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The Bear’s Den, June 11, 2021

5 min read
<div><figure> <img alt="NFL: Chicago Bears OTA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jXMAkDmQMtiz_F9urKDhtSApsUo=/1x0:4000x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69438390/usa_today_16232372.0.jpg"> <figcaption>Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to pass the ball during organized team activities at Halas Hall | Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption> </figure> <p>Justin Fields got paid & his play has been wowing observers all week</p> <p id="io3URh"><strong>THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL</strong></p> <div id="WTntC4"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lDByv7HoAyg?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div> <h4 id="CKwyb4"><strong>BEARRRSSSS</strong></h4> <p id="WnGqnk"><a href="https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2021/06/10/the-bears-and-nfl-have-a-new-covid-battle-on-their-hands/">The Bears (and NFL) Have a New COVID Battle on Their Hands - Bleacher Nation</a> - It’s not over yet. And the NFL, its teams, players, and coaches, have work to do as it keeps fighting a good fight.</p> <p id="XncVNm"><a href="https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2021/06/10/boom-justin-fields-and-the-bears-have-agreed-to-terms-on-his-rookie-contract/">BOOM! Justin Fields and the Bears Have Agreed to Terms on His Rookie Contract - Bleacher Nation</a> - It’s officially official: Justin Fields has reportedly agreed to terms on his rookie deal and is now truly a Chicago Bear.</p> <p id="w39XfP"><a href="https://dabearsblog.com/2021/atm-in-case-it-doesnt-work-out-at-head-coach">In Case It Doesn’t Work Out At Head Coach - Da Bears Blog</a> - If the Bears do replace Matt Nagy, and this unlikely with his hand-selected rookie QB, I’d look for an offensive mind to pair with that QB. I put priority on coaches who not only call plays, but have designed offenses. Here is a short list of coaches who could get the job:</p> <p id="3RFNfg"><a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/news/what-a-difference-a-year-makes-for-nagy-bears">Chicago Bears, Matt Nagy benefitting from OTAs, minicamp practices - ChicagoBears.com</a> - Forced to conduct last year’s offseason program entirely on a virtual basis due to COVID-19, the Bears are benefitting from being able to conduct OTA and minicamp practices.</p> <p id="QGcnTm"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1641949&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Fjustin-fields-signs-rookie-contract-with-bears-initial-first-round-qb-to-agree-t&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2021%2F6%2F11%2F22528846%2Fchicago-bears-den-nagy-pace-dalton-fields-offseason-news-rumors-halas-hall-aaron-rodgers-a-no-show" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Justin Fields signs rookie contract with Bears; initial first-round QB to agree to deal - </a><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1641949&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2FNFL.com&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2021%2F6%2F11%2F22528846%2Fchicago-bears-den-nagy-pace-dalton-fields-offseason-news-rumors-halas-hall-aaron-rodgers-a-no-show" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NFL.com</a> - The Bears have agreed to terms with <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State</a> product Justin Fields on a fully guaranteed, four-year deal worth $18.8 million, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported. Fields’ contract includes an $11 million signing bonus, Pelissero added, and will also</p> <p id="rGmaSx"><a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2021/6/10/22527824/bears-agree-4-year-contract-with-rookie-qb-justin-fields-report-2021-draft-trade-teven-jenkins">Bears agree to 4-year contract with rookie QB Justin Fields: report - Chicago Sun-Times</a> - Fields’ signing would leave second-rounder Teven Jenkins as the only unsigned rookie from Bears’ 2021 class.</p> <p id="SUGtt8"><a href="https://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20210610/arkush-is-damien-williams-exactly-what-the-doctor-ordered-for-bears-backfield">Arkush: Is Damien Williams exactly what the doctor ordered for Bears backfield? - Daily Herald</a> - New No. 2 running back looks like he just might be the perfect fit</p> <p id="ehY5H9"><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-justin-fields-contract-20210610-5hvinsqae5atrpd6g5rxyz5que-story.html">Justin Fields: Contract details for Chicago Bears QB - Chicago Tribune</a> - The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with quarterback Justin Fields on his four-year rookie contract, an NFL source said. The contract is for a fully guaranteed $18.872 million with an $11.085 million signing bonus.