Archuleta Traded to Bears

[Splat]

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10070560

Before Moss is dealt -- and it now looks as if it is only a matter of time before it happens -- one of the next players expected to be traded is Washington's safety Adam Archuleta, who will most likely wind up in Chicago.

Archuleta is expected to be traded for a mid-round conditional pick that could improve for Washington depending on how well the safety performs. The trade would help the Redskins recoup a draft pick in an off season when Washington would like to add as many as possible.

[Freddy G]

Is he going to play LB?

I don't think he fits very well at S in a cover 2....as he can't cover to save his life.

[Splat]

FYI there is more to it if you click the link.

"Smith likely would plan to play Archuleta closer to the line of scrimmage, as a weapon against the run, rather than ask him to be a center fielder against the pass."

[bigbluedefense]

It makes sense. Lovie tried to get him before Washington threw a ridiculous amount of money at him.

He provides depth at SS, which is an integral piece to the Tampa 2 scheme, and he's thick enough to hold the fort as the run stopper of the scheme over the course of the season.

He also had his best years in the Tampa 2 under Lovie Smith.

He could be a poor man's John Lynch, it could work. He didn't work in Washington because Lewis ran Cover 2 opposed to Tampa 2, and they had no pass rush out of their front 4.

This would be an excellent signing for the Bears. Lovie can make Arch work, I guarantee it. If not, then Arch won't work anywhere. But he has potential in Chicago.

[portermvp84]

I'm guessing you wouldn't have to give up too much for him, in all it's worth a shot.

[SFbear]

I was hoping to pick him up if the Redskins were planning on cutting him but Im not so keen about actually giving up a conditional pick for him. I don't know how we would handle his ridiculous contract. I agree that if he is going to work anywhere it is going to be in Chicago under Lovie Smith. But shouldnt that drive his value down to the point where we can get him for pennies and not a midrounder?

[Splat]

I don't know how we would handle his ridiculous contract.

"Before Washington trades Archuleta, it is first trying to restructure the safety's contract so as to soften his salary-cap blow once he is dealt."

[bigbluedefense]

I was hoping to pick him up if the Redskins were planning on cutting him but Im not so keen about actually giving up a conditional pick for him. I don't know how we would handle his ridiculous contract. I agree that if he is going to work anywhere it is going to be in Chicago under Lovie Smith. But shouldnt that drive his value down to the point where we can get him for pennies and not a midrounder?

Thats the thing. With the safety depth in this draft, this move only makes sense if you can sign him after the Redskins cut him. Theres no point in trading for him. Theres plenty of guys in the draft that can be more productive and cheaper than Arch.

[bearsfan_51]

I like it. If it's a conditional pick it'll only be sent if he pans out, which I'd say is about 50-50 right now.

People forget that before he was a one year bust in Washington he was a starting safety in St.Louis in the cover 2 for years. He had his best years under Lovie in St.Louis and should have come to the Bears last year. We need the safety depth if Mike Brown gets hurt so I'm all for it.

[SFbear]

"Before Washington trades Archuleta, it is first trying to restructure the safety's contract so as to soften his salary-cap blow once he is dealt."

Thanks. Missed that before. If he is willing to play special teams he could at the very least be an upgrade to Todd Johnson who we let go in FA. Him returning to form under the tutelage of Lovie Smith is a fun thought. We would have more flexibility in the draft and could hold off drafting a future SS if the value isnt there.

[bsaza2358]

Thats the thing. With the safety depth in this draft, this move only makes sense if you can sign him after the Redskins cut him. Theres no point in trading for him. Theres plenty of guys in the draft that can be more productive and cheaper than Arch.

Very true statement. However, you cannot discount the familiarity factor.
Lovie helped develop Arch into the playmaker he is. He knows exactly what he's getting and how it will fit in his system. Arch didn't play a lot in 2006, so he's also moderately fresh as well. I like the fit because of Lovie's familiarity with Arch. If they can get him at a bargain price, it would probably be a good deal. I would imagine the asking price is not high. Well done, Redskins!

[princefielder28]

FYI there is more to it if you click the link.

"Smith likely would plan to play Archuleta closer to the line of scrimmage, as a weapon against the run, rather than ask him to be a center fielder against the pass."

Which is key b/c that's Archuleta's game and Washington tried to turn him into something he's not.

[KBear]

"Before Washington trades Archuleta, it is first trying to restructure the safety's contract so as to soften his salary-cap blow once he is dealt."

That would only benefit the Redskins. They would have take a cap hit for all of his remaining signing bonus plus his roster bonus, as it stands now, the Bears would only have to worry about his base salary, which I believe is fairly cheap for the next two season. Then they could cut him with out taking a cap hit.

[TACKLE]

Didn't Archeleta play for Lovie when he was with the Rams???

[Geo]

Here's a thought: read the thread before posting in it.

