NFL Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Have Wasted Tons of Money

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By @ClydeASpeller

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Getty Images

To say that this season for the Chicago Bears is a disappointment, is a major understatement. Through the first 10 weeks of the 2014 NFL season, the Bears have mustered up only three wins, and are coming off the two worst losses in franchise history. Many thought that Chicago would be right in the thick of things at this point of the season, especially considering all of the money they have shelled out for players who were supposed to have made an immediate, positive impact for the ball club. Unfortunately, it looks like most of that cash is going down the drain.

The biggest hit the Bears’ pocketbook took was when the organization decided to re-sign quarterback Jay Cutler. Right after the end of the 2013 season, Cutler signed a seven-year, $126.7 million contract, with $54 million guaranteed. Other big re-signings after last year include cornerback Tim Jennings who inking a four-year deal worth $22.4 million (guaranteeing him $11.8 million) and wide receiver Brandon Marshall with a three-year, $30 million extension and $23 million guaranteed.

Prior to that, 12-year veteran linebacker Lance Briggs received a one-year extension in 2012, which will give him a total of $5.25 million this season.

As far as the new faces added to Chicago’s roster this year, defensive ends Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston signed deals worth $32 million and $35 million respectively. Allen cashed in with $15.5 million guaranteed, while Houston went to the bank with $15 million of his own.

After looking at the lack of production from the aforementioned players this year, the Bears’ front office apparently hasn’t gotten their money’s worth. Cutler has become one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league, even though he’s only has had one playoff appearance in his nine-year career, and has thrown double-digit interceptions in five of his six seasons in the Windy City (which includes this year).

Jennings has greatly regressed since re-signing with the team. The two-time Pro Bowler had a total of 13 interceptions from 2012-13, and has a goose egg in that category so far this year. As for Marshall, he has been banged up early in the year, but he has been in a slump regardless. Marshall is on pace to finish the season with less than 1,000 yards receiving, which could potentially be for the first time since his rookie year. Furthermore, the nine-year veteran went without a touchdown from Weeks 5-8.

Originally, Briggs’ contract would have been up after the 2013 season, but the extension kept him around. Last year, the seven-time Pro Bowler missed seven games due to injury, and has been sidelined for three so far this year.

Chicago’s two big free-agent signings haven’t come close to meeting expectations. Allen, who has averaged 12.9 sacks per season before joining the Bears, has only 1.5 sacks through eight games. And Houston’s 11 tackles and one sack in eight games played is just a joke.

So technically, it seems that the Bears have invested their money in a quarterback whose play has never come close to his new contract, a cornerback who can no longer find the ball, a receiver who has taken a step back from his consistent production, a linebacker who is old and unable to play a full year, and two defensive ends; one who needs a GPS system to find the quarterback, and another who destroys his knee while celebrating a meaningless sack during one of the worst beatdowns in NFL history.

And these are just a few examples of how the Bears have wasted their money. Don’t even get me started on the coaching staff.

Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller

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