During the press conference introducing new Bears defenders Lamarr Houston and Ryan Mundy, general manager Phil Emery addressed a number of topics pertaining to his team’s offseason plans (many of which were tweeted out by the Chicago Tribune’s Rich Campbell). Emery talked about the defensive end position, saying the team was “going to be patient and see how it all works out.” The general manager also touched on the team’s former defensive end, Julius Peppers, who was cut by the Bears yesterday. Emery said that Peppers was not designated as a post-June 1st cut, which means he’ll count for $8.4MM in dead money this season but would be off the books the following year.
More from Campbell, Brad Briggs of the Chicago Tribune and Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times…
- Emery said there’s a good chance that tight end Dante Rosario would return, stating “We like Dante.” Rosario was released by the team earlier this week.
- For their number-two running back, Emery seeks a player who can specifically pass protect.
- In regards to cornerback, the general manager makes it sound like the team will address the position through the draft. “The draft has a lot more depth than what’s available in the free agent class,” Emery said.
- The team will also look towards the draft for a quarterback, but Campbell adds that they may also sign someone for the position. Former Bears’ quarterback Josh McCown signed with the Buccaneers earlier today.
- Talking about free agent cornerback Charles Tillman, Emery said “it’s an ongoing conversation.”
- The Bears brought safety Cody Grimm in for a workout, tweets Biggs.
- The Bears never presented McCown with an offer, and Biggs (via Twitter) says the team never would have matched the Buccaneers’ offer.
- According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times (via Twitter), Mundy had a two-year offer from the Giants to stay put but chose to go to the Bears instead.