</p> <p id="UCVLYz"><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-darnell-mooney-20210610-5k4d53azmrerni6cgd444q4hdm-story.html">Column: Darnell Mooney needs to be Chicago Bears’ No. 2 receiver - Chicago Tribune</a> - The Chicago Bears know what they’re going to get from Allen Robinson, a proven commodity and worthy No. 1 wide receiver. Darnell Mooney has to elevate his play to become a legitimate No. 2 receiver, boost the passing game and make the offense more explosive.</p> <p id="ecOswG"><a href="https://ontapsportsnet.com/2021/06/10/breaking-justin-fields-signs-rookie-deal/">Justin Fields Signs Rookie Deal - On Tap Sports Net</a> - Bears’ first round pick Justin Fields has signed his rookie deal with the team. The four-year deal is fully guaranteed.</p> <p id="R40fJd"><a href="https://bearswire.usatoday.com/gallery/chicago-bears-voluntary-otas-week-2-photo-gallery/">Photos from second week of Chicago Bears’ voluntary OTAs - Bears Wire</a> - The Bears continued their second week of voluntary OTAs. Here’s a look at photos from Wednesday’s practice.</p> <p id="gzMjT9"><strong>POLISH SAUSAGE</strong></p> <p id="2J63wb"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1641949&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Fnfl-announces-2021-preseason-schedule-dates-times&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2021%2F6%2F11%2F22528846%2Fchicago-bears-den-nagy-pace-dalton-fields-offseason-news-rumors-halas-hall-aaron-rodgers-a-no-show" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NFL announces 2021 preseason schedule dates, times - NFL.com</a> - The NFL announced on Thursday the complete schedule, dates and times for the 2021 preseason.</p> <p id="HzbH46"><a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2021/6/10/22528397/bears-kyle-long-nfl-comeback-hit-snag-hurts-knee-chiefs-andy-reid-retirement-right-guard-kansas-city">Former Bears OL Kyle Long’s NFL comeback hits snag - Chicago Sun-Times</a> - Now a member of the Chiefs, Long hurt his knee Wednesday.</p> <p id="arwo75"><a href="https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2021/06/10/college-footballs-playoffs-could-be-getting-a-makeover/">College Football’s Playoffs Could Be Getting a Makeover - Bleacher Nation</a> - Some tweaks to college football’s playoff system could be on the horizon.</p> <p id="7t7Nnu"><a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2021/6/10/22527634/report-chiefs-kyle-long-suffers-injury-that-could-keep-him-out-of-training-camp">Chiefs’ Kyle Long suffers leg injury that could keep him out of camp - Arrowhead Pride</a> - The offensive lineman’s return to the league has hit a speed bump — one that will keep him out for awhile.</p> <p id="JWCVKO"><strong>KNOW THINE ENEMY</strong></p> <p id="ZioFYM"><a href="https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2021/06/10/jordan-love-isnt-pushing-aaron-rodgers-out-the-door-buuuuut-hes-definitely-ready-to-start-week-1/">Jordan Love Isn’t Pushing Aaron Rodgers Out the Door, Buuuuut He’s “Definitely Ready” to Start Week 1 - Bleacher Nation</a> - Jordan Love is ready for the smoke.</p> <p id="hEy2ve"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/06/10/packers-need-to-do-whatever-they-can-to-support-jordan-love/">Packers need to do whatever they can to support Jordan Love - ProFootballTalk</a> - He struggled on Tuesday. He thrived on Wednesday. The Packers need to be sure that the latter happens more often.</p> <p id="Dx29Fl"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/06/10/vikings-like-having-competition-for-cornerback-jobs/">Vikings like having competition for cornerback jobs - ProFootballTalk</a> - Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer called the team’s 2020 defense the worst he ever coached at the end of last season and their attempt to improve it has included several additions at cornerback.</p> <h4 id="yebDDm"><strong>IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON</strong></h4> <p id="0b3adW"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/6/10/22524433/chicago-bears-mailbag-morgan-moses-projecting-offensive-line-allen-robinson-contract-justin-fields">Leming's Bears Mailbag: Morgan Moses, Projecting the offensive line and Allen Robinson’s contract status - Windy City Gridiron</a> - The NFL’s off-season is dying down as teams gear up for their final off-season programs and training camp. Are there still moves the Bears can make to get better? All of those questions and more in this edition of the Windy City Gridiron mailbag.</p> <p id="oQuoIz"><a href="https://www.audacy.com/670thescore/sports/chicago-bears/report-bears-sign-qb-justin-fields-to-rookie-contract">Bears sign QB Justin Fields to rookie contract - 670 The Score</a> - The Bears have signed quarterback Justin Fields to his rookie contract, according to a report. It’s a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth more than $18 million.