It started late last week when they inked 7th round pick J’Marcus Webb to a 4-year deal worth about $1.85 million with a modest $60k bonus. Webb will be Mike Tice’s pet project and at 6-8 328 lbs this mammoth could be a project for right tackle.

Next up, 5th round pick Josh Moore signed on the dotted line to try to compete in the secondary.   The K-State corner should figure into the mix on special teams and might add some depth to the cornerback position.

The next money move was long overdue as Danieal Manning finally signed his one year tender to collect a $1.76 million dollar payday in 2010.  Have you ever seen someone so slow to cash a million dollar lottery ticket?  Here’s the puzzling thing about Manning from Vaughn McClure’s post on Chicago Breaking Sports:

Manning is working with the first team at strong safety while Chris Harris is working with the first team at free. Harris, who was traded back to the Bears from Carolina, prefers to play strong safety. Manning has played a lot of free safety, but the Bears might turn to rookie Major Wright at the position if Wright picks up the defense quickly.

Why exactly are Manning and Harris working out at the wrong positions?  Put Harris at strong safety, Major Wright at the free safety spot and work Manning in as the nickel back.  I think that makes the most sense.  Giving guys reps in the wrong spots doesn’t do any good.  But I digress.

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QB Brett Basanez

O-linemen G Johan Asiata and C Donovan Raiola

DE’s Ervin Baldwin and Joe Clermond

Fullback Will Ta’ufo’ou

CB Woodny Turenne

As we all knew before final cuts were made, wide receiver Brandon Rideau is not eligible for the practice squad.  It’s interesting that so far they only filled seven of the eight available spots.  It will be interesting to see if they try to add an experienced player to the active roster and demote someone down to the practice squad.

I’ve heard a rumble about Warrick Dunn being out there as some depth for the running back position.   Also caught wind of DE Kevin Carter being out there to add some depth on the defensive line.  And of course, for those still seeking that wide receiver, Matt Jones is still right there for the taking.  Check out this video clip of the top veterans on the street according to the guru’s over at NFL Network by clicking here.

BEAR DOWN!!!

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Corey Graham vs Craig Steltz at Free Safety

Corey Graham began working out at Free Safety during OTA’s.  That signals a couple of things.  #1 – it shows that Nathan Vasher may be coming back healthwise and also gaining the confidence of the coaching staff once again.  #2 – it may speak to some of the depth at the CB position between 2nd year man Zackary Bowman coming back after showing some flashes during an injury-shortened 2008 and the newly drafted D.J. Moore exuding confidence right out of the gate.  I like the playmaker Graham to get the nod.

Caleb Hanie vs Brett Basanez for backup QB (more…)

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UPDATE:  As reader Bruce correctly points out, Simms finished the season with the Titans, so they have exclusive negotiating rights with him.  Jerry Angelo can only do what the rest of us can; sit around and hope Simms doesn’t sign with the Titans and enters free agency on February 27th.  Thanks Bruce!

If Jerry Angelo plans to add Chris Simms to the Bears QB mix, he’d better get with it.  Vaughn McClure reports in his Huddle Up blog that Simms is leaning toward signing with the Tennessee Titans.  (more…)

“I said if they need to test me I’ll come out there in February and wear nothing but my skivvies out there if they want.  I don’t care.”

No need to do that Brett; you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so on the Bears QB merry-go-round over the next 2 years.  Welcome home. 

Considering Jerry Angelo claimed addressing the quarterback situation as a top priority this offseason, I was holding out hope that the Bears might actually be serious.  I’m sure Basanez is a nice kid and the Arlington Heights native is certainly excited about the opportunity to return home, but hopefully this is nothing more than competition for Caleb Hanie’s as the designated clipboard holder, right?  This can’t be the only move the Beloved make for a quarterback, can it?  Here’s to hoping that the Bears have a something more up their sleeve.