Bears Dump Muhammad, Walker, Miller, and Extend Alex Brown 2 Years

The Chicago Bears' 2008 makeover has begun, with the team releasing starting wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who was due a $1.6 million base salary, and an upcoming $500,000 roster bonus ($3.3 million cap figure in 2008). The Bears also released defensive tackle Darvin Walker, who was due a $5.2 million roster bonus and $1.15 million base salary in 2008 ($6.5 million cap figure), as well as aging and decrepit offensive tackle/turnstyle Fred Miller, who was due a $500,000 roster bonus and $4 million base salary in 2008 ($5.8 million cap figure).

The Bears also extended the contract of defensive end Alex Brown for 2 years (through 2011) at an undisclosed amount, although agent Joel Segal called it "significant." Brown will likely get a bump of this year's $605,000 base salary, and according to Chicago Sun Times beat reporter Brad Biggs the total new money in the deal is $15.5 million. Biggs, by the way, is one of the best local beat reporters covering an NFL team, and has done a great job covering the Bears for the Sun Times the last few years.

Chicago is also rumored to be in talks this week with Rex Grossman's agent about bringing him back on a short term deal, probably close to a 2-3 year deal averaging $3-4 million a year, most likely with some kind of significant roster bonus after year 1 to force another decision to be made next offseason. The thinking goes that if the Bears and Grossman are able to reach a deal, they would part ways with quarterback Brian Griese, then let Kyle Orton and Grossman duke it out in a real quarterback competition in training camp, and draft somebody in the middle rounds this year to develop in the future.

Looking into the crystal ball, also look for Chicago to part ways with safety Adam Archuleta, guard Ruben Brown, unrestricted free agent Bernard Berrian, and possibly safety Mike Brown and guard Terrence Metcalf. They will also make a serious effort to re-sign unrestricted free agent Pro Bowl caliber special teamer and occasional linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo to a palatable multi-year deal. They have reportedly made offers to WR Bernard Berrian, LB Ayanbadejo, LB Lance Briggs, and DT Tommie Harris (about an extension of his rookie deal, which expires after 2008), all of whom are represented by powerful agent Drew Rosenhaus. Look for Berriand to wait and search out the best deal when free agency opens February 29th, and unless the Bears have made a legit offer to Briggs, he'll do the same and sign a lucrative deal with a mediocre team elsewhere this offseason.