[princefielder28]

Here's a thought: read the thread before posting in it.

That's an interesting concept. :)

[bearsfan_51]

Very true statement. However, you cannot discount the familiarity factor.
Lovie helped develop Arch into the playmaker he is. He knows exactly what he's getting and how it will fit in his system. Arch didn't play a lot in 2006, so he's also moderately fresh as well. I like the fit because of Lovie's familiarity with Arch. If they can get him at a bargain price, it would probably be a good deal. I would imagine the asking price is not high. Well done, Redskins!

Not to mention that despite his faults in coverage, Archuleta has been a very productive safety. He's a great tackler at the line and if used properly can be effective in blitz packages as well.

We really don't run a standard cover 2 because Urlacher drops back so far in coverage on passing downs that we essentially have three safties back there.

[bsaza2358]

Exactly. If you deploy him in a way that fits with your team's scheme, Arch will be a very productive player. He will never be an all-pro, but he will be productive and potentially pro-bowl worthy in his very best years. He's a bottom of the second-tier safety in the NFL. Not a bad place to be, and certainly he is good enough to start for the Bears.

[bearsfan_51]

Exactly. If you deploy him in a way that fits with your team's scheme, Arch will be a very productive player. He will never be an all-pro, but he will be productive and potentially pro-bowl worthy in his very best years. He's a bottom of the second-tier safety in the NFL. Not a bad place to be, and certainly he is good enough to start for the Bears.
Actually he wouldn't start. We just need someone to replace Todd Johnson as our backup SS and serve as insurance in case Mike Brown gets hurt (again).

[bigbluedefense]

Not to mention that despite his faults in coverage, Archuleta has been a very productive safety. He's a great tackler at the line and if used properly can be effective in blitz packages as well.

We really don't run a standard cover 2 because Urlacher drops back so far in coverage on passing downs that we essentially have three safties back there.

Technically thats Tampa 2. I use both terms loosely myself and often say Cover 2 in reference to Tampa 2.

The thing with Arch is, if he does go to Chicago, that puts added pressure on Manning to hold the fort at FS, something he had a little trouble with at the end of the season.

[bsaza2358]

With the pressure the Bears are able to put on the passer, usually rushing only 4, Arch is a good mid-range cover guy and a very good run stuffer. With the upfield pressure from the DLine, some draws and screens can hurt the Cover 2/Tampa 2 D. Power running and good run blocking is also useful agaisnt these schemes. Adding a true run support safety could help the Bears significantly.

[KBear]

The Bears would probably move Brown back to FS where he will probably have a better chance of staying healthy. Manning then could stay at safty or they might move him to CB to help ease the eventual loss of either Tillman or Vasher.

[bsaza2358]

That doesn't really make sense to me. They invested a first day pick and handed the safety job over to Manning last year. That got them to the Super Bowl. While he did wear down a little, moving him or platooning him will only stunt his development. I don't like that course of action at all. To me, the injury-prone Brown could be out or relegated to a reserve role. He is getting older and has not been as effective due to injury.

[KBear]

There was not a lot of competion for him to beat out to get the starting spot. The Bears could still keep him at safty. Brown is often injured, and Archuleta wont last long before he would be a finacial burden for the Bears.

[bsaza2358]

Stunting the growth of a second year player by benching him after an acceptable rookie campaign is really not a good idea. That's something the Redskins would do. The Bears are a better run organization, and I would expect them to keep Manning in the starting lineup. If Arch comes over, I would foresee Brown becoming a reserve or being released or traded.

[bigbluedefense]

Stunting the growth of a second year player by benching him after an acceptable rookie campaign is really not a good idea. That's something the Redskins would do. The Bears are a better run organization, and I would expect them to keep Manning in the starting lineup. If Arch comes over, I would foresee Brown becoming a reserve or being released or traded.

The thing is, Manning was a CB in college, and I honestly thought that CB was his better position coming into the NFL. I think he can make the transition rather easily. Plus his versatility and teaching him how to play both positions can be beneficial in the long haul because it provides more versatility in the back 4 during times of injury.

It can work, he can play both positions. Having a rotation back there is probably ideal. Especially with the possibility of losing one of their underrated CBs, it won't be a bad idea seeing what Manning is made of at the CB position.

[bearsfan_51]

Technically thats Tampa 2. I use both terms loosely myself and often say Cover 2 in reference to Tampa 2.

The thing with Arch is, if he does go to Chicago, that puts added pressure on Manning to hold the fort at FS, something he had a little trouble with at the end of the season.
No I meant cover 2. We only use the cover 2 about 20% of the time. We're often in some sort of hybrid or variable coverage that requires more man coverage from the corners with the linebackers (especially Brian) playing deep.

[bearsfan_51]

Stunting the growth of a second year player by benching him after an acceptable rookie campaign is really not a good idea. That's something the Redskins would do. The Bears are a better run organization, and I would expect them to keep Manning in the starting lineup. If Arch comes over, I would foresee Brown becoming a reserve or being released or traded.
Woah woah woah WOAH!!

