Khalil Mack back to the Chicago Bears - realistic or bad idea?

Summary

Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast

Host: 312 Sports | Episode: "Khalil Mack back to the Chicago Bears – realistic or bad idea?"

Date: February 23, 2026

Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola

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Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Chicago Bears offseason priorities, the NFL Combine, the future at left tackle, and the free agent landscape—especially regarding aging pass rusher Khalil Mack’s potential return to Chicago. Bernstein and Abbatacola bring their typical blend of sharp analysis and Bears fandom, touching on draft prospects, needs, and larger themes like mental health within the Bears fan community.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The NFL Combine and Bears’ Offseason Priorities

[03:15–07:26]

• The hosts set the scene in Indianapolis, joking about St. Elmo’s Steakhouse and the social intricacies of the Combine.
• Emphasize the Combine’s significance for the Bears, especially in back-to-back draft successes.
• Stress the need to target players who can make an immediate impact—“not three years from now.”
• The “Bears brain trust” (brainstorm on who’d be best as house chef on a sitcom-like retreat).

"[I want them to go in with a plan...Know what you want and how you want to do it. What your—what part of this the draft is going to be, and plan it accordingly.]" — Dan Bernstein [06:31]

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2. Draft Prospects and Needs

[07:26–11:19]

• Review of the latest mock drafts:
  • Names linked to the Bears at the 25th pick: Kaden McDonald (DT), Zion Young (Edge), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Safety, Toledo), and others.
  • Special praise for McNeil-Warren, noted for his under-the-radar potential due to playing in the MAC.
• Top defensive priorities: Edge rusher, defensive tackle, safety, and a possible left tackle.

"[I have not done a ton of research yet...I am really looking forward to seeing who looks good and who's running what. But as unsexy as it may be, let's not lose sight of the most important aspect of the combine—it's the medicals. That's it.]" — Dan Bernstein [08:55]

• Uncertainty about the left tackle position; concern regarding Isaac Tripillo’s injury situation.

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3. Free Agency Landscape & Bears’ Options

[11:45–20:04]

• Overview of Pro Football Talk’s Top 100 NFL Free Agents.
• The top three Bears in the Top 100: Nishan Wright (CB, #33), Jaquan Brisker (S, #41), Kevin Byard (S, #53).
• Market for offensive tackles is described as “not great,” underscoring the Bears’ left tackle dilemma.
• Safety market: Cameron Curl discussed as a possibility.

Khalil Mack Discussion

[14:35–21:13]

• Bernstein floats the idea of a Khalil Mack reunion for the right price.
• Abbatacola’s inner fan emerges, recounting seeing Mack's Bears debut live.
• Weighing nostalgia and practical football sense:
  • Is Mack, at 35, a viable rotational piece on a moderate 1-year deal?

"[It's usually a bad idea for somebody on whom you are counting to be a full time player close to the peak of his abilities. If I'm being honest...for a 35 year old Khalil Mack, it's to be pretty good and that's what I want to pay that.]" — Dan Bernstein [16:36]

• The consensus: A reunion could make sense if Mack is a rotational pass rusher, brings a leadership presence, and the deal is inexpensive.

"[And I would love to bet on—an inexpensive being the key—an inexpensive late career bump from him just because I trust how hard he's going to work, the example that he's going to set.]" — Dan Bernstein [17:31]

• Importance of Mack’s strength-based game versus declining speed (compare to Richard Dent’s later years).
• If the Chargers aren’t intent on keeping him, the Bears could make an appealing offer—playing time, familiarity, and chance at a playoff run.

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4. The Bears’ Backfield & Running Back Free Agents

[22:13–27:16]

• Comparing Javonte Williams’ new deal with DeAndre Swift’s situation.
  • Swift: $8.8 million cap hit; potential for restructuring.
  • Williams: three years, $24 million, $16M guaranteed.
• Bears must decide if Kyle Menungai is a future lead back or if further reinforcements are needed.
• List of free agent backs: Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, Rashad White, and Tyler Allgeier among those discussed, but most seem unlikely or not cost-effective.

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5. Community Section: Mental Health, Loss, and Building Connection

[28:08–35:18]

• Somber note: Addressing the suicide of Vikings WR Rondale Moore—use this tragedy to talk openly about mental health.
• Emphasize the importance of the 312 Sports “community,” not just “listeners.”
• Encouragement for community members (especially men) to talk about both mental and physical health struggles.

"[Just being able to have someone to talk to can really make a difference.]" — Matt Abbatacola [31:15]

• Promotion of resources, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and Chicago-based Rebecca's Dream foundation.
• A call to check in on friends and broaden circles of care.

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6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Funniest Banter: Imagining Bears Executives in a Sitcom House

"[It'd be cool if they all just rent a house together...the sitcom music plays and they're all just, you know, they come…" — Dan Bernstein [04:49]
(With an extended joke about who’d be house cook: George in an apron making French toast.)

On the Shrimp Cocktail at St. Elmo's

"[You're in the middle of Indiana. It's not like they're going out of their backyard and harvesting shrimp right there.]" — Matt Abbatacola [03:15]

Classic Music Side-Bar: Who Knew Jay Zawaski Joined Three Dog Night?

