Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Can you give us the rundown of players who are slated to become free agents?
Jon D.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
After the recent signings of Jay Cutler, Tim Jennings, Matt Slauson, Robbie Gould and Tony Fiammetta, there are 25 Bears players who are slated to become free agents: James Anderson, Taylor Boggs, Zack Bowman, Eben Britton, Landon Cohen, Nate Collins, Blake Costanzo, Roberto Garza, Kelvin Hayden, Devin Hester, Patrick Mannelly, Derrick Martin, Henry Melton, Josh McCown, Sherrick McManis, Jordan Palmer, Jeremiah Ratliff, Dante Rosario, Jonathan Scott, Craig Steltz, Charles Tillman, Anthony Walters, D.J. Williams, Corey Wootton and Major Wright.
How many times this season did the Bears defense surrender a touchdown or field goal after the offense scored on the previous possession?
Shawn V.
Machesney Park, Illinois
That's a great question because it seemed to me (like I'm sure it did to you) that the Bears defense frequently gave up points immediately after the offense had scored a touchdown or field goal. Here are a few things I discovered in researching your question: The Bears scored 52 touchdowns in 2013 and followed by allowing 25 scores (21 TDs and four field goals) on their opponents' subsequent possession. The worst example came in a Week 7 loss to the Redskins when the Bears scored five touchdowns but permitted TDs on the next drive all five times. Interestingly, the Bears scored six TDs on defense and one on special teams this season, but followed by yielding opponent TDs on the next possession six of seven times.
Has there been any discussion within the Bears organization about moving linebacker Khaseem Greene back to safety? I'm not saying he can't develop into a good linebacker, but perhaps the Bears can fill their void at safety from within.
Dan H.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
I have not heard any rumblings about moving Khaseem Greene from linebacker back to safety, the position he played his first two seasons at Rutgers. Greene was voted Big East defensive player of the year both in 2011 and 2012 while playing linebacker, and it appears that's where he fits best, especially weighing 241 pounds. I know the Bears said that "everything is on the table" in terms of evaluating their team moving forward, but I would be very surprised if Greene switched positions.
