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05	September 2019

The first week of free agency is in the books.

How did general manager Ryan Pace do? Click here to find out."The first week of the 2019 NFL offseason is in the books. As we�ve been accustomed to each year Womens Nick Kwiatkoski Jersey , many names were on the move, including a bevy of moves for general manager Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears.Normally, we see crazy money fly around. This year was no different and quite possibly even more lucrative for free agents than it has been at any point in the past. The difference this year is that the Bears weren�t involved with the big names on the market for what feels like the first time in forever. That�s not to say the team didn�t make their fair share of moves, but it wasn�t to the same caliber as we�ve come to expect from this franchise.Even so, I wouldn�t exactly call that a bad thing for Pace and the Bears. As we�ve learned many times in the past, �winning� the offseason doesn�t always translate to winning consistently on the field. Which is why fans should be A-O.K. with the Bears approach so far in March.With all of this mind, how exactly did Pace grade out in his first week of the 2019 new league year? Let�s find out.Primary Free Agent AdditionsAs I detailed at the top, this hasn�t be a very active start for the Bears. At least in terms of the top end market. But that�s completely alright, given the status of their roster heading into this acquisition period.One thing to remember as we proceed is that the Bears had 20 of their 22 starters under contract for the upcoming season. Of course this does not count specialists, but my assumption is that we�ll see that play out more over the next month and a half. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (One year, $3.5 million) Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesOne of the two starting spots in question heading into March 13th was the safety spot opposite of Eddie Jackson. We saw Adrian Amos head to the Packers early in the process on Tuesday morning and had two days to wonder what they would do at the position. It didn�t take long for Pace to identify his replacement, at least in the short-term. In essence, the Bears and Packers swapped 2018 week 1 starting safeties. Amos has been nothing short of durable and a steady producer, but grading his replacement requires two elements:Overall Skill set Contract ValueFrom a skill set standpoint, Clinton-Dix may be an downgrade when you�re looking at an overall skill set. Consistency lacks with the former Alabama safety at times, but the talent is there and so is his playmaking ability. His knack for interceptions is what could end up making this a wash when all is said and done.From a contract view, this is an absolute steal. Given the amount of money we saw thrown around on the safety market, $3.5 million seems like one of the better values of the first week. Especially when you compare it to Amos� deal (Four years, $37 million with $12 million guaranteed). All in all, this move makes complete sense and give Clinton-Dix the opportunity to recoup his value and possibly chase a ring.Grade: A+WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson (Two years, $10 million with $5 million guaranteed)Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesIn typical Patriots fashion, they turned a lost player into one with value. Whether or not Patterson plays a big role in Matt Nagy�s offense has yet to be determined, but he adds a lot of speed, versatility and most importantly in the later months of the season, return ability.Some may look at this move and wonder why they would give Patterson $5 million per year. To a certain extent it�s understandable, but yet again, this is not a long-term move and it was a bigger need than some may think. He currently ranks second in NFL history with an average of 30 yards-per-return throughout his career. For anyone who saw the Bears return game last year, you can admit that it needed a serious push in the right direction.Speed, versatility and explosive kick return ability is what makes this deal a very nice move for the Bears and one that is going to help them more than some imagine. Grade: B+CB Buster Skrine (Three years, $16.5 million with $8.5 million guaranteed)Photo by Elsa/Getty ImagesMonday was somewhat of a surprising open for the Bears. The morning opened with a flurry of activity around the league, but it wasn�t until that night when the Bears made their first two moves. This one may have been the most surprising, though. With Bryce Callahan still on the market Prince Amukamara Jersey , the Bears stuck quickly and nailed down their nickel corner for at least the next two years in Skrine. The eight-year veteran has never been an elite talent, but he�s versatile and more importantly for the Bears, durable. He�s missed just five games in eight years.From a production stand point, Callahan is the better and younger player. His market was also much more competitive, which resulted in the team making an executive decision to secure his replacement due to that market. Some may question it in hindsight, but make no mistake, Callahan had multiple teams in on him with a price tag reaching $10 million. Obviously that did not materialize, but it�s hard to blame the Bears for moving on in the manner that they did.As far Skrine, he�s a well versed defensive back that can play multiple positions and brings plenty of experience. He plays a more aggressive style, which may have been a selling point for defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as well. He�s more of a boom or bust type of player, versus Callahan who was a steady producer when he was on the field.Grade: CRB Mike Davis (Two years, $6 million with $3 million guaranteed)Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesDavis may have been the biggest head scratcher for me on this list. At least until I watched some film on him and reminded myself that replacing Jordan Howard is more about scheme fit than anything else.Let�s be clear, Davis has never been a featured back or had a 1,000 yard season, but from a traits standpoint, he fits well. He doesn�t have a lot of top end speed, but his vision and feet make him a potential steal of an upside signing. He somehow managed 514 rushing yards on a team where they had three backs that touched the ball consistently. On top of that, he has the needed ability to catch the ball and get downfield. He had 34 catches and five total touchdowns for the Seahawks in 2018. This is the first of two (assumed) steps to replacing Howard. One thing I will say is that the Bears love him a lot more than most people do. That could either be a very pleasant surprise or a head scratcher, pending how it all plays out. Grade: CMinor SigningsOf the non-major signings, I�m not sure anyone really stands out as an excellent move, but here�s four other moves they made this past week:- Re-signed TE Ben Braunecker (Two years, $2.7 million)- Re-signed DL Nick Williams (One year, terms not disclosed)- Signed OL Ted Larsen (One year, $930,000)- Signed WR Marvin Hall (One year, terms not disclosed)Getting back Braunecker and Williams makes total sense from a depth perspective and more importantly, it takes tight end depth away from a big need, to a manageable one.Bringing back Larsen was a bit of a surprise, but after seeing Eric Kush more than double his deal, it makes total sense. He also has the versatility to play all three interior positions.The one move that somewhat intrigues me is Hall. For the second year in a row, the Bears grab a speedy receiver from the Falcons. Hall is not nearly as accomplished as Gabriel was, but he�s a vertical threat and brings value as a returner as well. He�s someone to watch come training camp.Overall Grade: B-When looking at overall needs heading into the draft http://www.thebearslockerroom.com/authentic-adam-shaheen-jersey , there are still some needs for the team to address in the coming weeks. But when I look at where the Bears were before the start of free agency and where they are now, they are certainly better in some areas and slightly worse in others. All in all, I�d say they are slightly better than a wash right now, but there�s also still around $16.5 million in cap space to work with and a surprising amount of talent still left on the market.It also doesn�t hurt that the Bears are currently in line for the first compensatory pick in a long, long time. Obviously that is always subject to change pending the rest of their offseason, but it�s hard to see any move washing out the Amos� deal, that would currently be good for a fourth rounder.When looking ahead to the next few weeks, here are a few needs to keep in mind:- Outside linebacker depth- Defensive back depth- Running Back- Specialists (Punter and long snapper)- Another offensive skill position weapon (receiver or tight end)- Offensive line depth The schedule is now released, and single-game tickets for 2019 are now on sale. It�s not football yet, but it�s closer"BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!BEARRRSSSS / FREE AGENCY / DRAFTEmma: Bears Schedule Breakdown: Tough Road Back To Top - 670 The Score - The Bears� 2019 schedule is out, and it appears to be challenging.Bears single-game tickets on sale now - ChicagoBears.com - Bears preseason and regular-season single-game tickets are now on sale to the general public.Mayer: Bears release 2019 regular-season schedule - ChicagoBears.com - The Bears stepped back into the national spotlight with a resurgent 2018 season and will remain there this year, playing five prime-time games and making another appearance on Thanksgiving.Mayer: Bears� 2019 schedule by the numbers - ChicagoBears.com - Take a unique look at the Bears� 2019 regular-season schedule by the numbers, with items about streaks, stretches, trends and other interesting tidbits.Mayer: Bears-Raiders game in London set for Oct. 6 - ChicagoBears.com - The NFL on Wednesday announced that the Bears-Raiders game in London this season will be played on Sunday, Oct. 6 at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tickets are available via NFL On Location.Mitch Trubisky and Jim McMahon Are Teaming Up for a Panel at #Bears100 - Jim McMahon and Mitch Trubisky will star on a panel at the Bears 100 Celebration Weekend, which takes place June 7-9 in Rosemont. And you better believe these two are excited to be a part of the festivities:Morrissey: Bears' Zach Miller calls it quits, and it's the right move - Sun Times - After so many months of wishing he'd stop trying to come back from a gruesome knee injury, I had one thought when he retired Wednesday: Thank God.Finley: Storylines, analysis for all 16 Bears games - Sun Times - The Bears are back in prime time � and, in one case, making international news.Finley: Details set for Bears' game in London on Oct. 6 - Sun Times - The Bears are Raiders will christen Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with its first-ever American football game on Oct. 6, the NFL announced Wednesday.Finley: After committing almost $100M to CBs, Bears need backups - Sun Times - To reward the Bears the way Kyle Fuller Fuller and Prince Amukamara did is a high bar for Buster Skrine to clear.Kane: Bears' 2019 schedule includes five prime-time games, a London trip and a Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit - Chicago Tribune - The Bears' 2019 schedule was released Wednesday night. It features prime-time games against the Packers, Redskins, Rams, Cowboys and Chiefs.Biggs' Bears Q&A: What position should Ryan Pace target in Round 3? Who will the Bears play in prime time? - Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs answers your Bears questions weekly. What position should the Bears target with their first pick in the draft? Is Darrell Henderson a good fit for the offense and what other prospects might look good? How many prime time games will the Bears have and who will they play?Zeglinski: Making a new chicken salad: Reasonable contract parameters for Tarik Cohen � The Rock River Times - One place the NFL lacks, among many areas, is in consistent scouting for talent at historic black colleges. With the NFL Draft this month Womens Mitchell Trubisky Jersey , there�s a emphasis on blue blood prospects from big-time programs and small school guys that stand out among inferior competition. Every niche from Division I to junior colleges is mostly filled. But it seems there�s a lacking clear focus on talented players in black college football.Moreano�s 2019 Chicago Bears Mock Draft: 2.0 - Chicago Audible - The Chicago Bears don't have many holes to fill heading into the 2019 NFL Draft. So, check out this mock to see how it addresses the team's current needs.Mullin: 'Hunted' Bears draw heavy dose of prime time with first-place 2019 schedule - NBC Sports Chicago - The Bears schedule is out. John "Moon" Mullin predicts each game on the Bears' schedule to come up with a final 2019 record.Neveau: Chicago Bears Release 2019 Regular Season Schedule - NBC Chicago - The Chicago Bears have officially released their 2019 regular season schedule, and the team is going to face some serious challenges as they look to repeat as NFC North champions.Bears have five prime-time games, Browns have four; and other highlights of 2019 - Sun Times - As previously announced, NFL 100 will kick off with Green Bay at Chicago for the 199th meeting of a series that began in 1921.Finley: NFL schedule 2019: Bears release preseason dates, times - Sun Times - The Bears set their preseason schedule Wednesday night, cementing dates and times for two home games and two road contests.POLISH SAUSAGEAAF confirms end of operations, bankruptcy � ProFootballTalk - The Alliance of American Football officially has pulled the plug on the league, for good. The AAF announced that a bankruptcy petition was filed today in federal court in Texas. �We are deeply disappointed to be taking this action,� the league said in a statement.Ten teams scheduled for five prime-time appearances � ProFootballTalk - The NFL has scheduled 10 teams to make five prime-time appearances during the 2019 season. That list includes both of the teams playing in the opening game of the year.Toughest 2019 NFL schedules: Eagles, Broncos have hard roads - NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal identifies the 2019 NFL season�s toughest schedules, including a slate that could be tough for Drew Brees� New Orleans Saints to navigate.KNOW THY ENEMYFormer Air Force linebacker Ryan Watson to attend Detroit Lions rookie minicamp - Pride Of Detroit - A unique story of an Air Force graduate.Vikings 2019 Schedule: Dates, Opponents, Game Times, and More - Daily Norseman - Follow along as the Vikings schedule is announced at 7 PM CT Wednesday.Vikings For Life - Daily Norseman - What is it that makes Vikings� players want to stay in Minnesota?NFL 2019 Schedule Reaction: Matt LaFleur starts Packers tenure with long homestand - Acme Packing Company - First-time head coach Matt LaFleur will enjoy a rare three-game homestand during the first month of the regular season.Green Bay Packers� 2019 schedule released, features five prime time games - Acme Packing Company - The Packers will be a big draw as usual this year, but they face a tough stretch of travel to close out the year.Detroit Lions 2019 schedule release: 4 quick thoughts - Pride Of Detroit - Some quick thoughts on the upcoming season�s schedule.IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRONHouseholder: The official 2019 Chicago Bears schedule for their 100th season is here - Windy City Gridiron - The rumors are through and here is the official scheduleSunderbruch: WCG Confidence Board - Version 1.0 - Windy City Gridiron - In a year when the Bears have limited ammunition in the draft, it�s more important than ever that they get their picks right.Schmitz' Chicago Bears Breakdowns � Anatomy of a Play: The Bellamy Bamboozle - Windy City Gridiron - Robert S. continues his series dedicated to analyzing the underrated plays of 2018 by looking at Bellamy�s fake-screen touchdown play from Week 4.Leming's Bears mailbag: What will happen in the draft? Will Trubisky regress? That and more in this week�s mailbag! - Windy City Gridiron - The draft is just over a week away, so we�ll tackle your draft questions along with feelings on the upcoming season. All in this week�s mailbag.WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS2 Minute Drill - Website - iTunes - Andrew Link; Steven�s Streaming � Twitch � Steven Schweickert; T-Formation Conversation - Website - iTunes - Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; WCG Radio - Website - iTunes - Robert Zeglinski - The Blitz NetworkTHE RULESWindy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following is not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.The Bear�s Den Specific Guidelines � The Bear�s Den is a place for Chicago Bears fans to discuss Chicago Bears football, related NFL stories, and general football talk. It is NOT a place to discuss religion or politics or post political pictures or memes. Unless otherwise stated, the Den is not an open thread, and profanity (including profanity only stated in pictures) is prohibited.Click on our names to follow us on Twitter:WCG Contributors: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter;Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Ken Mitchell; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Whiskey Ranger; Robert Schmitz; Robert Zeglinski; Like us on Facebook.