Mike Brown will never be a backup on the Bears. Ever. And this is coming from someone that thinks he's slightly overated. He's still leaps and bounds better at SS than Arch would be. He just needs to stay healthy.

[KBear]

Well, the Bears benched Chris Harris, the guy Manning replaced, after a solid rookie year. So it is something the Bears could do.

[bsaza2358]

Woah woah woah WOAH!!

Mike Brown will never be a backup on the Bears. Ever. And this is coming from someone that thinks he's slightly overated. He's still leaps and bounds better at SS than Arch would be. He just needs to stay healthy.

If Brown will never be benched, and dropping Manning out of the FS slot is not an option, why are they willing to take on Archuletta's large contract for him to play a part time role with the team? Signing him after he's cut is one thing. Trading for him to get that horrid contract is completely different. Could you explain that to me?

[bearsfan_51]

Well, the Bears benched Chris Harris, the guy Manning replaced, after a solid rookie year. So it is something the Bears could do.
They could, and it wouldn't suprise me. But you have to remember that Chris Harris was a 6th round pick, Manning was a high 2nd round pick. I think that with Angelo's ego being what it is, and Lovie's preference for starting rookies, that they would find a way to keep Manning in the starting lineup.

That being said, if he continues to struggle I think a move to cornerback is inevitable, and probably for the best for all parties involved. It's not as crazy as some may think, I just think Arch needs to prove himself a little more before we start slotting him in the starting lineup of one of the best defenses in the league.

[bearsfan_51]

If Brown will never be benched, and dropping Manning out of the FS slot is not an option, why are they willing to take on Archuletta's large contract for him to play a part time role with the team? Signing him after he's cut is one thing. Trading for him to get that horrid contract is completely different. Could you explain that to me?
His base salary isn't horrid. It's the signing bonus that is. If he's traded they won't have to pay him any bonus money.

If he's a contibutor the base salary won't matter.

If he stinks they can cut him without any cap charges.

It's a year by year contract in essence.

Plus we need to keep in mind that this is all speculation at this point. We have no idea how the contract specifics will be worked out.

[bsaza2358]

I don't think Manning has done so poorly that he needs replacing. I think he is a very good FS, and he will get better with time and coaching. Again, if Mike Brown is not replacable, why trade for Arch's very high salary for him to play part time?

[KBear]

Archuleta signed for 6 years $30 mil, with $10 mil in guarantees, and most of his base salary was all back loaded. If the Redskins trade him, they will take a cap hit for all of his signing bonus and other remaining guaranteed money yet to be paid out. So his salary will be reasonable for the next couple years, and after which the Bears could cut him and not take a cap hit. So his contract is not that big of a deal for the Bears or who ever might trade for him.

[bsaza2358]

His base salary isn't horrid. It's the signing bonus that is. If he's traded they won't have to pay him any bonus money.

If he's a contibutor the base salary won't matter.

If he stinks they can cut him without any cap charges.

It's a year by year contract in essence.

Plus we need to keep in mind that this is all speculation at this point. We have no idea how the contract specifics will be worked out.

Very true. I foresee the Redskins backloading the contract with bonus money to spread out the cap hit. Either way, they're going to be screwed again for making this move. That always amuses me. I didn't understand why they let Ryan Clark walk for 1/4 of the money they paid Arch, when Clark had a very productive season for them.

Regardless, this is an interesting topic of discussion.

[bsaza2358]

Archuleta signed for 6 years $30 mil, with $10 mil in guarantees, and most of his base salary was all back loaded. If the Redskins trade him, they will take a cap hit for all of his signing bonus and other remaining guaranteed money yet to be paid out. So his salary will be reasonable for the next couple years, and after which the Bears could cut him and not take a cap hit. So his contract is not that big of a deal for the Bears or who ever might trade for him.

I would assume Arch would want some sort of security and would ask the Bears to renegotiate the contract. He wants to get all the guaranteed income that he can. I would assume that the Bears will offer an incentive-laden contract to him.

[KBear]

They could, and it wouldn't suprise me. But you have to remember that Chris Harris was a 6th round pick, Manning was a high 2nd round pick. I think that with Angelo's ego being what it is, and Lovie's preference for starting rookies, that they would find a way to keep Manning in the starting lineup.

That being said, if he continues to struggle I think a move to cornerback is inevitable, and probably for the best for all parties involved. It's not as crazy as some may think, I just think Arch needs to prove himself a little more before we start slotting him in the starting lineup of one of the best defenses in the league.

I was just trying to point out that the Bears would/could do that type of thing.

[KBear]

I would assume Arch would want some sort of security and would ask the Bears to renegotiate the contract. He wants to get all the guaranteed income that he can. I would assume that the Bears will offer an incentive-laden contract to him.

