Muda69 Posted April 9 Posted April 9 This click-bait crap is so frustrating: Here is one, probably written by "AI", that gets everything wrong: https://nationaltoday.com/us/il/chicago/news/2026/04/09/bears-reportedly-eyeing-50m-trade-for-caleb-williams/ Quote The Chicago Bears are facing a tight salary cap situation, with less than $250,000 in available space. This has led to speculation about potential roster moves, including a reported $50 million trade for quarterback Caleb Williams that could reshape the NFC South power dynamics. Why it matters The Bears' financial constraints mean they will need to make some tough decisions on their roster, and a blockbuster trade for Williams could have significant implications for the competitive balance in the NFC South division. The details The emergence of tight end Colston Loveland has made Cole Kmet an afterthought in Chicago, and the Bears may look to trade Kmet to free up cap space. A potential $50 million deal for Caleb Williams could be in the works, which would give the Bears a young, talented quarterback to build around. The Bears currently have less than $250,000 in salary cap space as of April 2026. The "AI" probably lifted it from this article: https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/cole-kmet-trade-panthers-draft-colston-loveland/ Quote The Chicago Bears have less than $250,000 in salary cap space, which means significant cuts, trades and/or contract restructures are coming in the weeks ahead. Perhaps the most popular and impactful performer on the roster whose future remains uncertain is 27-year-old tight end Cole Kmet, who is entering the third season of a four-year contract worth $50 million in 2026. Chicago can save $8.4 million against the cap this season and $10 against the 2027 cap by dealing Kmet ahead of the NFL draft, which is 15 days out. The Bears can bump those savings slightly to $10 million in both 2026 and 2027 by dealing the tight end with a post-June 1 designation. Kmet has significant trade value as a potential TE1 in several spots across the league, including to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers just won the NFC South Division and had the Los Angeles Rams on the ropes late in Round 1 of the playoffs. Carolina has a couple major decisions to make on quarterback Bryce Young, including whether to pick up a $25 million team option on his fifth year in 2027 ahead of May 1, as well as whether to extend him longterm. The best way for the Panthers to gauge Young accurately is to surround him with as much talent as possible and see where the chips fall. As such, dealing for an upgrade at tight end like Kmet after drafting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with a top-10 pick in 2025 is a logical step. .... 1 Quote
Coach Nowlin Posted April 9 Posted April 9 I could absolutely see a lead up draft moving of Kmet, You probably look at it as a luxury item at this point and the cap is real for sure. The Algo last night took me to a video from last week from a media guy never seen before in Chicago, some BIGZ or something rather.... anyways, he asked about the rumors of QB extension NOW and Poles pretty much shot it down and basically said that Ben Johnson has many more goals for him to achieve to get CW to that next level to warrant that kind of contract that is being chatted about. Basically said it that way without saying it. Boy did Poles really give Coach Johnson his flowers. Basically called him a organizational savior and how when he 1st got the GM job he was BEGGING for guys to try to sign with the team and even picked up their taxes in their contract to seal the deal on halfway serviceable people. Feels the tide has flipped to guys who want to come to Chicago and play for him. Serious Football people finally in Halas Hall WHICH leads me to George....... I am not sure if said it here, but I did in my crew text thread last week, I really think George McCaskey has earned my trust and positive support. I LOVED his sit down he had at Owners meetings last week when fighting for Draft Comps.... I know the Algo also gave me a Waddle Silvy clip talking about his Swagger yesterday of the Owner. Now just WIN Quote
Bash Riprock Posted April 10 Posted April 10 On 4/8/2026 at 3:06 PM, Muda69 said: I understood...my question was rhetorical. Quote
Bash Riprock Posted April 10 Posted April 10 5 minutes ago, Bash Riprock said: I understood...my question was rhetorical. @Muda69 I understood...my question was rhetorical. I see you chose to ignore my comment about accepting the risk of driving a car, understanding the fatality risks....not to mentioned life altering accident potential. Is there risk of playing football...yes. Is there risk is many other occupations and activities...yes. Do people make risk vs benefit choices in life....all the time. The impact to children with long-term CTE is very different than adults. That is based on the laws of physics...mass, rate of collision, etc. That risk is not apple to apple. Quote
