Bears looking at QB Matt Gutierrez; Expected to sign
The Bears search for a backup QB has turned into a mess equivalent to the Bears search for an offensive coordinator.
With Caleb Hanie unable to practice after suffering a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder during the Bears preseason loss to the Chargers, the Bears have been searching for a backup since Sunday.
They have been looking for an experienced backup that has worked in the Mike Martz offense, but have been unsuccessful so far in their attempts. They tried to lure concussion magnet Trent Green out of retirement, then Todd Collins rejected the Bears offer of a non-guaranteed deal, and Damon Huard turned them down as well. The Bears also made a hard push for Josh McCown, currently the QB for the UFL’s Hartford Colonials, but he could not get out of his deal. Now the Bears could be forced to go with a younger QB without experience in a Mike Martz offense with the lack of available veteran options.
Gutierrez, 26, was with the Kansas Chiefs last season, throwing one pass. He was an undrafted free agent out of Idaho State in 2007 and signed with the Patriots. He spent 2007 and 2008 with the team.
He has good size at 6’4, 230 pounds, and he drew high marks from the Patriots, who always develop good backup QBs. Once Gutierrez passes his physical, he is expected to sign and provide the Bears with a needed arm for camp. What his chances are remain to be seen and hinge on Hanie’s health. Though Hanie said Monday that he believe that he’s solidified the job to be the backup to Jay Cutler.
Rookie Dan LeFevour is in camp, but teams usually need three QBs to get through camp and the preseason.
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