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Henry Melton | Defensive Lineman

Team: Chicago Bears
Age / DOB:  (26) / 10/11/1986
Ht / Wt:  6'3' / 295
College: Texas
Contract: view contract details
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The Bears have made little progress in long-term talks with franchise player DT Henry Melton.
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. May 15 - 4:05 PM
Source: Chicago Tribune

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Player News

Date:
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

Bears signed franchise player DT Henry Melton to a one-year, $8.5 million contract.

The move fully guarantees Melton's salary, and gives the sides three months to reach a long-term agreement. The Bears locked up 2012 franchise player Matt Forte for four years just before the deadline. Playing a more premium position than Forte, Melton figures to be a more complicated negotiation.
Mar 12 - 6:23 PM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

Bears assigned the franchise tag to DT Henry Melton.

This was expected all along, and CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, as well as the Chicago Tribune, called it a "sure thing" earlier on Friday. The franchise tag carries a fully guaranteed $8.45 million price with it. Melton recorded six sacks in 2012, a year after racking up seven of them. Melton and the Bears are said to be "on opposite ends of the world" in long-term contract negotiations. They'll have until July 15 to try and hammer out a deal.
Source: Sean Jensen on Twitter
Mar 1 - 7:43 PM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

CBS' Jason La Canfora considers free agent DT Henry Melton a "sure thing" for the Bears' franchise tag.

As does the Chicago Tribune. The Bears have a little more than 72 hours to make the move official. Melton will be due $8.5 million under the tag. Per beat writer Vaughn McClure, the sides are "on opposite ends of the world'' in long-term talks.
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Mar 1 - 12:54 PM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

In an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, Bears GM Phil Emery remained non-committal on his plans to use the franchise tag on DT Henry Melton.

"We’ll be talking to Henry, and when we come to a conclusion, everybody will know," Emery said. Melton's unique combination of size and speed makes him a central player in the Bears' 4-3 defense, which is expected to remain similar to former head coach Lovie Smith's system. Melton has 13 sacks over the last two seasons, and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2012.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Feb 23 - 10:54 AM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

The Chicago Tribune reports the Bears are "fully expected" to use the franchise tag on free agent DT Henry Melton if a long-term deal isn't reached before the March 4 deadline to apply the tag.

The Tribune had previously reported it was a "good bet" Melton would be tagged absent a long-term deal. According to beat writer Brad Biggs, the sides will meet Saturday at the Combine. Coming off a two-year emergence as 3-technique force, Melton figures to be asking for the moon in long-term talks, making the tag likely.
Source: Brad Biggs on Twitter
Feb 22 - 10:18 AM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

ESPN Dallas reports the Cowboys will not pursue free agent DT Henry Melton.

Reporter Tim MacMahon had floated Melton as a possible target for Big D, but it was always a stretch because of the Cowboys' cap situation. The Bears are also extremely unlikely to let their burgeoning 3-technique force reach the open market.
Related: Cowboys
Source: ESPN Dallas
Feb 18 - 12:11 PM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

The Chicago Tribune considers it a "good bet" the Bears will franchise tag free agent DT Henry Melton if a long-term deal cannot be reached before the March 4 deadline to apply the tag.

Franchise tags can officially be applied on Monday. The Bears used their 2012 tag as a means toward locking up Matt Forte long term. They could do the same with Melton, who is a crucial puzzle piece as an interior pocket collapser. The defensive tackle franchise number is $8.3 million. Before the tag is applied, the Bears figure to meet with Melton's agent at next week's Scouting Combine.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Feb 15 - 11:53 AM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

CSN Chicago believes re-signing impending free agent DT Henry Melton is the Bears' top priority.

Melton, Brian Urlacher, and Israel Idonije are the team's most notable free agents. Melton needs to be the Bears' main concern. As CSN Chicago notes, Melton's stock has gone "through the roof" over the last year. Melton, 26, has started 29 games over the last two seasons, and has 13 sacks as a disruptive 3-technique in that span. If he makes it to free agency, Melton will have suitors aplenty.
Source: CSN Chicago
Feb 8 - 10:35 AM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

ESPN Dallas believes the Cowboys should make a run at free agent DT Henry Melton instead of trying to re-sign OLB Anthony Spencer.

Up against the cap, the Cowboys don't have the money to sign both. Spencer is coming off his finest year as a pro, but will be tasked with converting from outside linebacker to defensive end if he re-ups in Dallas. Melton is also coming off a career year, and is three years younger than Spencer. Beat writer Tim MacMahon believes Melton would be a perfect fit as a "disruptive 3-technique tackle" in Monte Kiffin's 4-3 defense. The Cowboys recently hired Melton's former DC Rod Marinelli as DL coach. That's all good and well, but Melton is on the record as hoping to remain in Chicago. It's possible the Cowboys will strike out on both players.
Related: Cowboys, Anthony Spencer
Source: ESPN Dallas
Jan 30 - 2:38 PM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

Free agent DT Henry Melton stated Friday that he's "optimistic" he'll strike a deal with the Bears before the market opens on March 12.

"All the coaching changes and all that have delayed it," Melton said of talks. "Hopefully we can get back on schedule of getting something done." Melton confirmed that the sides negotiated during the season, and "were getting somewhere." Melton should be valued highly by new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, who runs a Cover 2-based scheme similar to ex-coach Lovie Smith.
Source: ESPN Chicago
Jan 25 - 3:25 PM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

The Bears attempted to sign impending free agent DT Henry Melton to an in-season extension, but were unable to strike a deal.

Melton's stance seems to suggest he'll be pursuing big money either as a free agent or from the Bears. With 13 sacks over the past two seasons and a team-high 24 QB pressures in 2012, Melton's certainly has earned it. Still just 26, Melton will be a coveted three-technique tackle if he hits the market. The Bears are expected to offer him a four-year deal, but financial terms are unknown.
Source: ESPN Chicago
Jan 25 - 12:39 AM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

According to the Chicago Tribune, Henry Melton (questionable, chest) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Lions.

Melton hasn't played since Week 14, but returned to a full practice Friday and is on track to start in a must-win game. After ripping the Lions' organization earlier this week, Melton will get a chance to square off with veteran center Dominic Raiola. The Bears need a win and a Vikings loss to advance to the postseason.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Sat, Dec 29, 2012 07:16:00 PM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

Bears DT Henry Melton (chest) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at Arizona.

There was optimism that Melton would be available this week, but he was limited in practice Friday and is now likely to miss his second consecutive game. It's a major downgrade to a Bears defense that's been ravaged by injuries. The self-proclaimed "best D-tackle in the league," Melton is a candidate for the franchise tag this offseason.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Sat, Dec 22, 2012 08:33:00 PM
Henry Melton - DL - Bears

Impending free agent Henry Melton believes there's "not another better D-tackle in the league."

Outside of Bengals DT Geno Atkins, Melton may have an argument. Although he's been mediocre in run support, Melton has been one of the most effective pass-rushing tackles in the NFL this season. The franchise tag could come into play if the Bears can't reach a long-term agreement with Melton.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 10:11:00 AM

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2Matt Forte
3RB1Matt Forte
2Michael Bush
FB1Evan Rodriguez
WR11Brandon Marshall
2Earl Bennett
3Eric Weems
4Joseph Anderson
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2Marquess Wilson
3Devin Hester
4Dale Moss
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WR31Earl Bennett
TE1Martellus Bennett
2Kyle Adams
3Steve Maneri
4Brody Eldridge
5Fendi Onobun
K1Robbie Gould
2Austin Signor