Muda69 Posted April 10 Posted April 10 1 hour ago, Bash Riprock said: @Muda69 The impact to children with long-term CTE is very different than adults. That is based on the laws of physics...mass, rate of collision, etc. That risk is not apple to apple. https://concussionandcte.org/en-ca/programs/flag-football-under-14/ Quote Our award-winning PSA, “Tackle Can Wait,” drives home the message that tackle football is unacceptably dangerous for children, and that flag football should be the only choice for children under 14. The PSA and campaign website reference data from a study led by Boston University researchers published in the Annals of Neurology. This study concluded that the risk of developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is not linked to the number of concussions but is instead linked to the number of years playing tackle football. The study also found that the risk of CTE increases by 30% each year, meaning it doubles for every 2.6 years of football played. Any future high school, college, or NFL player who starts tackle football at age five may have 10 times the odds of developing CTE than if he had started at 14. In fact, the statistical link between tackle football and CTE may be as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer. You wouldn’t let your child smoke. But when should they play tackle sports? Boys’ tackle football, boys’ wrestling, and girls’ basketball have the highest rates of concussion, according to the CDC. Their research shows tackle football players sustained a median of 378 impacts during the season, while flag football players sustained a median of just 8 impacts. Choosing to put your child at risk for developing CTE in tackle football before they’re 14 – especially when flag football and other safer sports are available – doesn’t seem fair to the child. Watch our PSA here. The longer you play tackle football the more increased risk you are for CTE. Quote
Bash Riprock Posted April 10 Posted April 10 4 hours ago, Muda69 said: https://concussionandcte.org/en-ca/programs/flag-football-under-14/ The longer you play tackle football the more increased risk you are for CTE. and not everyone is aligned with your statement.....additionally some individuals may be much more prone than others when it comes to CTE, but its not understood why. So it seems that blanket statements are not wise. But I fully acknowledge you will not be open to any view other than the one you align, so done going down your rabbit hole. Just suffice it to say, there is not total consensus who exactly is at risk. https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/should-potential-risk-chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy-be-discussed-young-athletes/2017-07 In addition to studies on CTE, multiple studies have demonstrated brain changes on neuroimaging following concussion [11-16], but the long-term implication of these changes is currently unknown. Recently, there has been increased attention to the potential effects of repeated subconcussive head trauma on the brain. While this is most often discussed in relation to football, other contact sports, such as wrestling and soccer, also involve some degree of this type of head impact. A recent study of 25 youth football players found an association between cumulative head impact exposure and microstructural changes in certain white matter tracts over a single season in the absence of concussion [17]. Similarly, a longitudinal study of collegiate football players found white matter changes on diffusion-tensor MRI following one season of play in the absence of concussion; however, these athletes underwent repeat imaging after six months of rest from contact activity, and the white matter changes had returned to baseline [18]. At this time, there is not enough evidence to correlate changes in white matter to the subsequent development of neurodegenerative disease or functional deficits, especially in young athletes. Shared decision making regarding sports participation. Health care professionals routinely counsel young patients and their parents about the consequences of activities that could impact long-term health, such as drug and alcohol use, sex, diet, and exercise. Similar to inclusion of pediatric patients in discussions of how smoking can lead to cancer or how obesity can lead to hypertension and heart disease, we recommend