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The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest episodes

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Mar 11, 2025 • 26min

Bears make WAVES to kickoff NFL free agent negotiation period

On the latest edition of The Charter Podcast, we dive deep into the Chicago Bears' explosive start to free agency! Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor break down the signings of Drew Dalman, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Grady Jarrett, analyzing how these additions completely reshape the Bears' offensive and defensive lines. We discuss the implications of these signings for quarterback Caleb Williams and the team's overall strategy heading into the NFL draft. Plus, we offer insights into the leadership and team dynamics these new players will bring, and take a look at other significant moves around the league, including the Commanders' blockbuster acquisition and the shake-ups in Seattle and Las Vegas.  Don't miss this in-depth analysis of one of the most impactful free agency periods in recent Bears history!
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Mar 6, 2025 • 34min

Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame explains how the Bears landed two key O-linemen

On the latest Charter Podcast, Ruthie, Alex, and Clay break down the Chicago Bears' huge offensive line additions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, with insights from Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame. We get the national perspective on the Bears' offseason moves, the Caleb Williams/Ben Johnson pairing, and the impact on the upcoming NFL draft. Plus, we discuss the wide receiver market and speculate on Aaron Rodgers' future team.
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Mar 4, 2025 • 37min

And The 2025 NFL Combine Award Goes To...

This week on the Charter Podcast, we're breaking down the 2025 NFL Combine! Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro hand out awards for standout performances, surprises, and players that shot up draft boards. We discuss impressive athleticism, leadership qualities, and evaluate top draft prospects. Check out our award for best defensive and offensive linemen, and how the combine might change draft strategies for teams. Get ready for an in-depth look at the most head turning moments from this year's combine!
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Feb 26, 2025 • 38min

Ryan Poles & Ben Johnson Reveal Offseason Plans from the NFL Combine

Join Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor for a new edition of The Charter Podcast. The guys bring you their takeaways from Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson's media availability yesterday. We break down Poles' assessment of Ben Johnson's football IQ, his approach to free agency, and his plans to improve the Bears' roster. We also explore Johnson's vision for the offense, his excitement about working with Caleb Williams, and his strategy for rebuilding the offensive line. The guys discuss key personnel moves, including the releases of Gerald Everett and DeMarcus Walker. 
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Feb 24, 2025 • 31min

Preparing for the NFL Draft Combine

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are back along with Clay Harbor as they prepare for the Bears' annual migration to Indianapolis got the NFL Draft Combine. Clay brings us an inside look at the process for the draft hopefuls. Everything from the intense process it takes to be fit both physically and mentally and the real impact that comes from a prospect's performance. We then get into the Bears' new approach after adjusting to Ben Johnson's system needs.
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Feb 20, 2025 • 25min

The $280M question: How Will the Bears Spend BIG?

Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back on The Charter podcast and with the NFL Combine and free agency on the horizon, we discuss the massive salary cap increase and its implications for the Bears, who are already sitting pretty with top-five cap space. We debate whether this means bigger paydays for individual stars or a broader distribution of wealth across the roster. Plus, we analyze the potential departure of Ian Cunningham to Jacksonville and what that could mean for the Bears in terms of compensatory picks and the overall team dynamic. Then, we lay out our dream scenarios for the Bears' off-season and covering key positions like center. Finally, we dream of a potential blockbuster return of a familiar face... or maybe not?
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Feb 18, 2025 • 30min

Player Perspective: The NFL Offseason

Alex Shapiro is joined by Clay Harbor for an inside look at what the NFL offseason looks like! On this episode of The Charter Podcast, Clay shares his insight on draft prep, the rookie wall, navigating free agency, and the importance of offseason training. He highlights the balance between recovery, rigorous training, and personal time.
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Feb 12, 2025 • 29min

Free Agents and Elite Pass Rushers to Target

Dive into the Chicago Bears offseason with Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor. This Charter Podcast episode analyzes potential free agent targets from the Super Bowl, including offensive linemen Mekhi Becton and Trey Smith, and explores the high-stakes decision of trading for elite defensive players like Micah Parsons. We also discuss the  Montez Sweat trade and its impact on the Bears' draft strategy. Tune in for a breakdown of the Bears' offseason plans and the crucial decisions ahead.
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Feb 11, 2025 • 37min

Can the Bears follow the blueprint the Eagles laid on their way to a Super Bowl win?

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro react to the fallout from Super Bowl LIX. Clay joins us from Philly and lays out the reaction from the city. They outline the dominance from the Eagles front four, the offensive line, and the MVP performance from Jalen Hurts. How does the loss affect Patrick Mahomes’ case for being the GOAT? And how far away are the Bears from being able to field a Super Bowl lineup? 
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Feb 6, 2025 • 35min

Drafting Bears players to Super Bowl LIX

After recording this episode of The Charter, we received news about the passing of Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey. Ruthie, Alex, and Clay quickly address. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back to talk about Super Bowl LIX. We draft current members of the Bears roster to add to the Chiefs and Eagles ahead of the big game. A surprising name is left off the list. Clay gives us three big reasons why the Eagles will bring home the Lombardi Trophy. Alex tells us why it's a mistake to ever go against the Chiefs.

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