Bears Dump Griese On Bucs For Conditional 6th Round Draft Pick

Having recently re-signed both quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman to compete for the starting nod in 2008, the Chicago Bears have managed to potentially get something of value for backup quarterback Brian Griese before cutting him. Griese, who is due a $300,000 roster bonus March 4th, was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a conditional draft choice. Specific terms of the deal were not released, but it is most likely a scenario where the Bears will get a 6th or 7th round pick in 2009 if Griese makes the 2008 Bucs opening day roster, and will get nothing if he doesn't.

The move leaves Chicago with Orton and Grossman as the only quarterbacks on the roster, so look for them to bring in another young QB to develop in the mid to late rounds of this year's upcoming NFL Draft.

Meanwhile, Jon Gruden and Tampa Bay continue to collect quarterbacks like they are trading cards. This will represent Griese's second stint with the team, and he will compete with Jeff Garcia, Bruce Gradkowski, Chris Simms, and Luke McCown for playing time. The Bucs also have the rights to former Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer, who probably won't be returning to the NFL anytime soon.

UPDATE 03/04/2008 8:34 AM: Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun Times reports that the deal is for a conditional 6th round pick.