that young people be included in the discussion of concussion and repetitive head trauma and the unknown risk of CTE. This discussion often requires a longer clinic visit. The physician should review the patient’s concussion history and risk factors for prolonged recovery with the family. There is evidence to suggest that prior history of concussion, younger age, history of headaches, and history of learning disability might be risk factors for prolonged recovery [9, 19, 20, 22]. Discussion of risk should be age appropriate and individualized, taking into account the child’s level of cognitive and emotional development [24]. It is important to be honest about the fact that, despite the available research on concussion and CTE, much remains unknown, including causation, incidence, and risk. Some young athletes and families are more willing to accept this unknown risk than others. https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/should-i-let-my-kid-play-tackle-football/ “This can be very concerning, especially in developing brains,” says Gillian Hotz, Ph.D. neuroscientist and Director of the Concussion Program at the University of Miami Health System, specializing in concussion, neurotrauma, neurocognition, and neurorehabilitation. “But a lot more research needs to be done. We still need to figure out who is high risk [for damage] and who isn’t. Why is it that some players can take hits but don’t develop neurological damage, and others do?” Quote
Muda69 Posted April 11 Posted April 11 17 hours ago, Bash Riprock said: and not everyone is aligned with your statement.....additionally some individuals may be much more prone than others when it comes to CTE, but its not understood why. So it seems that blanket statements are not wise. But I fully acknowledge you will not be open to any view other than the one you align, so done going down your rabbit hole. Just suffice it to say, there is not total consensus who exactly is at risk. Pot. Kettle. Black. Quote
Bash Riprock Posted April 11 Posted April 11 4 hours ago, Muda69 said: Pot. Kettle. Black. if you say so...how many times over the years have you pushed this? And its always in the same direction which is conclusive. I am saying the jury is still out...and more research is needed to understand the demographics truly at risk. My mind is open to the further research before drawing final conclusions. Can you say the same? Quote
Muda69 Posted April 13 Posted April 13 On 4/11/2026 at 2:56 PM, Bash Riprock said: if you say so...how many times over the years have you pushed this? And its always in the same direction which is conclusive. I am saying the jury is still out...and more research is needed to understand the demographics truly at risk. My mind is open to the further research before drawing final conclusions. Can you say the same? No, the research seems complete enough IMHO, especially regarding children and tackle football. You may think there is some 'magic percentage' that if low enough justifies the risk. Unless some quantum leap in player safety, especially regarding head injuries/trauma, comes to light then I don't see my opinion changing. Quote
Coach Nowlin Posted April 13 Posted April 13 NFL and Bears draft in 10 days: Do you have a guy yet?? "Who's Your Guy" bit is aways fun I have yet to dig in to who my guy is yet Quote
Bash Riprock Posted April 13 Posted April 13 7 hours ago, Muda69 said: No, the research seems complete enough IMHO, especially regarding children and tackle football. You may think there is some 'magic percentage' that if low enough justifies the risk. Unless some quantum leap in player safety, especially regarding head injuries/trauma, comes to light then I don't see my opinion changing. there are absolute questions in the research as to why some people are impacted and why others aren't. There is not the blanket of everyone is impacted the same..far from it. If I followed your line of thinking, I wouldn't allow anyone to get in an automobile. Tell me, are you ok with that risk? Quote
Muda69 Posted April 14 Posted April 14 20 hours ago, Bash Riprock said: there are absolute questions in the research as to why some people are impacted and why others aren't. There is not the blanket of everyone is impacted the same..far from it. If I followed your line of thinking, I wouldn't allow anyone to get in an automobile. Tell me, are you ok with that risk? Yes, as an adult I am. Quote
