Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
I saw the news about Chase Daniel signing with the Lions. But I was wondering if you could list all of the Bears free agents who have joined other teams in free agency.
Robert W.
Addison, Illinois
By my count, six Bears free agents have agreed to terms with other teams since the start of the new league year March 18. They include quarterback Chase Daniel (Lions) as you mentioned; defensive tackle Nick Williams (Lions); linebackers Nick Kwiatkoski (Raiders), Leonard Floyd (Rams) and Kevin Pierre-Louis (Redskins); and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Cowboys). The Bears, meanwhile, have—according to media reports—agreed to terms with five of their own free agents and five from other NFL teams. The returning players are defensive end Brent Urban; outside linebacker Isaiah Irving; safeties Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson; and long-snapper Patrick Scales. The five free agents from other teams are tight end Jimmy Graham (Packers); outside linebackers Robert Quinn (Cowboys) and Barkevious Mingo (Texans); cornerback Artie Burns (Steelers); and safety Jordan Lucas (Chiefs). Also according to media reports, the Bears acquired quarterback Nick Foles from the Jaguars in exchange for a fourth-round compensatory draft pick.
With the Nick Foles trade, will this be the first time the Bears will have a Super Bowl MVP on their roster other than Richard Dent?
Bobby R.
Davenport, Iowa
The only player (besides Dent) to appear in a game with the Bears after winning the Super Bowl MVP award to this point has been receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes was named MVP of Super Bowl XLIII after his spectacular 6-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone with :35 remaining lifted the Steelers to a thrilling 27-23 win over the Cardinals to cap the 2008 season. Holmes caught nine passes for 131 yards in the game. He later joined the Bears in 2013, appearing in nine games with two starts, catching eight passes for 67 yards. Linebacker Chuck Howley played two years with the Bears in 1958-59 and was named MVP of Super Bowl V more than a decade later as a member of the Cowboys despite Dallas losing to the Baltimore Colts 16-13 to conclude the 1970 season.
Why didn't the Bears pursue quarterback Cam Newton? It was clear the Panthers were going to part with him as soon as they signed Teddy Bridgewater.
Steven P.
Schaumburg, Illinois
Because of the coronavirus, Halas Hall has been closed and general manager Ryan Pace has not spoken to the media since the Combine. So it's really not known what the Bears thought of Cam Newton and whether they showed any interest in him. With that being said, I think it's reasonable to assume that the reason Newton has not yet joined another NFL team is that he's coming off serious shoulder and foot injuries and—because of COVID-19 precautions—teams are not permitted to conduct physicals with their doctors at their facilities or anywhere else. So no one really knows exactly how healthy he is. And without that vitally important piece of information, it's easy to see why teams are hesitant to sign him and anoint him their starting quarterback.
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