

That's his job. He's the best at it.

I would think the dust would be settlin pretty soon on this deal, one way or the other.