Indiana Stadium Bill Advances as Chicago Bears Eye Talent at NFL Combine in Indianapolis

The Chicago Bears are on the hunt for promising new players in Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, the team is contemplating a potential relocation beyond the borders of Illinois.

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While steering clear of stadium discussions, General Manager Ryan Poles and Coach Ben Johnson acknowledge that difficult decisions regarding the roster lie ahead, even after a stellar season.

At the NFL Combine, coaches are granted their initial opportunity to evaluate top prospects from college football.

The Bears are buoyed by a strong 11-6 season, marking their return to the playoffs after a lengthy absence.

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“Last year’s squad was one of the most tightly knit teams I’ve ever been a part of,” Johnson remarked. “Creating that kind of camaraderie isn’t easy. If only there were a magic formula to make it happen.”

“You win. Bonds and relationships get deeper and knowing that right now, sit over the cap. We have to make decisions, if that’s cuts, if that’s trades,” Poles said. “There’s real relationships. So people that gave it up for the Chicago Bears to advance … and they may not be able to stay. That sucks to be honest with you.”

While Tuesday’s focus was on the players, the team also has an important decision to make on a site for a potential new stadium.

Indiana continues to try to lure the Bears.

Indiana lawmakers took another step forward in pushing legislation that would set up the financial framework for a potential new stadium.

Indiana officials have focused in on Hammond in the Wolf Lake area.

Part of their proposal would come from issuing a bond that would be repaid through Hammond’s 12 percent admissions tax.

Indiana also asked Lake and Porter counties to adopt a 1 percent food and beverage tax and for Lake County to pass a 5 percent innkeeper’s tax.

The next step is final consideration by the Indiana House.

Meanwhile in Illinois, officials are trying to convince the Bears to stay.

Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would give the Bears a long-term property tax break for construction of a stadium in Arlington Heights.

The “Mega Project Bill” will go before the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee on Thursday.

The Bears get the 25th pick in the draft coming up in April in Pittsburgh and have more than a dozen expiring contracts for more than two dozen free agents.