Henry

Melton

Melton’s stock has “been on the decline” since a hot start in September, according to Gene Chamberlain of the Sporting News. Paea has played well of late, and Matt Toeaina (knee) will soon return from a knee injury.

Melton is no “Refrigerator” Perry, but he does go 6'3/295. He was also a backup running back at Texas, rushing 132 times for 625 yards and 16 touchdowns. Perhaps the Bears see Melton as a lead-blocker in goal-line situations.

Melton enters the final year of his rookie deal as a starting defensive tackle next to Matt Toeaina. He racked up an impressive seven sacks in 2011, his first season as a full-time starter. The college defensive end still has some upside.

Pro Football Weekly’s Dan Parr writes that league evaluators are “enamored” with Melton, but the Bears want to see more consistency before making him a long-term offer. Melton was among the leading defensive tackles with seven sacks last season, switching from the end position to three-technique, and still has developmental upside.

Idonije’s injury appeared serious at first as he was down on the field screaming in pain. But he now says he expects to play in the Week 10 showdown with the Texans. “I got rolled up, but I’m OK,” Idonije said. “I’m sore now, but it’ll be all right. I’m fortunate that I can play through pain.” DT Henry Melton (back) also left Sunday’s win, but expects to play against the Texans as well.

It’s the same injury that he played through last week. In the final year of his rookie contract, Melton leads the Bears in sacks (five) and quarterback pressures (15). DT Matt Toeaina (calf) has yet to return to practice and is ruled out for Week 11.

Chicago has rotated Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Shea McClellin, Henry Melton, and Cory Wootton between DT and DE. “We’ve moved all of our defensive linemen different places, and that could all change next week,” coach Lovie Smith said. “That’s the beauty of having the type of athletic ability we have there.” The Bears currently have four defensive linemen ranked in the top 40 in sacks.

Melton also leads the Bears with 15 QB pressures. “Everybody knows that we’ve got a good situation here, and I love the city, and I love the fan base,” Melton said. “I’d like to stay here for a long time.” The team has roughly $3 million in cap space available for a Melton deal. While they prefer to wait until the offseason, the Bears are not strictly opposed to an in-season extension.

Melton signed his $8.5 million franchise tender on March 12. The sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement. “We’re just kind of talking through some things,” Melton said. “Everyone is getting set up and getting the drafted guys done. Hopefully we can sit down and get something done.” The Bears locked up franchise player Matt Forte just before the deadline last year. Talks with Melton will likely go down to the wire.

The sides have done very little negotiating, but there haven’t been reports of an impasse. Talks between the Bears and franchise player Matt Forte progressed very slowly last summer before the sides hammered out a deal at the 11th hour. Considering the current team-friendly state of defensive linemen contracts, the time for the Bears to lock Melton up is now.