• Extended riff on a concert mailer, blending nostalgia and inside jokes about their colleague’s music career.
• "[It is Jay Zawaski. What in the hell? When did Jay Zawaski join?]" — Matt Abbatacola [36:29]

Carpool Memories

• Bernstein recalls carpooling as a kid with Neil Diamond or Barry Manilow 8-tracks, correlating music with memories of parents’ big Buicks and Monte Carlos. [40:06–41:29]

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Key Timestamps

| Time | Segment / Topic | |--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:47–03:15 | Combine talk & “shrimp in Indiana” riff | | 03:15–07:26 | Bears’ Combine approach & playoff-impactful picks | | 07:26–11:19 | Draft prospects, medicals, mock drafts, left tackle worries | | 11:45–14:35 | Free agent Top 100, Bears FAs, and offensive tackle outlook | | 14:35–21:13 | Khalil Mack return? Deep dive on veteran edge market | | 22:13–27:16 | Backfield: DeAndre Swift, Kyle Menungai, RB free agents | | 28:08–35:18 | Mental health, tragedy of Rondale Moore, community support | | 36:07–41:00 | Three Dog Night, Jay Zawaski, music & carpool nostalgia |

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Takeaways for Bears Fans

• Priority #1: The Bears are intensely focused on maximizing this draft and immediate contributions.
• At left tackle and edge rusher, no in-house answers—both draft and free agency must be considered.
• Khalil Mack’s return isn’t just nostalgia—it could make tactical sense if the deal, and role, are right.
• The 312 Sports podcast is fostering a supportive, mental-health-conscious Bears community—listeners are encouraged to reach out when struggling.
• Even as they break down the Xs and Os, Dan and Matt never lose sight of the bigger picture: football is about connection, shared emotion, and occasionally finding out your old radio buddy is moonlighting in classic rock bands.

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Resources Mentioned

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
• Rebecca’s Dream (Chicago mental health foundation): rebeccasdream.org

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For Further Discussion

• More on the new Bears stadium situation available on the Dan Bernstein Unfiltered podcast & YouTube channel.
• Next episode: Additional free agency and draft previews, plus more mailbag from the 312 Sports community.

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Transcript

[A]

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I mean, if you're a Bears fan,

[B]

you're thinking Forward progress.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

10.

[A]

219, 219. Forward progress a Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matabeticola on 312 Sports.

[B]

Let's talk some football. Chicago Bears variety and NFL variety here on forward progress. A 312 Sports Chicago Bears podcast. Dan Bernstein, Matt Abaticola they are descending on Indianapolis, one place where Indiana and the Bears can be in the news without being silly or stupid. And it is time for once again, we will be hearing about all of the MRIs, the medicals, the drills, the results, the various teams of executives marching around and muttering to themselves, the interviews and what is it? St. Elmo's Steakhouse and their supposedly famous shrimp cocktail and which coaches are reserving which bottles of wine trying to keep them away from other coaches.

[A]

Have you, have you ever been there?

[B]

I've not. And it's fine because I used to kind of want to. I've been to other independent steakhouses. You know, you get to the back of the the Airplane magazine and you'd see the ad for like independently owned steakhouses. I can go to all these. I'm over it now I just. The moment I saw them now sponsoring, like, a halftime horseradish eating contest brought to you by St. Elbows Steakhouse. Like, I'm. I'm good.

[A]

No, man, I like shrimp cocktail. I've. I've had really good shrimp cocktail. I've made really good shrimp cocktail at home. But it's not like a. It's. I'm not going to go to a steakhouse specifically to have shrimp cocktail.

[B]

You're also in the. In the middle of Indiana. It's not like they're going out of their backyard and harvesting shrimp right there.

[A]

Well, unless it's near the new Bears complex.

[B]

You know what I mean, though?

[A]

Like.

[B]

Like, I get it. If it's like, hey, when I was in Alaska, that was in. They said this is fresh salmon and it's coming right out of that river over there. You're going to want to get this salmon. Like, absolutely. Right.

[A]

You're in the Northeast and it's like, oh, you want to have some lobster? You're probably in a good spot to get some good lobster, Right?

[B]

I don't. I'm not going to Indianapolis to have shrimp. It comes in some box of frozen stuff and.

[A]

Yeah. Something about Indiana shrimp I'm not. I'm unaware of.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, egg, Remember?

[A]

Local specialty.

[B]

Local specialty. Oh, hey, you know, you know, when you're in Bourbon a. Do not miss the eggs. They're great. Especially the hotel eggs there. They're the local specialty.

[A]

Yeah. Well, anyway, the NFL combine taking place, and it. It's obviously a big. It's always a big year for the Bears, but this year in particular, with what we've talked about, with what they were able to accomplish in their draft class and, you know, if they're able to duplicate what they did in the rookie draft class of 2026 with what they did in 2025 would be significant, which is why we've talked about not trading these picks and using these picks to bring in guys that are going to impact this upcoming season. Not three years from now.

[B]

Right now, this year. Right. And the most important thing to me, this is what I think needs to be really clear as. As they get their bags and they head to their hotels, whatever they're going to do, maybe they all get a house. That'd be cool if they all. They all just rent a house together and it's like, score house, where they have the whole Bears brain trust living there. You know, the sitcom music plays and they're all just, you know, they come.