He would still get his, or has already gotten that money from the Redskins. If I'm not mistaken, he got it all when he signed, but the league allows teams to prorate the signing bonus for up to 7 years agaisnt the cap.

[bsaza2358]

There is no job security for Arch if he doesn't get some sort of reworked contract. No one wants to be expendable. I'm certain he will get more guaranteed money or up front money in a contract that works better for the Bears. Of course, this is all based on if there is even a trade...

[bearsfan_51]

I would assume Arch would want some sort of security and would ask the Bears to renegotiate the contract. He wants to get all the guaranteed income that he can. I would assume that the Bears will offer an incentive-laden contract to him.
Arch has already publicly stated, while a member of the Redskins organization, that he wished he would have taken less money and signed with the Bears last year because he felt like the Redskins had no idea what to do with him and he didn't understand in retrospect why they wanted to sign him in the first place (suprise suprise). I would imagine that money won't be much of an issue.

This is actually very similar to the Jeremiah Trotter situation where he got some money from the Redskins, didn't like it there, and come back for less money to an organization that knew more properly how to use him.

[bsaza2358]

Trotter was a little different because a lot of his lack of productivity was due to the bilateral ACL tears he suffered as a member of the Redskins. In his 1 healthy year, he had over 100 tackles, but he wasn't very dominating as a read-and-react player. I do see the point, though. I was confused why Arch went to DC in the first place. While it stunk for him, I always enjoy watching the Skins flounder. This is just another example of their idiocy.

I never said that Arch wouldn't take less money. I said he would want to restructure or rewrite his contract to give himself more guaranteed money. His current contract probably works nicely for the Bears, but he needs to think about his own well-being. Getting a new contract, even for less money, means more up-front cash for him and his family. That kind of deal would probably benefit both sides nicely.

[KBear]

Arch should already have gotten his $10 million in guaranteed money from the Redskins, and if traded to the Bears, the Bears wont have to owe him a dime in guaranteed money, just his base salary. And I dont see the Bears restructering his contract to give him more gauranteed money. As for job secruity, your right. He wont have much with the Bears because they wont owe him gauranteed money, but he should at least last two years, which is longer then he will with the Redskins.

If he wants more job security with the Bears, he would be better off getting cut right now by the Redskins and signing with the Bears.

[SFbear]

This is what I imagine happening if we pick up Arch and he looks like his old self in training camp. On first and second down Arch lines up as the eighth man in the box with the option to blitz while Brown plays the cover 1 FS while our CBs play press coverage. On third and long downs we play in cover 2 zone with D.Manning and Brown(and technically sometimes Urlacher) in the deep zones.

The more I think about it I believe Lovie wants Arch to have a major role in the defense because he has pursued him for three years straight. I don't think we would care if he was jsut going to be depth.

Brown may have lost some speed to play a center fielder in a cover 1 but in my opinion his instincts and ballhawking skills are what make him great and make our other safeties look like chumps when he goes down. We also have flexibility since Brown is great at the line of scrimmage also, just not durable enough to play there all year long.

D.Manning was a SS in college but listed as a CB in the draft because of his measurables. Trying him out at CB is probably a good idea since we won't be keeping both Tillman and Vasher for the future.

[regoob2]

Everyones over thinking this, if we get him he'll be our SS, Brown would play FS, Were already talking about moving manning to corner, he'd be a very good corner for us

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I'd be happy Vernon Fox is much better than him.

[bsaza2358]

Correction, Ghetto. Vernon Fox is a better fit in the Redskins' scheme than Arch. It is very difficult to comapare safeties who play different styles.

[bearsfan_51]

Everyones over thinking this, if we get him he'll be our SS, Brown would play FS, Were already talking about moving manning to corner, he'd be a very good corner for us
Not really. I would say there is maybe a 20-30% chance of that happening.

If Manning was moved to corner he would only play on dime packages, which we only run on prevent situations (namely, he would barely play on defense).

If this move is made it's likely to shore up the depth we've lost and get a better insurance policy for Brown than Chris Harris.

Also, I tend to think deeply on this because I know what I'm talking about when it comes to the Bears.

[regoob2]

If we sign him and everyones healthy Brown would start at FS, Arch at SS, and Manning a back up at FS and corner.

[bearsfan_51]

If we sign him and everyones healthy Brown would start at FS, Arch at SS, and Manning a back up at FS and corner.
That's an opinion. Knowing the Bears organization I would say that is less than likely to happen.

This isn't about what you or I think should happen, it's about what likely would happen, and following enough tendancies that I've seen from the FO and the coaching staff I would say that it is likely not going to be the case.

[regoob2]

What would be the point of signing Arch then?

[21ST]

He sucked in our cover 2 defense but he should do well with the bears because of lovie and he knows the tampa 2

[ChiFan24]

What would be the point of signing Arch then?

