Bears basically bargain hunting
WR Johnson still is out there, but focus seems to be turning to draft
March 13, 2008
BY BRAD BIGGS
The splash might not be quite the same as it would if they were coming off the open market, but when the Bears hammer out contract extensions for defensive tackle Tommie Harris and returner Devin Hester, the money will come from the team's free-agency allotment just the same.
There's no way the Bears will let either Pro Bowl player escape Halas Hall, not after carefully planning efforts to keep both in place long-term. Other than teams spending top dollar to re-sign their own, the free-agency splurging is pretty much over.
The Bears got one of the more reasonable big buys by bringing back linebacker Lance Briggs at their original offer, while they lost big-play threat Bernard Berrian before adding wide receivers Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd at what remains a position of need.
So they find themselves in the same position as most teams, browsing through the half-off bins and ramping up preparation for the draft in six weeks. They still need a starting guard and tackle, a No. 1 receiver, real competition for running back Cedric Benson and a third quarterback -- and that's before considering depth issues at defensive tackle and safety.
That's more needs than can be squeezed into the first three rounds, in which the Bears hold four picks in the top 90.
FULL STORY
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/footb...bear13.article
Bears basically bargain hunting , Hester,Harris
Bears basically bargain hunting , Hester,Harris
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