[A]

So who'd be there you'd have Kevin, George, Ben, Ryan Poles. Ryan Poles. You have Dennis Allen, Jeff.

[B]

Jeff King. Man. Jeff King's excited to be there. Yeah, he's got the better room this year. He's got the King size bed now. Because he's Jeff King, if yet.

[A]

Okay, so one of those guys is like the house cook. Who would that be, do you think?

[B]

It's probably Dennis Allen, but begrudgingly, because he did it in the army or something.

[A]

I was thinking George maybe. I think George. I think George would love to put apron on.

[B]

And one of my famous French toast.

[A]

Yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking. Yeah. Recipes.

[B]

Yeah. He's known for his famous French toast. But in all seriousness, this, though, go to Ben Johnson and say, what do you need? You're the head coach of the Bears. I want to know what are we looking at? And we will take. If I'm Ryan polls and all of my scouts, all my peeps, I'm. I'm taking my marching orders from you because communicating needs is the essence of making this all work. Right. I don't want to say, well, Scott, everybody see who's good? Set your board. No, no, no, no, no. I want them to go in with a plan to say, we need edge or we need defensive tackles. We need a left tackle because we don't think that Ozzy Tripillo is coming back. And we don't like Benedict and we don't like Braxton Jones, whatever it may be. Or if Ben wants to say, talk to Da. Last year was my draft. This year, I don't know anything about defense. Go to Dennis, and Dennis is going to order off whatever menu he's got there. And Dennis would be like, you know what? I'd really like another versatile linebacker who we can move around a little bit. We definitely are going to need another safety, no matter who we resign. And I need a tackle and I need an edge. Know what you want and how you want to do it, what your. What part of this the draft is going to be, and plan it accordingly. And if that's. If it's. If Dennis Allen wants it. Really, you're letting me do this? If you. Here's my wish list. Here it is. Go. Tell me what we got. Where are we? Deep. What can I get?

[A]

Yeah, it's interesting. Along those lines, some more mock drafts have come out. I've been trying to track these as we. As they come out and go through on different websites. Gennaro Felice on NFL.com released his first mock draft, and he has the Bears at 25, taking Kaden McDonald's.

[B]

I'm seeing a lot of your Toledo kid, the safety, Emmanuel McNeil. Warren. Warren McNeil.

[A]

Yeah. I want to bring him up in a second here. Blake Brockenmeier, his first draft. He has Zion Young at the Bears, which of course Matt Miller likes. But yeah, I wanted to bring up Emmanuel McNeil Warren only because Bucky Brooks on NFL.com wrote a little. Had a little extra piece on Emanuel McNeil Warren talking about how he might be one of. He might actually be the best safety in the draft. That's actually what he said. I know they're talking about the kid out of Ohio State, Caleb Downs, but he might be a little under appreciated because of the fact he went to Toledo and looking at the competition in the Mac. But he's talking about he has the ability and the size to be a playmaker, to get after the ball, but also to, to play run to. To play against the run a bit. So he wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being the best safety in this draft class. And so I wanted to highlight that only because his name keeps coming up more. And we saw his name associated with one of the mock drafts for the Bears. Emanuel McNeil, Warren, safety, senior out of Toledo, that is.

[B]

That and Zion Young are the two names that I've seen the most that have been jumping out at me, but I have not done a ton of research yet. I am really looking forward to seeing who looks good and who's running what. But as unsexy as it may be, let's not lose sight of the most important aspect of the combine. And that's the medicals. That's it. That, that is you. You've got to get a clean bill of health. You have to know exactly if there is any issue exactly where what you're getting and what your plan is for what you're getting. It doesn't mean you have to draft guys that all have a pristine history without any injury whatsoever. It means. You better know. It means there's none of these Bo Nicks type of surprises like we had with Sean Pay. Like, I, I didn't know you had that many surgeries as a kid. This is your opportunity for no excuses when it comes to the, the resources that you're bringing into the organization.

[A]

Yeah. And so the, the five names I've seen the most so far in these mock drafts. And again, that's just all they are. But Zion Young, Caden McDonald, Emmanuel McNeil, Warren Bain, the. What is he a linebacker Edge out of Miami.

[B]

Yeah, I've seen. I've seen both of the names out of Miami.

[A]

And then Dylan again is named the safety from Oregon out of its Thynaman or Thynman. I've seen. So those are. Those are the five names I've seen the most in these mock drafts at 25 for the Bears. So you have an edge, a tackle, two safeties and an edge linebacker hybrid guy.

[B]

I'm good with anything defensive in this draft. I think last year was the offense drive. I'm just guessing. I'm broad brush presuming here that that was Ben coming smashing his way into the saloon. And this is. I'm laying it down right now. This is, this is what we're doing here. This is how things are being hand. There's a new sheriff in town. And then this year might be all right. Now we got to look at all of this. We've got a year into this roster. We got a better understanding of the, of how we want to play. And our defense was our downfall.

[A]

Yep. Yeah. And I'm still curious. I'm not going to let it go. What they're going to do at left tackle. I want to know what the plan is for left tackle.

[B]

I don't think they know. I don't.

