Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Should the Chicago Bears call about Dexter Lawrence?

Date: April 9, 2026
Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abaticola

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dan Bernstein and Matt Abaticola consider the evolving rumor mill around Giants' star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and debate whether the Chicago Bears should make a call to inquire about his availability. Along the way, they assess the Bears’ depth at defensive tackle, evaluate trade logic, discuss broader NFL roster news, examine the psychology of player loyalty, poke fun at coaching quirks, and meander into family board games and childhood mischief. The trademark blend of sharp football analysis and irreverent humor makes for a lively ride through Bears-centric and NFL topics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Should the Bears Inquire About Dexter Lawrence?

[01:54 - 04:41]

Matt's Position:
- Bears’ GM Ryan Poles should at least be on the phone with Giants GM Joe Schoen about Dexter Lawrence, given his potential impact compared to the Bears' current DTs—even if Lawrence’s stats declined after 2024.
  
  "They—there’s no defensive tackle here currently amid all the big bodies they've added who is as potentially impactful as Dexter Lawrence is…" – Matt [01:54]
- Matt stresses that due diligence is crucial, as negotiations “can turn weird.”
Dan's Response:
- Brings up Greg Gabriel’s reported inside info: "Lawrence is not getting traded."
- Sees the trade chatter as classic leverage in contract negotiations rather than a serious departure from New York.
  
  "…I think this is exactly what it is. His agents and he are working to get a new contract. And that's just what it comes down to." – Dan [02:47]
Both agree:
- Calling is costless and wise, but Dan is adamant Lawrence won't actually be available.
  
  "Yeah, it certainly doesn't hurt the Bears in any fashion for Ryan Poles to make that phone call and just have that conversation. That's part of your job. Do that." – Dan [04:41]

2. Trade Value, Roster Reality, and Red Flags

[04:57 - 05:45]

The hosts note Lawrence’s cost—if it’s a first-round pick or more, it’s probably not worth it, especially with current depth and Lawrence’s age/declining numbers.
The Bears have already added DTs Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch; none as talented, but the group is serviceable if not imposing.

"If it's going to be a first round pick or more than that, then probably not." – Matt [04:57]
Bears have other needs: edge rusher, safety, linebackers, and especially left tackle.

"You haven't said left tackle yet…You have to say left tackle first." – Matt [05:26]
"That's the main priority for me, but I don't think. I know." – Dan [05:31]

3. The Logic of Player Leverage

[03:55 - 04:41]

Matt and Dan explain how trade rumors often serve to create pressure in contract negotiations.

"That's a way you create leverage is by saying, I don't want to be here anymore. And they say, well, if I have, if I make more money, I'm going to want to be here again…You've got to play the game." – Matt [03:55]
Sometimes negotiations “sour,” and a player could unintentionally prompt his way out—reason enough for Bears to express interest as a contingency.

4. Bears’ Offensive Line and Taylor Decker’s Loyalty

[06:28 - 11:44]

News breaks about the Falcons replacing retired RT Caleb McGary with Juwan Taylor, an oft-penalized vet.

"They signed Juwan Taylor…One of the most penalized offensive linemen in all of football." – Dan [06:49]
Taylor Decker’s reluctance to play for the Bears or Packers—even as a free agent—sparks debate about player loyalty versus professional logic.

"He said, I know Ben Johnson did it. That was the right situation for him. Taylor feels kind of dirty about the idea. It just isn't interesting to him…" – Matt [08:13]
"That's stupid. That's really dumb for a fan. Fans can be unreasonable and not think logically and not react logically. That's fine." – Dan [10:45]

5. The Professional Mindset: Kirk Cousins and Backup Lessons

[12:17 - 16:52]

Kirk Cousins, signed by the Raiders for a backup competition role, stresses wanting to play only if he’s actually the best option.

"'The best player needs to play. And if that's not me, I don't want to be out there. I don't think that's the best thing for the team…’” – Matt (quoting Cousins) [12:43]
Dan and Matt recall examples (Chris Chandler, Greg Maddux) where “mentor” roles are overrated; every real pro wants to play.
They also imagine the “most earnest” QB room ever—Cousins and Fernando Mendoza—ribbing the vanilla, wholesome personalities.

"It's going to be 100 insufferable. It's going to be…the least likely football atmosphere environment of any football atmosphere environment ever." – Dan [17:07]

6. Coaching Quirks: Todd Monken and the Infamous Haircut

[23:11 - 28:59]

Todd Monken missed the coaches’ annual photo due to a rescheduled haircut appointment, leading to a comically evasive explanation:

"'I didn't. Oh, I didn't. I really don't give a shit. I mean, nothing to do with me. I mean, they moved the meeting. I didn't miss it. Well, if you weren't there, you missed it, right? I was just trying to get a sweet haircut. That's what I was trying to do, a sweet haircut. And then they moved the meeting…’” – Dan (quoting Monken) [24:33]
The hosts find his "water under the bridge/it'll be under the bridge" ramblings delightfully bizarre and vow to closely watch Monken’s antics all season.