</p> <p id="b2MKEQ"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/6/10/22526798/chicago-bears-2022-nfl-draft-early-needs-prospects-target-round-2-scouting-reports-david-bell">Infante: 2022 NFL Draft - Early needs and prospects Bears could target in Round 2 - Windy City Gridiron</a> - The Bears have some needs heading into the 2021 season, and these prospects could help fix those needs in the 2022 NFL Draft.</p> <p id="I63Ad5"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/6/10/22463319/chicago-bears-sign-first-round-draft-pick-justin-fields-nfl-draft-rookie-class-teven-jenkins-qb1">Wiltfong: Chicago Bears sign 1st round draft pick Justin Fields - Windy City Gridiron</a> - With Justin Fields locked up, that leaves only 1 rookie left to sign his deal.</p> <p id="C99boE"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/6/10/22527533/chicago-bears-30-day-challenge-historical-bear-kyle-fuller-jaylon-johnson-defense-nfl-2021">Zeglinski: 30-Day Challenge - Historical Bear on current roster - Windy City Gridiron</a> - Every day in the month of June we’ll ask a different Chicago Bears related question to our readers. Make sure you guys participate the entire month so we can all get to know the WCG community a little better.</p> <h4 id="fC7jJK"><strong>THE RULES</strong></h4> <p id="mmwfDg"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/community-guidelines">Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com</a> - 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. </p> <p id="m_-7009616555818998602gmail-DZTCtd"><a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/VMP9859638125?selected=VMP2562840712"><strong>Windy City Gridiron Podcast Channel</strong></a> which includes <em><strong>Bear With Me</strong></em> from Robert Schmitz, <em><strong>Bears Over Beers</strong></em> featuring Jeff Berckes & EJ Snyder, <em><strong>Bears Banter</strong></em> hosted by Bill Zimmerman, <em><strong>Rule of 3</strong></em> with R. Schmitz, Danny Meehan, and Brandon Robinson, and the occasional <em><strong>T Formation Conversation</strong></em> from Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.; EJ also co-hosts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSxLqyVmZ2b8LDNMucX3uw"><em><strong>The Bootleg Football Podcast</strong></em></a> with Brett Kollmann; R. Schmitz has a film breakdown show on YouTube titled <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXAZtZvYznksYB2z5cMDjA"><em><strong>Run Pass Opinion</strong></em></a>; Will Robinson II has his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBRBUx8mG5z1F1r9sN-zxQ"><em><strong>WhiskeyRanger</strong></em></a><strong> </strong>YouTube channel, and <em><strong>Steven’s Streaming</strong></em><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/sjs_illini"><em><strong>Twitch</strong></em></a><em><strong> Channel</strong></em> from Steven Schweickert.</p> <p id="HEMNoz"><strong>Click on our names to follow us on Twitter:</strong><em> </em><a href="https://twitter.com/Gridironborn"><strong>Jeff Berckes</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/OpinionBear"><strong>Patti Curl</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/Eduerrwaechter"><strong>Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/Kev_WCG"><strong>Kev H</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/SamHouseholder"><strong>Sam Householder</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24"><strong>Jacob Infante</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/AaronLemingNFL"><strong>Aaron Lemming</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/WCGBearsDenDude"><strong>Ken Mitchell</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/JackRSalo"><strong>Jack R Salo</strong></a>;<em> </em><a href="https://twitter.com/SJS_illini"><strong>Steven Schweickert</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/readjack"><strong>Jack Silverstein</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/thedraftsmanFB"><strong>EJ Snyder</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/wiltfongjr"><strong>Lester Wiltfong, Jr.</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/WhiskeyRanger29"><strong>Whiskey Ranger</strong></a><em>; </em><a href="https://twitter.com/rschmitz28?lang=en"><strong>Robert </strong></a><a href="https://twitter.com/robertkschmitz"><strong>Schmitz</strong></a>;<em> </em><a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski"><strong>Robert Zeglinski</strong></a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimmermanSXM"><strong>Bill Zimmerman</strong></a>; <em>Like us on </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WindyCityGridiron/?fref=ts"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><em>.</em></p> <p id="46feFL"></p></div>
   
Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to pass the ball during organized team activities at Halas Hall | Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields got paid & his play has been wowing observers all week

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

BEARRRSSSS

The Bears (and NFL) Have a New COVID Battle on Their Hands – Bleacher Nation – It’s not over yet. And the NFL, its teams, players, and coaches, have work to do as it keeps fighting a good fight.

BOOM! Justin Fields and the Bears Have Agreed to Terms on His Rookie Contract – Bleacher Nation – It’s officially official: Justin Fields has reportedly agreed to terms on his rookie deal and is now truly a Chicago Bear.

In Case It Doesn’t Work Out At Head Coach – Da Bears Blog – If the Bears do replace Matt Nagy, and this unlikely with his hand-selected rookie QB, I’d look for an offensive mind to pair with that QB. I put priority on coaches who not only call plays, but have designed offenses. Here is a short list of coaches who could get the job:

Chicago Bears, Matt Nagy benefitting from OTAs, minicamp practices – ChicagoBears.com – Forced to conduct last year’s offseason program entirely on a virtual basis due to COVID-19, the Bears are benefitting from being able to conduct OTA and minicamp practices.

Justin Fields signs rookie contract with Bears; initial first-round QB to agree to deal – NFL.com – The Bears have agreed to terms with Ohio State product Justin Fields on a fully guaranteed, four-year deal worth $18.8 million, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported. Fields’ contract includes an $11 million signing bonus, Pelissero added, and will also

Bears agree to 4-year contract with rookie QB Justin Fields: report – Chicago Sun-Times – Fields’ signing would leave second-rounder Teven Jenkins as the only unsigned rookie from Bears’ 2021 class.

Arkush: Is Damien Williams exactly what the doctor ordered for Bears backfield? – Daily Herald – New No. 2 running back looks like he just might be the perfect fit

Justin Fields: Contract details for Chicago Bears QB – Chicago Tribune – The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with quarterback Justin Fields on his four-year rookie contract, an NFL source said. The contract is for a fully guaranteed $18.872 million with an $11.085 million signing bonus.

Column: Darnell Mooney needs to be Chicago Bears’ No. 2 receiver – Chicago Tribune – The Chicago Bears know what they’re going to get from Allen Robinson, a proven commodity and worthy No. 1 wide receiver. Darnell Mooney has to elevate his play to become a legitimate No. 2 receiver, boost the passing game and make the offense more explosive.

Justin Fields Signs Rookie Deal – On Tap Sports Net – Bears’ first round pick Justin Fields has signed his rookie deal with the team. The four-year deal is fully guaranteed.

Photos from second week of Chicago Bears’ voluntary OTAs – Bears Wire – The Bears continued their second week of voluntary OTAs. Here’s a look at photos from Wednesday’s practice.

POLISH SAUSAGE

NFL announces 2021 preseason schedule dates, times – NFL.com – The NFL announced on Thursday the complete schedule, dates and times for the 2021 preseason.

Former Bears OL Kyle Long’s NFL comeback hits snag – Chicago Sun-Times – Now a member of the Chiefs, Long hurt his knee Wednesday.

College Football’s Playoffs Could Be Getting a Makeover – Bleacher Nation – Some tweaks to college football’s playoff system could be on the horizon.

Chiefs’ Kyle Long suffers leg injury that could keep him out of camp – Arrowhead Pride – The offensive lineman’s return to the league has hit a speed bump — one that will keep him out for awhile.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Jordan Love Isn’t Pushing Aaron Rodgers Out the Door, Buuuuut He’s “Definitely Ready” to Start Week 1 – Bleacher Nation – Jordan Love is ready for the smoke.

Packers need to do whatever they can to support Jordan Love – ProFootballTalk – He struggled on Tuesday. He thrived on Wednesday. The Packers need to be sure that the latter happens more often.

Vikings like having competition for cornerback jobs – ProFootballTalk – Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer called the team’s 2020 defense the worst he ever coached at the end of last season and their attempt to improve it has included several additions at cornerback.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Leming’s Bears Mailbag: Morgan Moses, Projecting the offensive line and Allen Robinson’s contract status – Windy City Gridiron – The NFL’s off-season is dying down as teams gear up for their final off-season programs and training camp. Are there still moves the Bears can make to get better? All of those questions and more in this edition of the Windy City Gridiron mailbag.

Bears sign QB Justin Fields to rookie contract – 670 The Score – The Bears have signed quarterback Justin Fields to his rookie contract, according to a report. It’s a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth more than $18 million.

Infante: 2022 NFL Draft – Early needs and prospects Bears could target in Round 2 – Windy City Gridiron – The Bears have some needs heading into the 2021 season, and these prospects could help fix those needs in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Wiltfong: Chicago Bears sign 1st round draft pick Justin Fields – Windy City Gridiron – With Justin Fields locked up, that leaves only 1 rookie left to sign his deal.

Zeglinski: 30-Day Challenge – Historical Bear on current roster – Windy City Gridiron – Every day in the month of June we’ll ask a different Chicago Bears related question to our readers. Make sure you guys participate the entire month so we can all get to know the WCG community a little better.

THE RULES

Windy 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.

Windy City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bear With Me from Robert Schmitz, Bears Over Beers featuring Jeff Berckes & EJ Snyder, Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Rule of 3 with R. Schmitz, Danny Meehan, and Brandon Robinson, and the occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.; EJ also co-hosts The Bootleg Football Podcast with Brett Kollmann; R. Schmitz has a film breakdown show on YouTube titled Run Pass Opinion; Will Robinson II has his WhiskeyRanger YouTube channel, and Steven’s Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert.

Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Ken Mitchell; Jack R Salo; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Whiskey Ranger; Robert Schmitz; Robert Zeglinski; Bill Zimmerman; Like us on Facebook.