[A]

I mean. Well, you know, Isaac Tripillo won't be ready for the start of the season.

[B]

No, he may not be ready at all. He may be done.

[A]

He may not play the upcoming season. So I want to know what the, what the plan is at left tackle, what, what their thought process is, if that's something they want to address in free agency or if they're going to try to address it in the draft because they, they don't have it in house right now. They. They just don't. And they showed you that in their last playoff game.

[B]

Speaking of free agency, I thought we would take a look here at the NFL top 100 free age set by Pro Football Talk.

[A]

Okay, so the top 100 NFL free agents.

[B]

Right. And before we get into the actual names here and see where the Bears might be able to find somebody here, and I will tell you that offensive tackle is not great. Who do you think? I will tell you there are three bears in the top 100. Can you name them and some idea of where they are? Who do you think is the very first Bears free agent listed on their top 100?

[A]

I'm going to go with not who I would rank in order, like 1, 2, 3 in order, but I'm going to say what they have. I'll say Nishan Wright.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Nishan Wright. Bears cornerback Nishan wright is ranked 33rd. Jaquan Brisker, Bears safety is 41st.

[A]

And then Kevin Byard at 53. Okay.

[B]

And then there's just a lot of other various familiar names at various stages of aging and effectiveness and all the ranges they're in. Number one is George Pickens of the Cowboys. Daniel Jones is second. Raven center Tyler Linderbaum is third. Jags linebacker Devin Lloyd, then Trey Hendrickson, then Kyle Pitts. Rounding out the top 10 is Colts receiver Alec Pierce, Chiefs corner Jalen Watson, jets running back Breeze hall, and Packers QB Malik Willis. And now you say, where's the first tackle? Offensively it is packers tackle Sheed Walker, then it's the Colts Braden Smith. You notice that there's no Braxton Jones anywhere on this entire list?

[A]

Well, I mean, rightfully so. I mean, I think his, his free agency outlook was impacted by what the Bears did.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

I mean, I think that's all you need to see if you're, if you're an organization.

[B]

Every shot. Yeah, every shot at that job. And I will say what's interesting here is one of the free safety names that's been linked to the Bears is one that was on our televisions as their season ended. Rams safety Cameron Curl. And he is directly behind jaquan brisker. They're 41 and 42. Brisker and curl.

[A]

Okay. Yeah, because that's a name that I've seen associated with the Bears free agent market is Cam Curl.

[B]

Yep, yep. There is. There is one that's a little intriguing here.

[A]

Who's that?

[B]

That for the right price, I would bring Khalil Mack back.

[A]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game? Well, with a name your price tool from Progressive, you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try [e-mail], progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Price and coverage match limited by state law. Not available in all states. Okay. All right, well, let's talk about that because I, I wanted to. Actually, I wanted to talk about that with you about edge rushers, because I read a nice piece from BE Solak on espn and he kind of says the opening paragraph, it's, it's a good year to need an edge rusher, but it's a bad year if you want an elite dude. Unless you're willing to part with like two first round picks for Max Crosby. So he obviously has Trey Hendrickson as, as the best available edge rusher. Looking at anywhere from 21 to 25 million per year on a two year deal. On the very high end, a three year, $99 million deal. I just don't know if I want to pay that kind of money. There's another guy who, he brought up, Joey Bosa, who I am not at all interested in. I'm just, I'm not at all interested. But Khalil Mack is a guy I wanted to ask you about. If that is legitimate in my brain or is this me being the super fan, Bears fan. Loved Khalil Mack in a Bears uniform. My only time at Lambeau was his first game in a Bears uniform.

[B]

Oh. So yeah, there's some.

[A]

So it's, it's in my brain and I saw it with my own eyes.

[B]

I get it.

[A]

So am I being realistic or you know, because they're looking at him as a what, what the projections are on a one year deal, 14 million guaranteed and he's projected at around 50 pressures and around eight sacks. It is that realistic for me to desire that or am I just being the super fan and that's not the smart thing to do.

[B]

It's usually a bad idea for somebody on whom you are counting to be a full time player close to the peak of his abilities. If I'm being really honest about my expectations for a 35 year old Khalil Mack, it's to be pretty good and that's what I want to pay that. I think it's possible that you could get a reasonable deal for whatever he is now. And I just trust his availability. I trust how he stays in shape and the fact that you know that even he's so talented that I would think a even eroded Khalil Mack from his best. He's got like you say somebody lost a step. Some people have more steps to lose than others.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I would love to bet on an inexpensive being the key, an inexpensive late career bump from him just because I trust how hard he's going to work, the example that he's going to set. I don't even know if, if, if DA would think that he's an ideal fit for what they do.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But I know what he can do and I've seen it not work generally, you know that this, this, that I'm against this. It would have to be very, very, very special player. And part of it is this too is because when it's Richard Dent who I saw come back at this age and be bad. He was all speed. He was all that, you know, the the, the being able to run at an angle and be close to the ground. That Mac is speed and strength.

[A]

Yeah, he is.

[B]

And strength doesn't age as poorly as speed. So I think he's, and he's just his, his leverage, his sort of, his jiu jitsu and his understanding of using somebody's strength and size and angles against them is so advanced that I would be willing to bet on him staving off the inevitable to a relatively effective degree. Yeah.

