Angelo on Adams Trade: “I Didn't Make Any Friends…”

Trade had nothing to do with Ogunleye and Anderson's contracts

The pregame banter on the Atlanta Falcons radio station hours before the Bears/Falcons kicked off had the two hosts wondering out loud why the Bears would trade for defensive dnd Gaines Adams.

"It's desperate," one said.

"Doesn't make any sense," chirped the other.

But it made "dollars and sense" to the man that matters, Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo

Adams has four years left (including 2009) on his deal, meaning line coach Rod Marinelli has 3 1/2 years to work with the former 4th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft.  Originally drafted into the Tampa 2 scheme, Adams has struggled to become the threat he was in college. Then, when the Bucs switched defenses this year, they looked to unload him.

"I got a call from Mark Dominik (Bucs GM) Thursday," Angelo said.

He was conveniently in the area scouting and drove over to talk with Adams in person.  His next conversations were with Lovie Smith, and Bears personnel directors Bobby DePaul (pro personnel) and Greg Gabriel (college scouting). 

"Collectively we all felt good about (him)," Angelo said. "Was it a need? No."

Angelo said the move was made despite Adewale Ogunleye and Mark Anderson's expiring contracts at the end of the 2009 season.

Angelo is putting Adams in the hands of Rod Marinelli to work his magic.

"I'm sure I didn't make any friends on the defensive line," Angelo laughed, adding Adams was not expected to take Alex Brown, Ogunleye, or any other starters' job.  

The Bears have now traded away their 1st (Jay Cutler trade) and 2nd round draft picks for 2010. 

Unless Angelo is adding the title "Trader Vic" to his business cards. 

GAME NOTE:  Adams will wear #99 and is inactive for tonight's game against the Falcons.  Also inactive are:  Hunter Hillenmeyer, Adrian Peterson, Jarron Gilbert, Matt Toeina, Lance Louis, DJ Moore and Juaquin Iglesias.  Nick Roach continues to start in place of Hillenmeyer at MLB with the return of Pisa Tinoisamoa at SLB.

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