DBAHO Posted March 29, 2004 Share Posted March 29, 2004 From da Cubune, It might be getting more crowded in the Bears' backfield. A league source said the Washington Redskins will trade fullback Bryan Johnson to the Bears on Monday in exchange for a sixth-round draft choice. The Raiders and Bills were the other teams in the running for the hard-nosed Johnson. The Bears initially showed interest in Johnson, a restricted free agent, before the Saints signed him to an offer sheet last week. The Redskins matched the offer Saturday and made arrangements to deal Johnson once his no-trade clause expired Sunday night. Johnson's deal is worth $4.7 million over four years but counts $2.2 million against this year's salary cap. It includes an $800,000 roster bonus due Tuesday and nearly $600,000 in incentives Johnson is unlikely to meet, language included to front-load the deal. New Orleans structured the contract in such a way to discourage the cap-strapped Redskins from matching. But the Redskins did so with the intention of trading Johnson rather than lose him without compensation. The Bears have about $3.7 million remaining under the salary cap. Johnson, 26, played linebacker at Boise State and joined the Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He became a fullback known for his tenacious lead-blocking skills and soft hands out of the backfield—an ideal component in offensive coordinator Terry Shea's scheme. Johnson has carried only three times for 5 yards and has 33 receptions for 314 yards. On the Bears, he would compete with veteran Stanley Pritchett for the starting fullback job. The Bears also have made a contract offer to former Buffalo guard Ruben Brown, who is thought to have narrowed his choices to Chicago and Detroit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted March 29, 2004 Author Share Posted March 29, 2004 Also this rumor from another message board, hmmm Walker on da Bears? According to Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News draft guru on TXCN's Sports Talk, between now and June 30 there will be 20 to 25 starters available as teams make further cuts. One name I suggest you watch for: Kenyatta Walker, offensive tackle for Tampa Bay. The Bucs took Walker (6'5", 302 lbs.) from Florida in the 1st round of the 2001 draft, but he has struggled with pass protection. With their recent signing of Todd Steussie, Walker could be too expensive as a back-up for a team banging their head against the salary cap. The Bucs may not cut Walker, but there could be trade potential there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldmember Posted March 29, 2004 Share Posted March 29, 2004 (edited) here are the player pages on nfl.com: Bryan Johnson Ruben Brown Kenyatta Walker Edited March 29, 2004 by playa hatin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldmember Posted March 29, 2004 Share Posted March 29, 2004 linky from chicagobears.com Bears trade for fullback Johnson By Larry Mayer Senior Writer March 29, 2004 LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Bears continued to bolster their offense Monday by acquiring fullback Bryan Johnson from the Washington Redskins in exchange for a late-round draft pick. General manager Jerry Angelo had targeted Johnson at the outset of free agency, identifying the bruising 6-1, 245-pounder as an ideal fit in coordinator Terry Shea's offense. It appeared that the Bears had lost out on the opportunity to land Johnson, a restricted free agent, when he signed an offer sheet with the New Orleans Saints March 19. But the Redskins matched the offer with the intention of trading him, ensuring they wouldn't lose him without receiving something in return. Johnson originally joined the Redskins in 2000 as an undrafted free agent from Boise State, the same school that produced Bears running back Brock Forsey. Johnson spent the first 15 games of his rookie season on the practice squad before making his NFL debut on special teams in the season finale against Arizona. Johnson has played in all 16 games in each of the past three seasons. He started 12 contests in 2002, leading the Redskins with 21 special teams tackles and catching a career-high 15 passes for 114 yards. He started 11 games last year, catching nine passes for 71 yards and rushing for five yards on two carries. When asked last month about what type of fullback best fits his offensive system, Shea said: "You'd like to find a real tough competitor who can lead block for you when you want to run the football in that style. He would also have to bring some quickness and separation in his ability to run pass routes and catch the football." Johnson is the third offensive starter acquired by the Bears since the beginning of free agency. They signed running back Thomas Jones and right tackle John Tait earlier this month. They've also made a contract offer to free-agent guard Ruben Brown, an eight-time Pro Bowler, who reportedly is deciding between the Bears and Detroit Lions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 They should just start engraving the trophy now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvilJester99 Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 Johnson is a good recieving Full Back and very good special teams player. This isn't a huge deal but it will help, I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldmember Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 They should just start engraving the trophy now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasox24 Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 I also think that this is a solid trade. What would really make me happy though is if Ruben Brown signs with us. Our offensive line would have 4 pro bowl caliber guys on it with Tucker, Kreutz, and Brown as recent pro bowlers, and Tait as a guy who is very close to making the pro bowl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted March 30, 2004 Author Share Posted March 30, 2004 They should just start engraving the trophy now. Yeah, Cowboys 2004 Super Bowl Champs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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