The Bear’s Den, May 3, 2024

Draft analysis and Caleb’s Dog, we’ve got the Chicago Bears news for your morning needs

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THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

BEARRRSSSS

Bears 2024 UDFAs include productive QB, Caleb Williams’ former WR – NBC Sports Chicago – The Bears struck gold on the UDFA market last season with quarterback Tyson Bagent. They hope to do the same this year with a crop that includes a productive…

Bears’ Ryan Poles not rushed to sign Keenan Allen – NBC Sports Chicago – Bears’ Ryan Poles doesn’t feel a sense of urgency to sign Keenan Allen to an extension

Meet Bears’ Caleb Williams’ Olde English Bulldog, Supa – NBC Sports Chicago – The No. 1 overall pick is bringing a furry friend with him to Chicago

Caleb Williams expected to crush Bears rookie QB records: oddsmakers – NBC Sports Chicago – Breaking down the sports betting lines for new Bears quarterback Caleb Williams

2024 NFL draft: Why DE Austin Booker intrigued Bears scouts – NBC Sports Chicago – Bears GM Ryan Poles liked Booker enough to trade back into the 2024 NFL draft to pick him in the fifth round

Bernstein & Holmes: Bears aren’t on same page with governor – 670 – The Bears’ current proposal for a new lakefront stadium, which calls for the public to fund around half of a $4.7-million project, remains a “non-starter” in the eyes of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, his spokesperson reiterated in a statement Wednesday.

Bears Cornerback Jaylon Johnson Explains Why He Opened Up About His Treatment for Sex Addiction | GQ – Sure, speaking up was hard. But, the Pro Bowler tells GQ, “the hardest thing was to tell the truth to myself first.”

NFC North report: Even with Caleb Williams, Bears likely looking up at Lions – Chicago Sun-Times – Last year’s NFC runner-up emerged from free agency the way they entered it: the favorite in the North with the Packers, and breakout star quarterback Jordan Love, on their heels.

Chicago Bears: What to know entering rookie camp and OTAs – The Chicago Bears suddenly appear to have a playoff-caliber team around rookie QB Caleb Williams, with justifiable optimism percolating out of Halas Hall.

2024 NFL draft: Why DE Austin Booker intrigued Bears scouts – NBC Sports Chicago – Bears GM Ryan Poles liked Booker enough to trade back into the 2024 NFL draft to pick him in the fifth round

POLISH SAUSAGE

Execs unfiltered on NFL Draft: What were the Falcons thinking? Thoughts on all 16 NFC teams – The Athletic – There was plenty of consternation for the Falcons’ process, praise for the Eagles and debate about the Bears’ and Vikings’ approaches.

2024 NFL best UDFA fits: One undrafted prospect to watch on each roster – The Athletic – Not every NFL contributor hears his name called during the draft. Who are some of the best players to slip through the cracks this year?

Demolition of RFK Stadium may proceed – NBC Sports – Via J.P. Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, the National Park Service has determined that the demolition of RFK Stadium can proceed.

Report: No criminal charges against Dak Prescott over 2017 sexual assault allegation – NBC Sports – Cowboys quarterback won’t be prosecuted, but civil claim will proceed.

Iowa Rampage quit the revived AFL – NBC Sports – The reboot of the Arena Football League could be kicking the bucket.

Steelers decline Najee Harris’ 2025 option – NBC Sports – Harris is now on track to become a free agent next year.

John Lynch on potentially trading Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel: “We’re past that now” – NBC Sports – It appears that if the 49ers are going to trade one of Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk, they are going to have to be overwhelmed by the offer.

Could Justin Fields return kicks for the Steelers? – Chicago Sun-Times – As unlikely as that sounds — and may prove to be — the idea has at least been floated in Pittsburgh, where the Bears traded their quarterback March 16.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Chicago Bears are NFL’s most improved team after the 2024 NFL Draft – Windy City Gridiron – Bill Zimmerman discusses Ryan Poles great work with Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze!

Grading The NFC North’s 2024 Draft Classes – Windy City Gridiron – The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. That means it’s time to review the weekend and determine how much better a stacked NFC North got. Who won the weekend? We’ll dive into all of that and more!

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