With Caleb Hanie injuring his shoulder against the San Diego Chargers, the Chicago Bears are scrambling to find an insurance policy at quarterback. (more…)

Lost in this article, where the focus seems to be on Dez Clark’s near-release, is the stunning reveal that Greg Olsen is a starter who gets paid like the assistant equipment manager. (more…)

Cedric Benson wants a new contract in the worst possible way. And just as contract talks between him and the Bengals seemed looming, he had to go and punch a Texas bar employee in the face, which seems to be just about the worst possible way to prove your worthy. (more…)

Bears GM Jerry Angelo recently expressed some concern over new NFLPA executive director De Smith’s ability to “recognize a good deal when it’s on the table.” As you may have guessed, that sentiment wasn’t met well by the union. (more…)

Here is the deal: We don’t have time, nor always the will, to make a post out of every semi-significant Bears-related tidbit that hits the InterWeb. But, to satisfy you readers and make sure that we keep on top of everything, we’re bringing you short and precise annotated Bears highlights every Monday and Thursday. This is our link-dumpish effort. (more…)

Danieal Manning would earn a tad over $1.1 million this season if he were to sign the Bears’ original-level tender offer. But Manning wants more. “‘He’s definitely not happy with the way he was tendered,’ agent Russel Hicks said of his client. ‘Until he gets a contract, he won’t be attending any offseason workouts.’” In which case, he will be sorely missed at both safety positions kick returner nickelback cornerback nickelback kick returner cornerback.

One of the few, albeit major, knocks on Julius Peppers — a point amplified precluding the official start of free agency — was that he tended to take plays off. And one of the potential issues surrounding key members of Bears management is that they will, uh, cease to exist if 2010 goes badly. Fortunately for both, Julius Peppers’ contract takes care of all that. (more…)

1o Bears are slated to become free agents — both unrestricted and restricted — when free agency officially begins on Friday. Below: who, and the likelihood they’ll return to the team. (more…)

Reports have Eli Manning on the cusp of signing a six-year, $97.5 million extension with the Giants that would make him–no joshing–the highest-paid quarterback per year in league history. Phillip Rivers and Tom Brady could be next, so you can only imagine what Cutler’s extension could look like in three years, you know, if he pans out. Free rounds for everybody!

The last post of the week: something to ponder as you await the certain couch slouch and booze binge of this weekend.

Maybe it’s his ability to play both tackle and end relatively well or his topnotch Air Golf game, but the Bears have felt it necessary to extend the contract of Israel Idonije by two years.

Per ESPN, the deal gives Izzy $7 million in new money with $3 million guaranteed.

Idonije is a steady veteran; not overly impressive, but durable, versatile and a solid contributor on special teams.

I’m starting to get good feelings about the front four again, stirred by the quality of depth the Bears have put together. I can say now that part of decline of the defense in the last two years had as much to do with the departures of guys like Ian Scott, Alfonso Boone and Tank Johnson, as it did Ron Rivera.

Oh yeah, and then there’s always that one Rod Marinelli fellow and what he did in Tampa Bay…

When the Bears signed tackle John St. Clair in 2006, it was to add competition and depth to a then solid offensive line. John Tait and Fred Miller were the aging, but stellar, bookends and St. Clair was brought in to be, along with Terrence Metcalf, an insurance policy.

Boy, how times have changed. Now, Miller is gone, Tait just retired, and the Bears currently have only last year’s first-round draft pick Chris Williams and Cody Balogh — who? — available to play tackle.

Re-signing St. Clair is a must and with the necessity comes added extra dollar value for the nine-year veteran. Miami T Vernon Carey just inked a six-year deal worth $42 million, and if that is any indication, the Bears will have to pull together something around the $4-5 million per year mark — the supposed low-side, going rate for starting tackles –to bring St. Clair back.

Do you think Jerry Angelo is willing to make a six-year, $33 million offer for St. Clair? Then why aren’t they getting close yet?! By all accounts, the Bears haven’t made any significant movement in talks with St. Clair although he’s made it clear he would like to come back.

The Cardinals Super Bowl hopes ended on a non-reviewed Kurt Warner fumble, but their troubles may have just begun. Both Warner and wide receiver Anquan Boldin could now be available to the highest bidder. And both should be targeted by the Bears.

The problem is the Cardinals are probably not going to let Warner leave. Why should they? He just capped off a Pro Bowl season by leading the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl in team history. Plus, the Cardinals aren’t sold on shaky Matt Leinart just yet, so letting Warner go could be disastrous.

Boldin, on the other hand, while having just completed another fantastic, Pro Bowl campaign, was not without controversy. He’s butted heads with head coach Ken Whisenhunt and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, didn’t participate in the NFC Championship celebration, vowed never to play for the Cardinals again and wants to be paid like teammate and fellow stud receiver, Larry Fitzgerald. (more…)