Panthers Acquire CHRIS HARRIS (S-Bears)!!

CB Dion Byrum was released to make room for Harris



Looking back on the draft . . . If the Bears staff feels good about getting Kevin Payne where they did he's probably going to be a decent safety. Not sure why our guys went with Shaw there instead of Payne. If Morgan wasn't one hard hit away from retirement and Anderson was a little more impressive to them i bet they would have made some different moves.
I was high on Payne from what I read of him and I can’t help thinking that Chicago sees him filling up Harris’ shoes. He’s apparently a little bigger, faster, and more athletic than Harris . .. Payne played about 28 different positions at Louisiana-Monroe and also lettered in basketball and baseball.

 

just found some good quotes a minute ago from the Bears site

The more I read on him the more I like the move -


>>>>>>“[He took it] like a pro. Chris is a pro. He knows that there’s a business side of it. Guys want an opportunity to play where they have their best chance to play, and I think this will be a good move for him.”

Bears veteran safety Mike Brown said that it was difficult to see Harris go.

“I’m kind of bummed out about it,” Brown said. “He was a big part of the secondary, not only the way that he played but his personality. He was fun to be around; one of the guys who kept the room loose, so he’s going to be missed."

"Chris was a great guy," Manning added. "I learned a lot from Chris. We shared a lot of time together in that backfield. Chris was a fierce competitor. He was a big hitter and he did a great job on special teams."<<<<<<<<



Sounds like a well respected guy with leadership skills. With team leader Minter on the way out maybe Harris can fill a void there in the locker room

 

I didn't think Merriweather was on the teams radar due to his off field escapades at Miami. What with the new commish and previous public embarassments (Chris Terry, Caruth, Steroid doctor post SB) Richardson wasn't wanting to take on any guys with baggage IMO

 

From Gantt:

 

also from Gantt:

Friday morning notes
Submitted by Darin on Fri, 2007-08-03 11:17.
New S Chris Harris was here for his first practice, though he mostly stood around with coaches getting caught up.

To make room for him on the roster, they released CB Dion Byrum.

DE Julius Peppers (illness) was held out, along with rookie WR Ryne Robinson (muscle tightness).

Veteran S Mike Minter got another day off and Nate Salley (knee) stayed in for treatment, leaving Deke Cooper and C.J. Wilson as the "starting" safeties.

 

Griffin and Merriweather would have been reaches at 14, most mocks I remember had them at the end of the round and we probably thought we could snag one at 25. 3 of the 6 picks in front of us we safetys.

Taking Weddle in the first would have been a huge reach, most mocks I remember had him late 2nd early 3rd. Everyone would have went nuts if we'd have reached for him at 25. The Chargers jumped up to the front of the round and took him; had he been there at 45 I don't see us passing on him even for Jarrett. (and Keyshawn is still a Panther) Hindsight being 20/20 I'd have been just fine with taking Weddle at 25 now...

I guess they would be starting for us because of our lack of anyone else worth a damn; but are either of theses guys starters in the league? I guess we'll see (I'm not saying they aren't). Kalil was probably the steal of the draft at 59 and could possibly be starting day 1.

I'm wondering if Hurney wasn't working a trade or something after all the big ones were gone and they just said, "eff it, we'll go with what we got and get someone later." It's not like we've spent a ton on the position in the past anyway.

 

Harris' arrival makes more sense when coupled with the news about Minter's knees. I wondered why they'd wait so long to get someone if they felt it would be a need, but if Minter might retire, we'd obviously need to do something.

 

Yep. It was a reasonable gamble, but one that got them. They still got a player they supposedly coveted as much or more.

He was climbing early 2nd by draft day and I did worry he wouldn't last. He didn't.

Anderson and Piscitelli are both reaches. Piscitelli had a great workout but I just don't see the hype on the field.