Hoge & Jahns: a show about the Chicago Bears

Jesse Merrick, Raiders reporter for the Silver & Black Sports Network, offers insider perspective on the Maxx Crosby saga and Las Vegas' offseason moves. Conversation covers whether Chicago’s roster upgrades truly improve the team. They debate pass rush needs, left tackle concerns, draft-and-develop patience, and whether a trade for Crosby would move the needle.

Reaction to the Bears’ first wave of free agent signings, focusing on additions like a speedy safety, a fast linebacker and a stout interior tackle. Discussion of position fits, a corner-to-safety transition, and how speed and depth reshape the defense. Conversation about center market chaos, roster construction, cap implications, and how veteran QB movement impacts the quarterback room.

A rapid wrap-up of major roster moves, including a blockbuster trade and a veteran release that freed significant cap space. They debate center priorities after a retirement and whether to draft or sign linebackers. The conversation covers how past trades shaped current flexibility and previews an important negotiation window for a top safety.

Breaking news: DJ Moore is traded to the Buffalo Bills and hosts react live. They debate fit with Buffalo, contract and cap implications. Discussion touches on locker-room value, chemistry after coaching changes, and how Chicago will replace him. Draft strategy and immediate roster moves are explored, plus reflections on Moore’s legacy in Chicago.

They react to a surprise retirement and what it means for the offensive line and protecting Caleb Williams. They list top free agent targets to reshape the roster, including center and linebacker options. They debate Maxx Crosby trade rumors, cap implications, and what a deal might cost. They also break down the DJ Moore trade and how those resources should be spent.

Fran Duffy, professional draft analyst and host of the All NFL Draft newsletter/podcast, joins to spotlight post-Combine prospects. They zero in on safety, D-line and left tackle fits for Chicago. Short takes cover standout workouts, scheme fits, rising tackle stock, and intriguing mid-round defenders.

Eric Edholm, NFL reporter and analyst giving draft scouting insights. Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic draft specialist with prospect fit analysis. They break down top defensive line, left tackle, and safety prospects. Short takes on trade market, combine impressions, and how personnel moves could reshape the roster.

Nate Tice, NFL draft and college football analyst, breaks down trade chatter and prospect value. Short takes on DJ Moore’s roster future and Tyson Bagent’s trade market. Discussion of left tackle targets, backup QB pricing, and timing moves as the Bears weigh roster priorities.

Fran Duffy, NFL draft analyst and founder of the Diehard Draft database, joins to break down Chicago’s defensive line prospects and the 2026 draft class. They discuss Indiana stadium progress, travel and fan impacts, and what the Bears should target at pick 25 and in Day Two. Fran previews his Combine coverage and what to watch from the front office and coaching staff.

They run a full mock draft pick by pick, debating defensive tackle versus edge at 25. Medicals, upside, and tackle-versus-safety decisions shape their strategy. They highlight versatile offensive playmakers and a Cohen-style back to complement Ben Johnson’s scheme. Several late-round developmental and depth targets for defense and line play round out their draft board.