Mike Brown has this funny tendency of getting hurt...

[Hurricane Ditka]

I don't think this is a good move. I'd be much more comfortable with letting Manning and Harris develop than expecting Archuleta to perform at a high level.

[regoob2]

Mike Brown has this funny tendency of getting hurt...

why would we give up a pick on a guy who makes 30 mill for depth, if we get him it would be for him to start

[Hurricane Ditka]

why would we give up a pick on a guy who makes 30 mill for depth, if we get him it would be for him to startI don't think he'll be an improvement over Manning, Harris or Brown.

[regoob2]

are you serious? Harris and Manning missed a ton of tackles last year and were non existent in run support

[RaiderNation]

sportscenter just said 6th rounder for him from bears

[liquidswords]

NFL Network confirmed the trade as well.

[regoob2]

confirmed like rumor or confirmed like its official?

[Saints Dome Patrol]

It's official... ESPN's John Clayton reported that the Bears have traded a sixth-round pick to the Redskins for safety Adam Archuleta.

So what do you think?

[bored of education]

Yes, upgrade run support wise.

[SFbear]

Any conditions to the pick? Did Arch restructure his contract?

[SeanTaylorRIP]

As a Redskins fan you have no idea how exciting it is to get an extra 6th rounder.

[bigbluedefense]

Its a good move because they get what they need and basically use a 6th round pick for it.

The problem is, a team with not many holes, they couldve used a draft pick on a safety in this draft. Theres a TON of talented safeties in this draft, and chances are theyd give more production than Arch. Now granted, you'd spend an earlier pick opposed to a 6th on it, but still, you'd get cheaper, younger talent.

I guess you can scratch the Michael Griffin to the Bears ideas.

[Draft King]

I really just don't understand how a team can go from loving this guy so much last offseason and making him the highest paid safety in the league to trading him for a mere 6th round pick. Then again, it is the Redskins.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I really just don't understand how a team can go from loving this guy so much last offseason and making him the highest paid safety in the league to trading him for a mere 6th round pick. Then again, it is the Redskins.

Well he was a 3rd string safety the 2nd half of the year so we had to cut loose ends, bad signing for sure, but better than having him rot on our team doing nothing.

[RexGrossmans-cheesecake]

I think it is a pretty good trade for 6th, considering how bad the run was after Brown got hurt. I just hope he restructures he contract.

[bigbluedefense]

I know its not exactly on topic, but seriously...if Urlacher wants to think he's a big bad MIKE who's the undisputed best in the league, he needs to stop getting bitched against the run. Hit that A gap you overrated assclown.

[niel89]

I know its not exactly on topic, but seriously...if Urlacher wants to think he's a big bad MIKE who's the undisputed best in the league, he needs to stop getting bitched against the run. Hit that A gap you overrated assclown.

OH SNAP!! get um blue

but really i agree after the superbowl

[portis_clinton]

So it's official, Arch will be a probowler next year.

Oh wow, its a CONDITIONAL 6th round pick too.

[etk]

Sounds like a terrific addition for the Bears. I know Archuleta can't cover for his life, but their safeties were very soft in run support in the Super Bowl and they need some depth. Archuleta can bring some hitting and tenacity on situational downs, but I hope they don't plan on using him on 3rd and long.

[toonsterwu]

Overall, as a Bears fan and someone who grew up watching the Skins, this move made sense from both sides. Despite the Redskins hanging on to Archuleta far longer than anyone anticipated, it was clear that, they were simply buying time to restructure and deal. He wasn't going to be around, not after last year when he went and talked to the media about issues in the locker room (Tom Friend - Wootton High School graduate), and by some accounts, didn't make himself any friends in the locker room due to that, and with the coaches. He was a misfit relative to the modified cover 2 that Gregg Williams tried to run. Redskins still need competition at safety, but Archuleta wasn't in the plans and getting something for him makes sense. THis may allow them to add DB depth or OL depth.

For the Bears, it was only a 6th round pick, and Adam goes to a situation where the HC wanted him and knows him. Archuleta provides support at the strong safety spot, and assuming his skills haven't declined (and I don't think it has physically, I just think he was miscast in the role Gregg tried to use him, which may be more of an indictment on Williams pushing for him, as everyone knew Adam's limitations very well). He'll likely get the starting strong safety spot, which puts into play, what happens with Mike Brown. If healthy, Brown could ostensibly move back to FS, buying time for Danieal Manning to learn some more (and ... if they wanted to work Manning some at corner as well, that is a thought). Wouldn't surprise me if Mike got cut either, but I'd lean against that for now.

