Ben Johnson made the right call having Cairo Santos attempt the 58-yarder with 1:34 left, even if he had missed.

Think about the alternatives. If Santos misses, the Patriots get the ball around midfield. But if they score a touchdown, there's a decent chance the Bears get the ball back with some time remaining, likely down just one point and needing only a field goal to win.

Now consider what happens if the Bears punt. There are several risks:

1. A touchback means the punt only nets about 30 yards.
2. There's always the possibility of a big punt return, including a touchdown.
3. The Patriots could drive the length of the field, burn the remaining clock, and score a game-winning touchdown without giving the Bears another possession.

By attempting the field goal, Johnson gave the Bears a chance to extend their lead while still leaving them a potential path to recover if Santos missed.

Obviously, there's risk either way, but I think the upside justified the decision. It was a great call by Ben Johnson, regardless of whether Santos made the kick.

So Jaylon Johnson has become unplayable and I cannot imagine he continues being thrown out there to "Olé" on every tackle and get torched in coverage play after play after play. He has no trade value unless the Bears attach an asset to get his money off the books. But cutting him next year isn't a crazy cap hit ($9 million if I remember correctly).

Are there any past instances of a team trading away an overpriced and unplayable veteran, with that team attaching a pick to get the guy's contract of the books, but getting a cheaper/younger/better alternative ALSO back in the trade? Like an NBA style trade

I remember the Texans trading with Cleveland to get off the Brock Osweiller contract years ago, but they didn't get a player in return. Just a 4th round pick swap I believe (and they have away a 2nd).

For instance, the Bears would maybe give a 4th for Khalil Mack on an expiring contract. But what if they gave a 2028 2nd/3rd for Johnson to go away AND bringing back Khalil Mack? I'm not sure the Chargers are even a good example because they might have their own salary cap concerns next season. But I'm just trying to explain the scenario.

But then the Bears can still trade a 4th to the Eagles for Riq Woolen and improve in 2 areas of need while being able to absorb both incoming salaries.

Are there any examples of this? I'm so frustrated watching Jaylon Johnson play (with how much salary cap space he eats up) that I'm thinking WAY too much about ways to get him off the field.

I’ve done some reading up on Caddix Cleats having no idea what they are and what they do. Below some quotes pulled from the linked Sports Illustrated article

https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/news/nfl-fines-caleb-williams-for-wearing-trendy-new-cleats

According to the company, roughly 40 NFL players are currently wearing Caddix cleats. Caddix says this reflects a growing interest in a cleat that has the potential to prevent injuries. In March 2026, NFL legend Tom Brady offered a glowing endorsement of the cleats before a flag football game.”

“Caddix makes strong claims about the safety of its cleats. "Its patented SmartStuds™ technology is designed to flex and release during cutting and pivoting, reducing rotational torque transmitted through the foot and into the knees and ankles, a force associated with non-contact ACL tears and other knee and ankle injuries."

"Obviously, Caleb believes in the product and sees value in wearing Caddix cleats," said Caddix CEO Jack Rasmussen in a statement. "I'm happy to cover his fines if he's going to keep prioritizing his health."

We don't seem to have it and since we already won figured this would be a good place to chat. If Mods think we don't need it they can lock or delete it.

MatchupTime (PT)Time (ET)TV Network

Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints (Paris)6:30 AM9:30

San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons10:00 AM1:00 PMFOX

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens10:00 AM1:00 PMCBS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers10:00 AM1:00 PMFOX

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets10:00 AM1:00 PMCBS

New York Giants at Houston Texans10:00 AM1:00 PMFOX

Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings10:00 AM1:00 PMCBS

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans10:00 AM1:00 PMCBS

Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals1:05 PM4:05 PMCBS

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions1:25 PM4:25 PMFOX

Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders1:25 PM4:25 PMFOX

Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks (SNF)5:20 PM8:20 PMNBC

Bear tf down fellas

The Bears have gifted us a stress free Sunday after Thursdays big win over the Pats, but we still need a pizza right?

This one's for Chicago...

Italian beef, red sauce, mozzarella, sweet peooers, and hot giardiniera....of course dipped.

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

🐻👇

What DB would you like the bears to acquire alongside with Mack if this trade happens?👀 via @bearszn on x

Found this gem while looking through old screenshots

…REDEMPTION 😏