"Maybe he's got a bridge where he keeps things. It's not water under the bridge that's passed by you. It's…a bridge where there's things under it." – Matt [26:25]
Monken’s idiosyncratic habits, like keeping a play card in his pants (“where else am I supposed to put it?”), further amuse Dan and Matt.

"Here's the thing, Todd. No one else puts it in their pants." – Matt [28:44]

7. Bears’ Depth Chart & Running Back Room

[29:04 - 30:44]

Despite earlier offseason chatter, there’s been little movement or rumor about the Bears aggressively upgrading their running backs.
Dan suspects one of Roschon Johnson or Britain Brown won't be on the opening day roster; expects D’Andre Swift to be the mainstay, with another back possibly arriving via draft or undrafted free agency.

8. NFL Organizational Power: Coaches vs. GMs

[31:06 - 33:20]

The hosts speculate about Ben Johnson’s true authority with the Bears, suggesting he is the most influential football voice in the organization.

"Ryan Poles goes to George McCasky and says…I want to fire Ben Johnson…McCasky would say, 'there's the door.'" – Dan [32:09]
They compare the power dynamics across the NFL and NBA, noting how coaching authority is more integral to NFL team identity.

9. Notable Tangents: Board Games & Childhood Antics

[18:18 - 22:55]

The show veers into personal territory as Matt describes faking his death to avoid board games like Candyland, and the duo recalls “dangerous catch”—throwing scissors and ashtrays as kids during Bears games.

"We would throw things at each other…We would throw scissors at each other, and at one point…a giant crystal ashtray." – Matt [21:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Dexter Lawrence rumors:

“Lawrence asking to be traded is nothing more than contract negotiations. 101. When are people going to learn?” – Dan (quoting Greg Gabriel) [02:47]
On negotiating leverage:

“That’s a way you create leverage is by saying, I don’t want to be here anymore. And they say, well, if I make more money, I’m going to want to be here again…” – Matt [03:55]
On Taylor Decker’s loyalty:

“Oh, dude, I can answer that for you. It’s plain stupid. It’s 100% stupid.” – Dan [09:59]
On Kirk Cousins’ role:

“If you are signing someone who doesn’t want to play, that’s a problem.” – Matt [13:16]
On Todd Monken’s haircut/photo saga:

“I didn’t. Oh, I didn’t. I really don’t give a shit. I mean, nothing to do with me. I mean, they moved the meeting. I didn’t miss it…” – Dan (quoting Monken) [24:33]
“He may not be of this earth, but I think I love him.” – Matt [27:43]
On the Bears’ RB situation:

“I think one of those two guys will not be here at the start of the season.” – Dan, on Roschon Johnson/Britain Brown [29:58]
On organizational power:

"If Poles is like, it's either me or him, McCasky would be like, all right, well, hey, thanks for all you've done. There’s the door." – Dan [32:09]
On Dangerous Catch:

“You had to learn how to catch the scissors properly because sometimes you would open in midair.” – Matt [21:15]

Timestamps for Major Topics

[01:54] Should Chicago call about Dexter Lawrence?
[02:47] Inside info: Lawrence not on the block
[03:55] The art of contract negotiating leverage
[04:57] What would a trade cost?
[05:07] Bears’ D-line depth and positional needs
[06:28] Falcons’ O-line changes and implications
[08:03] Taylor Decker’s loyalty: smart or foolish?
[12:17] Kirk Cousins, backup mentality, and pro psychology
[16:28] The “most earnest QB room ever” and football culture
[23:11] Todd Monken’s haircut & missed coaches’ photo
[28:44] Monken’s play card-in-the-pants logic
[29:04] Bears running back depth chart speculation
[31:06] Ben Johnson’s organizational power
[18:18, 20:45] Board games & "Dangerous Catch" stories

Summary Takeaways

The consensus: The Bears should inquire about Dexter Lawrence, but it’s almost certainly posturing by his camp, not a genuine trade opportunity.
Roster moves: The Bears have interior DL depth but lack a difference-maker; RB room is uninspiring and likely to change.
NFL insight: Coaching personalities, player mentality, and negotiation tactics are as entertaining and influential as ever.
Signature style: Expect lively off-topic rants and Bears fandom authenticity alongside professional analysis.

For Bears fans and NFL junkies alike, this episode delivers a thorough, unsentimental look at rumor navigation, roster needs, and football culture—with a hearty dose of laughs.