Relative to the draft, this is probably the first step in Washington making moves. People love to criticize Washington and the draft, but criticizing them for their ability to work the draft isn't really fair. Criticizing them for throwing away draft picks ... now that's fair. But they move to target the guys they want (albeit, their scouting is iffy, not with the scouts, but the decision makers, namely one Vinny Cerato ... and if people read the Jason LaCanfora blog, it further hints at the rumblings all offseason that the Redskins FO will get some shakeup and that the power has somewhat shifted with Vinny Cerato likely having less of a role, which has been rumored all along). Look for Washington to begin talks to slide back, and based on past history, I would expect something to happen before the draft, rather than during the draft. They will likely move back, as they don't have many big needs, but a lot of depth concerns.

For the Bears, this likely removes S from consideration, although I didn't think that was a strong possibility to begin with. With every passing day of Ruben Brown not resigning, I think that increases the chances on OL. As of now, the bet would be on OL and WR/LB. If Briggs gets moved, that would make linebacker a definitive yes.

[niel89]

So it's official, Arch will be a probowler next year.

Oh wow, its a CONDITIONAL 6th round pick too.

yep it could go up to a 5th if he plays good

[KBear]

So much for me saying the Bears wont restructure his contract.

[lurkin012]

who cares hes not that good

[skinzzfan25]

Good trade IMO. Room to gives Springs his money, maybe some room to extend Cooley and we get rid of the million dollar punt protector all in one trade.

I don't even really care about the 6th round pick, that's just to sweeten up the pot.

[regoob2]

hes gonna be a stud with the bears, it wasnt arch that sucked it was the Skins

[BlindSite]

Archuleta was a solid cover 2 safety but he's the highest paid player at his position in the league... Chicago are wasting money imo.

[regoob2]

Were not paying him 30 mill

[Hurricane Ditka]

Archuleta was a solid cover 2 safety but he's the highest paid player at his position in the league... Chicago are wasting money imo.
I'm pretty sure the Bears are going to restructure his deal.

[BUSTKUNTLAWL]

I'm pretty sure the Bears are going to restructure his deal.

His deal is already restructured.

$8.1 over 3 years.

[SFbear]

yep it could go up to a 5th if he plays good

I havent read anything about it being conditional. Its the 6th round pick in this draft, so how could it be upgraded to a fifth round pick by his performance when the season wont have happened yet.

[Hurricane Ditka]

I havent read anything about it being conditional. Its the 6th round pick in this draft, so how could it be upgraded to a fifth round pick by his performance when the season wont have happened yet.Is it a 6th this year or a conditional 6th next year?

[SFbear]

Is it a 6th this year or a conditional 6th next year?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2806226

John Clayton says it is believed to be a 6th round pick this year.

[yourfavestoner]

Were not paying him 30 mill

Not only that, but none of his deal is guaranteed as of right now. The Redskins will be the ones that have to absorb all that guaranteed money. Arch is nothing but a straight salary guy right now.

[Hurricane Ditka]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2806226

John Clayton says it is believed to be a 6th round pick this year.Then why are people saying it's a conditional pick.

[jkpigskin]

dont understand the move.... but archuleta matches the tough defender that the bears have...

[SeanTaylorRIP]

We worked it out so we take a very small cap hit, the move had to be done, I mean he is the highest paid safety in the league and was a 3rd stringer behind Vernon Fox a guy earning the league min, and a grandpa Troy Vincent.

[yourfavestoner]

We worked it out so we take a very small cap hit, the move had to be done, I mean he is the highest paid safety in the league and was a 3rd stringer behind Vernon Fox a guy earning the league min, and a grandpa Troy Vincent.

How exactly did they work it out so there'd be a very small cap hit?

[I'mAHustler]

Why does everyone keep thinking Randy Moss is going to be traded? Didn't the Packers GM explicitly say they haven't even TALKED TO the Raiders?

[SeanTaylorRIP]

How exactly did they work it out so there'd be a very small cap hit?
NFL.com:
"The Washington Redskins have agreed to trade safety Adam Archuleta to the Chicago Bears for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Archuleta restructured his contract to soften the salary-cap hit the Redskins will have to take this season, and now Washington will get back a draft pick for him. Bears coach Lovie Smith was Archuleta's defensive coordinator in St. Louis and has coveted the safety since he took over as Chicago's head coach in January 2004. He finally has gotten his man."

[yourfavestoner]

NFL.com:
"The Washington Redskins have agreed to trade safety Adam Archuleta to the Chicago Bears for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Archuleta restructured his contract to soften the salary-cap hit the Redskins will have to take this season, and now Washington will get back a draft pick for him. Bears coach Lovie Smith was Archuleta's defensive coordinator in St. Louis and has coveted the safety since he took over as Chicago's head coach in January 2004. He finally has gotten his man."

Ah, gotcha. Thanks GS. Sometimes I wish I wasn't such a salary cap nerd....

[regoob2]

the salary cap hit is just gonna be spread out I think?

[yourfavestoner]

the salary cap hit is just gonna be spread out I think?

