The Chicago Bears have been one of the most active teams in free agency so far this offseason, signing tight end Martellus Bennett as well as offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod, and they might not be done yet, as they could use a backup quarterback to replace Jason Campbell.
According to ESPN.com, the Bears have a hole to fill behind Jay Cutler, as both backups Jason Campbell and Josh McCown are unrestricted free agents, meaning the team needs to bring someone in or draft a player to replace them. Some options just were put on the table, as both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matt Cassel were released by their respective teams.
Last season the Bears didn't get much production from Campbell despite him having to start for Jay Cutler after he suffered a concussion, as he passed for 65 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a passer rating of 72.8 in a number of spots. Campbell had a $3.5 million contract last season and the team could try to find a backup at a cheaper price.
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The Bears don't have much cap space after signing Bennett and Bushrod to deals and could try to get creative with Cassel or even Kevin Kolb, as he is expected to be released this week by the Cardinals. The team signed Bushrod to a five-year contract worth $35.9 million according to ESPN.com and finally gives the Bears a player that can protect Cutler.
Last season the Bears offensive line struggled and Cutler was one his back quite a lot and that was one reason why he suffered a concussion. The team is still hoping to bring back Brian Urlacher, but that could be tough after the Bushrod deal and the Bennett deal, which is a four-year contract.
Cassel had a rough season in Kansas City last year after going just 1-7 before getting injured and throwing twice as many picks as touchdowns. The team traded for Alex Smith to be his replacement and in an expected move they cut him on Thursday. The same thing happened to Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was released after throwing for 3,400 yards and career-high in interceptions.
The Bills likely will draft a quarterback in April and now both names are looking for new homes. The Bears are in a tight financial situation after the two deals, but if either of the two quarterbacks has trouble finding someone to sign with, Chicago could get them on the cheap. Kolb is an interesting option as well, as he is younger than the two quarterbacks and could provide insurance in case Cutler is injured again next season.
The Bears just missed the playoffs last year and enter 2013 with a new head coach in Marc Trestman, who was hired by new general manager Phil Emery from the CFL.