[A]

I think at a, at a 12 to 14 million dollars contract now, fully guaranteed, that seems pretty reasonable for me. For a guy who's going to be part of a rotation now, I don't think you can't have him as a, as one of your two main guys. And I think if they're going to take the approach of looking at a room of edge rushers to rotate through with Montez Sweat and with Booker, and if you're able, and if Mack would want to come back and he desires that, to have a chance to win a championship and compete for something in the nfc. And then you still have Odengo too, under contract. I mean, like, you know, and not, not that I'm thrilled about that because I didn't see much of anything last season before the injury, but if you're looking at a rotation of guys and you're not needing Mac to be out there as a full time player, but part of a rotation and maybe they swap sides around, maybe they do things where you can move, sweat inside and put Mack on the left. You got Booker on the right and have Mac on the left sometimes and Mac is out. Like there's different things you can do. Like, would you be comfortable with that? Because to me, I, I'm not opposed to seeing an opportunity to bring Mack back for one year.

[B]

Me either. And I don't. I'd love him in the room. Just, just him being there along.

[A]

Along with a draft pick.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

As well as you have. Yes. And you're gonna, you're gonna replace Andrew Billings with another body. I wouldn't, I wouldn't be opposed to it. As, as opposed to going out and trying to get Trey Hendrickson here at a two year deal worth 50 million.

[B]

No, no, that, that kind of money's insane. The only reason I'm talking about, the reason why Mac changes my thinking regarding something like this is because I do think that you don't have. You might not have to overpay. If, in fact he did enjoy his time here, if in fact he liked living here, if in fact he does really think the Bears are close to winning something that he could pick his spots a little bit and, and, and say, hey, now, where do you see yourself in this game? What matchup do you want? When do you want to be out there? What side do you want to be on? You want your hand on the ground or not? And let him have a little agency in it, a little bit of control, you may be able to offer him some things that, that are beyond money.

[A]

Yeah. So. Okay, so that's why I wanted to ask you, like, am I, am I being a fan or am I being realistic with the possibility of it?

[B]

I think, look, you know, that I try to not be too, you know, fanboy led when it comes to my Bears decision. So, yeah, I brought it up.

[A]

Yes, we'll have to see if, if he wants to stay with the Chargers because I think the Chargers are going to make an attempt to bring him back for one more year or if he would be willing and open and evaluate the situation and say, all right, year two with Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert, and you have Mike McDaniel there now as an offensive coordinator. You know, do I want to stay here and try to win this championship, which, you know, my clock is ticking on my career, or do I feel like the Bears, who won their division, was that legitimate? Is that realistic to repeat something like that, get back in the playoffs? Do I have a better chance there to win for a one year deal?

[B]

I think it's a fair question. I think it's certainly worth investigating. So. Yeah, get after it.

[A]

So the, the Cowboys also made a deal over the weekend too, where they extended running back Javante Williams. I think a three year, $24 million deal, 16 million of that was, was guaranteed. And I started with that, with that contract extension. I wanted to look at DeAndre Swift and what we've been talking about, DeAndre Swift the last couple of weeks. So just in comparison, Swift is 27. Okay. Williams is 25. I didn't think he was 25. Five seasons of running back, Swift with six. And what DeAndre Swift is at 8.8 million for this year. So you're looking at Williams at 3 years, 24 million, 16 million guaranteed. He had a better, as far as production is concerned, rushing and receiving and touchdowns. Williams had a little better year than DeAndre Swift. Is it something that the Bears could do to restructure? Would he be open to a restructure to stay with the team? I think it kind of. It kind of. It gives a good starting point of where A guy like Javante Williams in his production, what he's earning and where. Where John and where DeAndre Swift is at just under 9 million for, for next year.

[B]

Yeah. And obviously the first thing you need to answer before you go down that road is what's your backup plan? And I don't think they want to hand this over just to Kyle Menungai. I know I wouldn't. I'd like Kyle Menungai, but I don't think that he's. He's a bell cow kind of back in the past game and the run game and everything else they want of him. Nor do I think he's got the kind of home run speed that Ben Johnson wants. So as a complimentary piece, a number two guy, he's great and you've got him on that rookie deal. So if there is somebody who is a higher level of talent that is slightly less expensive, you think about it. You want to look at the running backs on this list because Breece hall is that name that keeps coming up.

[A]

Yeah, but. And we have to. And like, the question is, what do the Bears think of Kyle Menungi? Like, it's, it's their, it's their evaluation of Manangaya that's going to dictate what they want to do if they feel like he is a guy that could be their, their main primary running back. We talked last week about Kenny Gainwell coming out of, out of Pittsburgh, who's a guy that would be a really inexpensive option as a, as a complimentary

[B]

piece and doesn't have too much of a workload that has accrued. Let me just give you the other names on the list that I have in front of me while we, we can get a range of running back possibilities here as far as available.

[A]

Do they have numbers there, possible numbers for Breece Hall?

[B]

They don't. They just have the names. So number nine. The first running back that's listed is Breece hall at number nine overall. He.

[A]

I love. Yeah. But I don't see the jets letting him get away.