Muda69 Posted April 15 Posted April 15 Indiana Toll Road increases to help pay for possible new Bears stadium: https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/04/15/indiana-toll-road-deal-would-trade-twice-annual-hikes-for-700m-bears-stadium-windfall/ Quote The state of Indiana has agreed to let the Indiana Toll Road’s private operator increase tolls on all vehicles twice a year, in exchange for payments totaling $700 million, according to agency documents. The Indiana Finance Authority on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing changes to the 75-year lease with ITR Concession Company. The toll rate for a full-length 157-mile trip is currently $16.21 for a Class 2 passenger vehicle, and $87.49 for a Class 5 truck. The amendment allows the operator to hike tolls twice a year, beginning this year and rising every Dec. 31 and June 30 thereafter. Tolls will increase by at least 1.5% each time, or — if it’s greater — by inflation. The tolls currently jump at least 2% once a year. It is unknown how much new revenue the operator will receive from the change. The operator will pay IFA $300 million within 30 days of the amendment taking effect. Within one year of the first payment, the agency will get paid $200 million — and within two years, an additional $200 million. The money goes into special fund to be used for transportation and infrastructure projects in seven counties, including the prospective host of a new Chicago Bears stadium: Lake. House Speaker Todd Huston, who authored the Senate Enrolled Act 27 stadium plan, previously said the state would amend or renegotiate the Indiana Toll Road lease to invest in infrastructure around the stadium. The Bears are still engaging with Illinois officials on a counteroffer, but Huston said Hoosier leaders remain “optimistic.” The increases would occur regardless of the franchise’s decision. The money could also be spent in Porter, Elkhart, LaGrange, LaPorte, Steuben or St. Joseph counties, according to the board’s resolution. The amendment also requires the operator to make at least $25 million in capital improvements to the Indiana Toll Road within five years. Risk-sharing provisions are also included in the document. When revenue exceeds projected thresholds, IFA “will share in” up to 50% of the overage, but will also “share in the underperformance” below those projections. The State Budget Committee will review the amendment at its Thursday meeting, according to the lawmaker-dominated group’s agenda. The lease was first authorized in 2006 and ends in 2081. It was last amended in 2018. Former Gov. Eric Holcomb surprised lawmakers when he unveiled a negotiated deal for a 35% toll hike on commercial vehicles in exchange for a $1 billion payment to the state — prompting the General Assembly to seek greater oversight. Indiana: Land of Taxes. Quote
Coach Nowlin Posted April 15 Posted April 15 Top 10 Most Tax-Friendly States (2026 Rank) Wyoming South Dakota New Hampshire Alaska Florida Montana Tennessee Nevada Texas Indiana Tax Foundation Quote
Muda69 Posted April 15 Posted April 15 1 hour ago, Coach Nowlin said: Top 10 Most Tax-Friendly States (2026 Rank) Wyoming South Dakota New Hampshire Alaska Florida Montana Tennessee Nevada Texas Indiana Tax Foundation Meh Quote
Bash Riprock Posted April 15 Posted April 15 (edited) On 4/14/2026 at 12:47 PM, Muda69 said: Yes, as an adult I am. 16 year old? 18 year old?, etc. Because the risk there is as serious if not substantially more serious than you blanket statement about football. Edited April 15 by Bash Riprock Quote
Muda69 Posted April 15 Posted April 15 1 hour ago, Bash Riprock said: 16 year old? 18 year old?, etc. Because the risk there is as serious if not substantially more serious than you blanket statement about football. 16 year old: No. >= 18 years old: Yes. Quote
Coach Nowlin Posted April 15 Posted April 15 1 hour ago, Muda69 said: Meh Nothing popped up.... Living in a state that is top 10 BEST tax rates and your response when shown this metric as pushback from your initial post today about ...LAND OF TAXES..... yup, that was it... I will take top 10 BEST vs top 40 WORSE...... Perhaps you shall go the Dan Dakich way this year..... file an extensions today and don't pay......... Quote
Muda69 Posted April 15 Posted April 15 39 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said: Nothing popped up.... Living in a state that is top 10 BEST tax rates and your response when shown this metric as pushback from your initial post today about ...LAND OF TAXES..... yup, that was it... I will take top 10 BEST vs top 40 WORSE...... I still believe I pay too much in taxes. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/taxes-file-irs-americans-feel-they-pay-too-much/ 41 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said: Perhaps you shall go the Dan Dakich way this year..... file an extensions today and don't pay......... Sorry, have no idea what you are talking about here. I don't follow Mr. Dakich. Quote