Under the new CBA, when a player is traded, the remaining amortization on a player's contract is broken up into a cap hit over two years. What Arch did was convert some of that signing bonus back to salary, to make the cap hit easier on the Redskins, making it easier to trade him.

[Geo]

Excellent move by the Bears, I think. They have the cap space to take on Archuleta's base salaries, and he is a proven commodity in Lovie Smith's defense at a vital position that has seen injuries/depth concerns in the last few years. And I'm not crazy about this year's safety class, truth be told, so the acquisition of Archuleta holds greater weight imo.

[bigbluedefense]

Cover 2 sucks waaay too much for us to be talking about it for 4 pages....

[Gotitansfreak10]

i am more attractive than adam archuleta

[Dam8610]

Good insurance policy for Mike Brown, who has had season ending injuries the past 3 seasons.

[Scotty D]

Hard to criticize this trade. Lower salary. Arch has proven and is better than anyone the Bears could have drafted in the sixth round.

[bearsfan_51]

Cover 2 sucks waaay too much for us to be talking about it for 4 pages....
I know it must be hard being a fan of a team with no defense. Maybe if you cheer for the Bears a little nobody will notice.

[TheChampIsHere]

Actually he wouldn't start. We just need someone to replace Todd Johnson as our backup SS and serve as insurance in case Mike Brown gets hurt (again).

Yes and Archuleta is a perfect fit for the role, its a very nice pickup and I would expect Lovie will come up with some creative ways to use him...Maybe put him in at LB on passing downs.

[21ST]

Archuleta was a solid cover 2 safety but he's the highest paid player at his position in the league... Chicago are wasting money imo.

You mean tampa 2 saftey cause the redskins run a cover 2 defense and he sucked in it.

[flave1969]

hes gonna be a stud with the bears, it wasnt arch that sucked it was the Skins

Look the Skins did suck yes, but a stud he is not gonna be. He will be better by association with the fine players around him.

You have to understand Archuleta had lost his starting job in preseason to Pierson Prioleou and got it back because Pierson was injured on the opening kickoff and lost for the season.

Archuleta was exposed so often in coverage it was dreadful. Remember the Dallas game with the crazy field goals. Well Dallas needed a long completion to get in field goal range. Jason Witten who is a fine tight end I admit was past Archuleta so easily he had 5 yards on him in a second. It was then we all finally realised how incomplete he was as a player.

Some facts for you. Archuleta is a safety he is supposed to have some coverage skills.

Six Seasons have brought just 3 forced fumbles and 3 Interceptions. That isnt stud play.

You can look at the tackle stats and sack total and take hope that with such a good D surrounding him he will produce some good things, just dont call him a stud because he simply isn't one.

[bsaza2358]

Here is my take on Archuletta.

* He is an excellent in-the-box safety who can help stuff the run and cover some shorter and intermediate routes. He tackles excellently and can bring the hammer when necessary. He doesn't overpursue rushing routes and is effective on the blitz. He wraps up well and doesn't go for the big show hit. He uses good communication to make reads and make plays.

* He has limitations in overall agility and in coverage. He can get lost on an island. Does not turn and run well. Does not chase down guys from behind well. Can keep plays in front of him at the expense of completions. He is not a worldbeater in coverage, but he can do some things in a structured system.

Archuletta is a younger, slightly faster, worse in coverage version of John Lynch. Lynch has played the SS in that system in TB, and Arch can do the same.

[bsaza2358]

Overall, Archuletta is not going to give you INT's or pass breakups or great CF coverage. He CAN cover, but it is not his forte. Because it's not his strength, you have to surround him with superior pass rushing, good cover corners, and solid FS help. The Bears have all of it. Archuletta will fit in well there, and he can come out on Dime/Quarter coverage for faster coverage guys.

[bigbluedefense]

I know it must be hard being a fan of a team with no defense. Maybe if you cheer for the Bears a little nobody will notice.

We'll be back with a VENGENCE this year!!!!!




http://www.witzbild.de/data/thumbnails/7/sad_smiley.jpg


and anyway...
http://www.pdl.cmu.edu/Retreat/Images/event/talktothehand.jpg

When we played the Colts when healthy, we gave up less points and less rushing yards than the Bears, who managed to give up 200 yards rushing in I believe 31 carries. Way to hit that A Gap Urlacher....

[portermvp84]

IMO it will improve the Bears D by a little.

[regoob2]

When we played the Colts when healthy, we gave up less points and less rushing yards than the Bears, who managed to give up 200 yards rushing in I believe 31 carries. Way to hit that A Gap Urlacher....[/QUOTE]

we didnt play the colts healthy, we were down 2 pro bowlers, do the giants even have to pro bowlers on D. I guess if u dont have um u cant lose um

[Splat]

IMO it will improve the Bears D by a little.

The Bears D being better even by a little is scare for the NFC.