[B]

Well, do you see the Seahawks letting Kenneth Walker get away because he's number 14 and even though he can't catch, he is one of the best pure runners in football right now.

[A]

I don't right now.

[B]

Then you've got Travis Etienne of the Jags at 24th. Did he do anything for you?

[A]

He's fine.

[B]

Yeah. That's kind of where I am. Kind of the same thing on that. Like most of these guys, you start thinking about, all right, he's good. I'm not paid. You've got Rico Dowdle of the Panthers.

[A]

I just like his name.

[B]

Rico Dowdle. I just like Rico Broncos. J.K. dobbins.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And then we've got Rashad White of the Buccaneers. I do like him.

[A]

Yeah, you do.

[B]

I like Rashad White. Now that's interesting to me. And the last running back on here is the other Falcons back, Tyler Alagier, who runs mean. Mean? Yes, Angry, mean. It runs into guys like hair on fire style of running, which usually means short career.

[A]

Yeah, I just, I, I like, I don't know if I'd be willing to pay. What, Breeze hall, if he would become available, what he's going to command.

[B]

No. Well, let's see what they look like at this combine. Let's see. Because there's going to be a lot of inexpensive possibilities and we'll see what they think. I don't think it's going to be a high priority, but neither was Calmangai.

[A]

Right.

[B]

I guess, you know, end of draft. Oh, there's this guy. Yeah, we'll bring him in. Couldn't believe he was on the board. Unbelievable.

[A]

We didn't think we'd. Yeah. Again, we'll have to see what the Bears like, how the Bears evaluate Kyle Menungai for their projections, you know, and I think that will determine a lot of what they can do. And, and if it's a matter of trying to restructure DeAndre Swift, if he'd be open to that, to want to stay and compete for another division title and get to the playoffs, or if he's like, hey, this is where I'm at. And if they feel like they could, they could add someone different and still be very productive in the run game with that offensive line and save some money on top of it too.

[B]

And it may be that that's the best season Kyle Menungai has as a Bear. Yeah, you're right. It may just be that. And yet, look, the game against the Bengals, the game against Philadelphia, there were all sorts of really cool things that happened. And maybe it's because of the way he was deployed as a part of a one, two punch with DeAndre Swift. And it might just be that they, they maximized the guy who was, you know, fresh legged, first year pro, doing everything that was asked of him and, and that's okay. But all that matters is knowing what you have and not expecting too much from it, not expecting too little. Get an accurate assessment of how good your own guys are right now, which is probably the most important thing you can do when it comes to the combine and you know, and free agency.

[A]

Yeah. One last thing I want to, I want to bring up with you and something that happened a couple of days ago in the NFL. Rondale Moore, Vikings wide receiver, I think he's been on, he was on a couple, couple different teams, but last year had a significant knee injury and it was at the preseason, I can't remember. It was early in the season, the preseason that, that cost him his entire season, but. Rondell Moore found dead in his garage by an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound.

[B]

Yeah, it's awful.

[A]

It is awful. It's an awful story. He's 24, 25 years old. And I just, I wanted to use this story as an opportunity to talk about communications that we receive pretty much it seems like once, once a, once a day. And maybe you get more that don't include me on emails. But within our community here that we're building at 312 sports and I really love the fact that we're building a brand new community. We're six months in and listeners are referring to it as a community. And I don't want to just use the term listeners anymore. I want to start using that term community because it's really important, as stupid as what it is that we do, it's really important to people that listen. And I love hearing those emails. And like I said, there's. I get at least one email a day where people talk about how they're dealing with their own mental health issues.

[B]

And I get it too, not just via email, but also via messages on more so on Blue sky and Instagram.

[A]

Now, as I say, I'm sure that you get more, but I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about how I appreciate people sharing with us. Some people get little detailed in their struggles, which is great if you feel that you want to do that. We're here to listen and to be a part of that. If you just want to share more of a general overview that you've had some issues or you're going through things, we're here to receive that as well too. And the number of times where people say, hey, I'm glad that it's finally okay that I can share with other people that I'm not okay as a man and I'm glad that we're getting away from the stereotype of men, can't express that they're not okay. Another area, and I don't want to derail too deeply into it, I want to stay on the mental health stuff. But another area. And it's bothered me for a long time, Dan, listening to sports talk radio and being a part of it is when we talk about men's physical health issues, especially around ed. Like, let's take away this. Let's start chipping away at that stereotype too. Because all the, all these commercials are like, oh, you get to have these meetings in secret and you don't have to go to a doctor and you can do without seeing a dude. It's a medical condition.

[B]

Is sent with discreet packaging. Yeah.

[A]

Yes. Like, it's a, It's a medical condition. Like, let's stop making something out of it because it's just a medical issue that millions of people deal with. So let's, let's start working on that as well, too, that when a guy has a medical issue, it's okay to talk about it and go to a doctor.

[B]

Well, mental health is also a medical issue that can also be be helped tremendously by proper medication.

