Draconator Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Of course, it's just media speculation I'm posting here, but some in Chicago are seeing Bledsoe as someone to help Grossman. Drew might have to accept a backup role after all? http://bears.scout.com/2/352594.html Is Bledsoe Worth a Look? By Jason Klabacha Date: Feb 16, 2005 The Bears suffered through a 5-11 season largely because there wasn’t a backup quarterback on the roster when the year started. GM Jerry Angelo has learned a lesson from counting on good health to be successful, so look for the Bears to explore adding a veteran signal caller, such as Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe's release from Buffalo is imminent, as the Bills go with a youth movement and J.P. Losman. A veteran of many NFL wars while with the New England Patriots and Bills, Bledsoe now finds himself in a precarious position. The market for a 33-year old quarterback that isn’t very mobile is slim, but Bledsoe still commands some interest. The end is not yet in sight for this former first overall pick. If Angelo decides to court Bledsoe, it wouldn’t be the first time. Following the ’01 season the Bears contemplated trading for the four-time Pro Bowler, but decided the price of a future first round pick was too steep. Over three seasons in Buffalo, Bledsoe has started every game and thrown 55 touchdown passes to 43 interceptions. The only season Bledsoe hasn’t been the starter in his career is 2001. He suffered a serious chest injury in the second game of the season and Tom Brady hasn’t looked back, leading the New England Patriots to three Super Bowl victories in four years. After 12 years in the league it might be time for Bledsoe to accept a backup role for less money. Giving him the option to challenge Grossman and Chad Hutchinson in training camp could entice him to come to Chicago. It’s Grossman’s time to emerge as the answer at quarterback, but if anything goes wrong, Bledsoe and Hutchinson would be a major upgrade over Jonathan Quinn and Craig Krenzel a year ago. Bledsoe isn’t the only veteran that will be available when free agency starts on March 2nd and the Bears aren’t going to be the only team exploring their options. Jeff Garcia has been released within the last week, while Kurt Warner is looking to get out of New York. However, either would come with baggage and might not accept playing second fiddle. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers will all be looking to add a veteran starter or backup to the mix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2003Contenders Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 I still think the dark horse team in all of this is Cleveland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckincincy Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 I still think the dark horse team in all of this is Cleveland. 245077[/snapback] Could be. I don't recall seeing any updates on Holcomb's busted ribs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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