Coach Nowlin Posted April 15 Posted April 15 3 hours ago, Muda69 said: I still believe I pay too much in taxes. : NO ARGUMENT HERE SIR https://www.cbsnews.com/news/taxes-file-irs-americans-feel-they-pay-too-much/ Sorry, have no idea what you are talking about here. I don't follow Mr. Dakich. Quote
Sparty Posted April 16 Posted April 16 On 4/13/2026 at 12:58 PM, Coach Nowlin said: NFL and Bears draft in 10 days: Do you have a guy yet?? "Who's Your Guy" bit is aways fun I have yet to dig in to who my guy is yet I hope they draft DT (S) from Oregon and Purdue 1 Quote
Coach Nowlin Posted April 16 Posted April 16 7 Total Draft Picks: 4 in the top 89 Picks: Seems like an Odd draft from the chatter around the talking yappers....... Not QB heavy, lots are talking how DEEP the 2027 draft is supposed to be, especially at the QB position. I still believe more is better, I would stay put or if you get a 1 in 2027 and 3-5 next year from a needy team, then I think you jump at that. I don't think you should trade up on this draft because the guys worth coming up from 25 to get will cost you a pretty penny, still need more players. I don't even want to trade up 3-5 spots to give up a 2 or 4 .. PASS Also, I am a very vocal AUSTIN BOOKER TRUTHER, I know @Bash Riprock concurs !! 🙂 That's why I don't think they go Edge in round 1 because of how deep it supposedly this draft is in that position. I do think POLES and JOHNSON will continue to keep the Board their Board and will take top pick on their board, as seen and thankfully done with drafting Loveland and Luther and Turner . ( remember Turner VERY talented player, high draft pick very UNLUCKY year 1). MY GUY: Dream Choice: Dillon Thielmann falls to Bears at 25, however, SAFTEY needy teams may start to think about leaping over the Bears for him, team like Chargers trade back. If he is there at 20, I think Cowboys snag him with 2nd of their 1st rounders. Team like 49ers and John Lynch could be aggressive players and jump up for him too. Harrison Smith is LONG IN THE TOOTH, perhaps Vikes at 18 take Westfield Grad !! Either way, he is going Round 1, another great Brohm Recruit Most Realistic Pool of Players available to Take: My Big Board for Bears 1. Kayden McDonald DT Ohio State. NASTY PLUGGER 2. Kionte Scott S. Miami (I like him over kid from Toledo, Miami D was nasty and competition level ) 3. Monroe Freeling OT Georgia (unless he has a poor driving record ). 4. Peter Woods DT Clemson Second Round Thoughts: 2 picks late: If Ponds is there, you jump on that at 59. I believe they will use one of those 2nd round picks for their Center in 2027. (guy they traded for is in contract year) I think their 1st 3 picks will be: DT, DB, C : That DB could be a Hybrd dude like Scott or Ponds or even an All American from Toledo. Would it surprise me if Poles picks an EDGE, nope, especially if that Edge player is high on their board ratings. That's my first attempt after I had some time last few days to dig in and read up on things. Very interesting tidbit about pick 25..... Its been traded 8 out of the last 9 drafts and one draft twice !!! 1 1 Quote
First_Backer_Inside Posted April 16 Posted April 16 17 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said: 2 picks late: If Ponds is there, you jump on that at 59. I believe they will use one of those 2nd round picks for their Center in 2027. (guy they traded for is in contract year) Not an IU fan, was happy for them this year, big Cignetti fan tho(just for context of what I'm about to say). Listened and watch practice film from the IU DB coach at the state clinic. Watching Ponds in drills as a DB coach myself brought a tear to my eye. The kid is amazing. Brings a different physicality to the corner position that I feel has gone away in today's college and pro game. Anyone who gets him I look forward to watching how his professional career goes. Not a Bears fan either, but would be cool if Ponds played for them. I think he would gel with the mentality the Bears and their organization has right now. 2 Quote
Coach Nowlin Posted April 17 Posted April 17 Only thing that may deter the pick would be the money they have locked up in Gordan as that Nickel Dude.... $50 Mil guy already Fun times ahead Quote
Sparty Posted April 17 Posted April 17 Interested to follow how the draft (travel in and out) fares in Pittsburgh. I know a few of us on here listen to the PMS (who has a large Pitt knowledge). I know the schools are shut down those days. They say travel will be a nightmare. Anyway…. Didn’t want to detract completely but also didn’t think a full thread was necessary. Quote
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