[A]

Right. So I just wanted to say, like, let's, let's start working on that too. Like, let's take that, that whole taboo topic away too. It's. It's a medical issue. It's okay to deal with it and talk about it. That's what we should be able to do. But sticking with the mental health stuff, on the heels of Rondale Moore and the apparent, you know, suicide, it's just if you need people to reach out to, we are here to listen. You know, if you don't feel like you have someone and we've said this before, just shoot the email. You know, if you want a response, great. If you don't, just say that and just say, hey, I'm just here right now and I'm the most comfortable, I feel, is just getting this off my chest, then go ahead and do that. That's why we're here. And I love that we have this community that's growing and developing where people are comfortable to do that because it's so important and just being able to have someone to talk to can really make a difference.

[B]

I want to mention that there are all kinds of services in and around Chicago for support for such things. And if you are experiencing any kind of mental health crisis, if you need to call or set up a chat, There is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It's 24. 7, and you can call or text just 988-or-there's a [e-mail] it's for you. It is also, if you're worried about a loved one who might need crisis support. And the goal of 988 on the phone is to help somebody get these resources over the phone. And if there is immediate danger, if there is additional support, the 980 call takers will they're able to talk to mobile crisis providers who can be activated, their crisis teams who can respond certainly across Chicago. But do don't wait that you want to make sure you know better, better safe. And if you are concerned about someone or concerned about yourself, 988 is that literal lifeline. But just be aware. The other thing you can do is ask people how they're doing and listen when they answer. Just something as simple as how are you and you doing okay little check ins like that on, on people you care about and maybe you expand your circle of, of care a little bit and just and redefine how that is. But if you are worried somebody haven't talked to in a while, somebody haven't heard from or you know that has been going through some stuff, just check. And sometimes that's really most of it is just finding out being there enough to care. And I always say this when you do send in some of these things and say hey, I've got to get this off my chest. And whether it's a voice message that you send via the app or a written message, it gets heard, it gets read. I do my best to reply to everything but I do think it's really important and that is it is a fundamental piece I think of what we're doing here at 3one2 Sports and it isn't we talk about men because that's our primary demographic as we understand. But it's anyone it doesn't really, it's not so much gendered in my mind. You are who you are and whatever it is that there are people who care about you, there are people who want you to be okay and it's hard to be okay. I also would urge you to check out the the group Rebecca's Dream. I'm proud to have done work for them and I know that they have been intrigued by some of the stuff that we have been doing. Early on they always talk about how it's okay to not be okay. So the Rebecca's Dream foundation is here based in Chicago and they do wonderful work especially with some younger people. So if you've got kids in junior high or high school that may have some negative feelings or are moving through some things in that regard, I would reach out to them. But again 988 is always there for you.

[A]

And thank you for being a part of our community and for adding to our growing community and for sharing. And I love that people feel comfortable to reach out to us. So keep doing that and thank you for being here. On another note, on the football side of things, if you want more talk on Chicago Bears stadium, we talked about that at length on Dan Bernstein Unfiltered earlier today. So check out that. That podcast or YouTube channel as well to. To get more on our thoughts and take on the current bear situation and what Dan expressed about it earlier today, which was. Which I really enjoyed. So. So take a listen to that if you want stuff on the. On the stadium. And then one last thing, I want to leave you with something on a lighter note. I got this in the mail and you probably are wondering why I've been humming a lot today during the pre recording and in between show.

[B]

Yeah, during all our meetings. All the pre show meetings. You were humming the entire time.

[A]

Then I was humming. Just an Old Fashioned love song has really been on my. On my brain. Only because this came in the mail. Dan and I wanted to share this with you.

[B]

Yeah. Wait, didn't. Wait. When. Why is Jay Zawaski in Three Dog Night? Where? Dude.

[A]

Oh, my God, it is Jay Zawaski. What in the hell? When did Jay Zawaski join?

[B]

That is unbelievable.

[A]

That is Jay Zawaski.

[B]

Did he replace the lead singer who just died? He may have and he didn't tell us.

[A]

And why is the. Why is the drummer so young looking and happy? Why is he so happy? I don't know.

[B]

Maybe he got extra dogs.

[A]

Everyone else looks very serious and rock and rolly.

[B]

Yeah, but Chuck Negron, like, just passed away. We didn't. And we weren't told that Jay Zawaski came in to replace him.

[A]

Wow. We buried the lead. Jay Z. Why aren't you telling us, bro? Wow, that's really funny. So. So Three Dog Night. They're playing March 13th at the Genesee. Yeah. Here in Waukegan. I don't know. You want to. You want to see if we can hit it up?

[B]

I'm down.

[A]

You interested in hearing Joy to the World And Mama told me not to come. I still have questions about that song.

[B]

Told me not to come. Yeah.

[A]

The Spinners. The Miracles are going to be there in March. The Ohio Players.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Are you Interested on Saturday, March 7th? I can't go to this one. I got a wedding. But John Oates will be at Genesee.

[B]

I'm good.

[A]

You sure?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

There's Some tribute shows coming up. One night in Memphis. Does that do anything for you? A Phil Collins tribute. Now, here's one I'm actually interested in. Saturday, March 21st. Bee Gees Gold. A Bee Gees tribute.

[B]

I'm okay.

[A]

You're okay. And any of these, besides Three Dog Night and Jay Zawaski, they do anything for you?

[B]

If I get to see Jay Zawaski because he can play the guitar. That's the thing. I don't know.

[A]

He was a guitar player.

