He is. And has been since he got here. It's a long term plan for success that does not include dramatically over spending for average to above average football players. Have some patience. He's not going to overspend, he'll make his offers, and if they don't want to take them, he'll play the secondary market.
While I am with you for the most part, should have a player or two locked up by now, specially a guy like Allen who didn't get over paid...I mean its one thing if he just doesn't want to come to Bears, Pace obviously cant make him... or any other player come... but hope they aren't being so stubborn to think they are 'too good' to over pay even a little for somebody if it that's what it takes to get a deal done.
Given his track record last year he did a lot of work in the secondary market, and how well did that pay off? Jenkins? Acho? Ducasse {cringe} ..... besides those secondary guys and maybe Porter, McPhee looks like the only real worth while signing last off season.
Sam Acho LB Signed/Unrest FA - One-year contract (through 2015) 4/1
Jacquizz Rodgers RB Signed/Unrest FA - One-year contract (through 2015) 3/31
Alan Ball CB Signed/Unrest FA - One-year contract (through 2015) 3/27
Ray McDonald DE Signed - One-year contract (through 2015) 3/27
Mason Foster LB Signed/Unrest FA - One-year contract (through 2015) 3/25
Jarvis Jenkins DE Signed/Unrest FA - One-year contract (through 2015) 3/24
Dante Rosario TE Re-Signed/Unrest FA - One-year contract (through 2015) 3/19
Thomas Gafford C Signed/Unrest FA - One-year contract (through 2015) 3/18
Vladimir Ducasse G Signed/Unrest FA - One-year contract (through 2015) 3/16
Eddie Royal WR Signed/Unrest FA - Three-year contract (through 2017) 3/11
Antrel Rolle S Signed/Unrest FA - Three-year contract (through 2017) 3/11
Pernell McPhee LB Signed/Unrest FA - Five-year contract (through 2019) 3/11