Feb. 26, 2008

One offseason issue was cleared up prior to the start of the free-agent signing period when QB Rex Grossman signed a one-year deal worth $3 million, with $1.5 million guaranteed. Grossman is expected to compete in training camp with Kyle Orton, and possibly Brian Griese or a newcomer, for the starting QB job. Team sources had maintained for a long time that the Bears’ two most attractive free agents — OLB Lance Briggs and WR Bernard Berrian — were destined for greener pastures in 2008. But in team meetings just before the Combine, the word was that the Bears might be rethinking their stance on Briggs and Berrian, in great part due to what they consider to be slim pickings in the draft and free agency at the LB and WR positions. The Bears are expected to set their sights on at least one relatively high-profile free agent — an offensive lineman or a running back are the best bets — and a few more minor free-agent additions. The Bears freed up $15.6 million in salary-cap space with the releases of WR Muhsin Muhammad, ORT Fred Miller and disappointing DT Darwin Walker and could free up even more money by cutting CB Ricky Manning, FS Mike Brown and SS Adam Archuleta, each of whom is considered expendable.