[bearsfan_51]

We'll be back with a VENGENCE this year!!!!!




http://www.witzbild.de/data/thumbnails/7/sad_smiley.jpg


and anyway...
http://www.pdl.cmu.edu/Retreat/Images/event/talktothehand.jpg

When we played the Colts when healthy, we gave up less points and less rushing yards than the Bears, who managed to give up 200 yards rushing in I believe 31 carries. Way to hit that A Gap Urlacher....
Ooooohh...the ol' "my team played better against X team than your team did" defense. I can tell that struck a nerve cause now you're getting desperate!!

How about when we actually played head to head in the regular season and Sexy Rexy Grossman stormed into the Meadowlands and made your measly secondary his ******!?!?!

[bearsfan_51]

By the way, the buzz from the Chicago media is that this could potentially spell the end of Mike Brown in Chicago. There are rumors that they feel he might not be ready to go by TC and that he can't be relied upon to stay healthy fulltime. Supposedly they may ask him to restructure his deal, which is already insanely cheap in this market, and if they do so I'll think he'll refuse and force their hand.

I personally would rather just pay him 2.5 mil this year and take the chance that he would contribute nothing than cut him and see him tear **** up with a new contract on another team.

But they may know something I don't if all these rumors are true.

[21ST]

The Bears D being better even by a little is scare for the NFC.

Well my skins have not had a problem with the bears the last couple of times we played them, especially running the ball. They couldnt stop portis at all. The bears are very good, but they are also very beatable.

[bsaza2358]

Yeah, that 9-7 "drubbing" in 2005 really showed the Bears...

[21ST]

Yeah, that 9-7 "drubbing" in 2005 really showed the Bears...

How many rushing yards did portis have

[bsaza2358]

It was Week 1, the Redskins' OLine was dominant that year, and the Bears hadn't really gelled on D yet. It was also a home game for the Skins. 9-7 in Week 1 at home in 2006 and a lot of rushing yards = a tough, hard-fought win and no proof of anything relevant.

[21ST]

It was Week 1, the Redskins' OLine was dominant that year, and the Bears hadn't really gelled on D yet. It was also a home game for the Skins. 9-7 in Week 1 at home in 2006 and a lot of rushing yards = a tough, hard-fought win and no proof of anything relevant.

We ran all over the bears the last 2 times we played them and that offensive line aint never been dominant.

[bearsfan_51]

Well my skins have not had a problem with the bears the last couple of times we played them, especially running the ball. They couldnt stop portis at all. The bears are very good, but they are also very beatable.

Hahaha...we haven't played you since we've been good brainlord. The last time we played was Kyle Orton's first game starting and we held you to 9 points.

Rest assured, when we play you this year we'll whipe the floor with your asses. I'm not even here to talk trash about some team I don't care about, but you're out of your damn mind if you think the Bears and the Skins are on the same level.

[lurkin012]

Hahaha...we haven't played you since we've been good brainlord. The last time we played was Kyle Orton's first game starting and we held you to 9 points.

Rest assured, when we play you this year we'll whipe the floor with your asses. I'm not even here to talk trash about some team I don't care about, but you're out of your damn mind if you think the Bears and the Skins are on the same level.

yes he is rit the bears ar better. Redskins suck! LOL ROFL

[bigbluedefense]

Ooooohh...the ol' "my team played better against X team than your team did" defense. I can tell that struck a nerve cause now you're getting desperate!!

How about when we actually played head to head in the regular season and Sexy Rexy Grossman stormed into the Meadowlands and made your measly secondary his ******!?!?!

Eh, I thought the sad koolaid picture was a sign that I was being sarcastic.

Yes, it pains me to accept the fact that the Giants, who are historically a very proud defensive team, were a joke of a defense this year. Heck, under Tim Lewis we've been a joke his whole tenior.

Maybe I should change my name to bigblueoffense....

[zjstratton]

the bears totally got the better end of the deal, only giving up a 6th round pick. the redskins probably could of got a fourth if they would have tried.

[KBear]

The bears are very good, but they are also very beatable.

And here I thought that was obvious after the Super Bowl.

[21ST]

Hahaha...we haven't played you since we've been good brainlord. The last time we played was Kyle Orton's first game starting and we held you to 9 points.

Rest assured, when we play you this year we'll whipe the floor with your asses. I'm not even here to talk trash about some team I don't care about, but you're out of your damn mind if you think the Bears and the Skins are on the same level.

I never said they were on the same level im just sayin there are a bunch of teams in the NFC that can beat them.

[Bearsfan123]

ill settle this dispute. Any Given Sunday. Wow. Hard concept nay?

We all need to remember that any given sunday any team can beat any other team.

[regoob2]

I was about to say that

[Splat]

Based on what newly acquired safety Adam Archuleta has been told by the Bears, he has been given Mike Brown's job. Which means that Brown, a Pro Bowler in 2005, will either be cut or moved back to free safety.
-- Daily Herald