[B]

He took lessons from our guy, right?

[A]

Oh, I didn't know. I didn't know this.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Look at. I feel like I don't even know Jay anymore.

[B]

Yeah, I think it's [e-mail] okay.

[A]

It may not be.

[B]

I might have made that up. But, yeah, our guy Greg Overtone, I think, was Jay Zawaski's guitar. And so now. And now, apparently, Jay Zawaski has joined Three Dog Night.

[A]

It's really him.

[B]

You didn't think that when you said, look at that. Why didn't.

[A]

I didn't look at the. I didn't really look at it. I was just so excited.

[B]

I pulled back a little bit. I wanted to. I want the camera to auto focus on it.

[A]

Let's see.

[B]

He looks good.

[A]

He does look good. Looks like a real rock and roller.

[B]

Well, he is.

[A]

He looks like he's got like a. Like a western shirt on with the pearl snap buttons.

[B]

Proud of.

[A]

I wonder, like, why is. Why is this. Like, why is this guy right here? Why is he sitting on top of the drum set?

[B]

Yeah, he is way up there, isn't he?

[A]

Like, get off the drum set, bro.

[B]

Maybe it's the end of the concert where he stands on his stool and then jumps out.

[A]

See, I think. I think by the. This picture, I think he's actually sitting on the drummer's left hand.

[B]

Or it's. Or it's like the guy from.

[A]

Or that Def Leppard might be somewhere.

[B]

No, it's the. It's the Def Leppard drummer.

[A]

Why is he so happy, though?

[B]

Yeah, I wouldn't be happy if I had to play the drums with one arm, but I don't know.

[A]

All right. Hey, movie recommendation for you, too. You need to see song Sung Blue.

[B]

My parents loved it.

[A]

Okay. We watched this Saturday night, late Saturday. We started it thinking we wouldn't finish. And we both loved it, too. It was really entertaining and tragic and comical all at the same time.

[B]

You know, my memories of Neil diamond when we used to carpool to grade School with Neil Diamond? No. Well, pretty much. Okay, so my whole schema around Neil diamond music is that more than one of the moms that did the carpooling. Whether it was an eight track. There were several eight track decks in these cars. And we were talking, you know, these are some sweet rides here. These are, these are like your big Buick Regals and you know, Chevy Monte Carlos. There was you know, one of the diesel Mercedes that would, you know, you always knew when like the, you know the, the well appointed cars to come pick you up and take you to school. It was either Neil diamond or Barry Manilow.

[A]

Two of my favorites.

[B]

That were you. I mean that I'm. When I hear these song. When I hear the actual song song Sung Blue or the other stuff from that era like big, you know, hair sprayed Neil diamond in the classic Manilow. That's what I just imagine sitting in the back of a car, it might may or may not smell like cigarettes depending on which mom it is. Is. And you're, you know, you're heading, heading to Walden School for the day and back.

[A]

Man, if I was a kid in that carpool, I wouldn't have gotten out of the car because you're just, you

[B]

just be tooling around. Yeah.

[A]

Loving the music. I'm staying like I'll just spend the day with you. Especially if it was like a hot mom that.

[B]

Sorry, Mrs. Seagull. Sorry, sorry Mrs. Slotke. We're hanging out here. We're just going to listen to more of this.

[A]

Yeah. You guys probably wouldn't let me in your car pool though. Too Italian.

[B]

Yeah, you just couldn't. You wouldn't be there, guys.

[A]

It wouldn't allow me to.

[B]

I don't know but my parents wouldn't. They wouldn't say exactly why. They'd make up some other reason.

[A]

Yes, probably his stinky salami sandwiches. Too smelly in the car.

[B]

He's been very ill and we can't

[A]

have him around us.

[B]

Yes. We can't worry that he's that young man. He's a nice young man. He just has a horrible disease and, and, and can't be in the car.

[A]

Yeah, we're worried he's.

[B]

We're worried he's gonna steal the car. Yeah.

[A]

Oh God. That would be it. Yeah.

[B]

Sell it for parts. Yes. I think one of his, one of his friends is. Lives in Highwood and he's, he's going to take the car to Highwood and strip it down and sell it.

[A]

Parts 100. I would have done that. Yeah.

[B]

For sure. All right.

[A]

So I thought you might be interested in Three Dog Night featuring Jason.

[B]

I'm featuring now.

[A]

No feature. Yeah. And if you're.

[B]

I'm pissed that he kept that from us.

[A]

Yeah, I am, too. I'm gonna reach out to him when we're done here.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And if you're just. If you're listening to our podcast here, it's a mailer that I got the Genesee Theater here in Waukegan. I got these sent to my house. Yeah. And so it's a flyer with all their upcoming shows. And then the. The COVID of it is Three Dog Nights. Beautifully done artwork. And with guitarist Jay Zawaski, part of Three Dog Night. Former score colleague.

[B]

Good for him. Special times. Aren't they exciting? All right, well, that'll do it for this edition of Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears and NFL podcast on 312 Sports. Progress is stopped.

[A]

Forward Progress Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abeticola on 312 Sports. This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game? Well, with the name your price tool from Progressive, you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try [e-mail], progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Pricing coverage match limited by state law. Not available in all states.

[B]

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