Bears coach Lovie Smith has given quarterback Kyle Orton a vote of confidence as the team's unquestioned leader. "I'm a big Kyle Orton fan. I like him leading our football team. He'll do that this coming season," said Smith. "Of course you're always trying to add different pieces to the mix, but Kyle Orton will be leading our football team this season."

David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune believes that the Bears should entertain the idea of trading linebacker Brian Urlacher to the Cardinals for receiver Anquan Boldin. The Bears are a team that values their high draft picks, so in order to land a player of Boldin's caliber, they'd need to trade an multi-time Pro Bowler like Urlacher.

The Bears cut ties with wide receiver Marty Booker and safety Mike Brown on Friday. Brown was informed by Chicago that they will not make him a contract offer for next season. In addition, two sources said offensive tackle John Tait is seriously considering retirement.

A lot of people believe that the Patriots will trade Matt Cassel, and the Bears have admitted that solving their quarterback situation is tops on their offseason list. "At some point, the Bears will have to address their quarterback situation. There were times last season when Kyle Orton appeared to have a good handle on things, but after sustaining an ankle injury, he was not the same productive player," Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post wrote. "The Bears need a marquee player on offense, someone they can build around and make all the other pieces fit. They need someone they do not have to manage but who can run a complete offense. The need is there, but I doubt the Bears will be serious players. They have the 18th pick in the first round, but they hate to part with picks."

If the Vikings aren't able to acquire Matt Cassel, Matt Hasselbeck or Brett Favre, they are expected to look at Derek Anderson, Jeff Garcia and Rex Grossman. The Browns intend to start Brady Quinn at quarterback, and might have to waive Anderson if they can't trade him.

The Bears have found their third quarterback, signing Brett Basanez to a two-year contract. For now, he figures to vie with Caleb Hanie for a spot as the No. 2 quarterback heading into the offseason. Basanez spent the last three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, who were hoping to bring him back. Rex Grossman is certain to not return to Chicago in 2009.

Simeon Rice, who sat out last season, is attempting a comeback and the Bears could be interested. Rice, 35, is a Mount Carmel product and had his most productive seasons under defensive line coach Rod Marinelli with the Buccaneers.