Originally posted: February 12, 2008
Booker back to the Bears?
By Vaughn McClure, 5:18 p.m.
The Bears have been contacted about re-signing receiver Marty Booker, an NFL source said Tuesday.
Booker, cut by the Miami Dolphins, has drawn interest from a number of teams. The Bears were not among the initial group which contacted Booker within 24 hours of his release, but Booker reportedly has made it clear that his first preference would be a return to Chicago.
Booker was a third-round draft pick of the Bears in 1999 but was traded to the Dolphins in 2004 for defensive end Adewale Ogunleye and a third-round pick (linebacker Channing Crowder).
Booker, who turns 32 on July 31, probably has at least a couple good years left in him despite being released by Miami. His production tailed off this past season with just 50 catches for 556 yards and one touchdown. But Miami was the fifth-worst offensive team in the league and Booker was the team’s leading receiver.
The Bears will need an extra body at receiver with Bernard Berrian bound for free agency on Feb. 29 and Muhsin Muhammad possibly not in the team's plans. Plus general manager Jerry Angelo always liked Booker, who made the Pro Bowl with the Bears after the 2003 season. Booker still holds the team record for receptions in a season with 100 in 2001. He followed with 97 catches during his Pro Bowl season.
Booker was due to make $4.3 million this coming season. Cutting him will give new Dolphins vice president Bill Parcells flexibility under the cap to pursue free agents, such as Berrian -- or Rex Grossman.
LINK
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotr...r-back-to.html