Bears Cut Moose Loose

You know that list of needs the Bears have to fill this off-season? Quarterback, running back, offensive line? Well, we can add wide receiver to the list.

The Bears cut veteran wideout Muhsin Muhammad on Monday, along with offensive lineman Fred Miller and defensive tackle Darwin Walker as they try to free up money under the salary cap.

By waiving Muhammad, the Bears avoid paying the aging receiver a $500,000 roster bonus in March. He stood to earn $1.6 million in '08, but would have counted $3.3 million towards the salary cap.

In his three seasons with the Bears, Moose caught 164 passes for 2183 yards and 12 TDs. With the 12-year vets skills clearly on the decline and a number of critical needs, the team felt it was best to cut him loose.

While the Bears sent Muhammad packing, they also need to plan for a future without their other starting wideout. Bernard Berrian is a free agent and could likely depart. But could former receiver Marty Booker -- sent to Miami for Adewale Ogunleye in 2004 -- return? Himself a free agent, his representatives have supposedly contacted the Bears about returning to the team.

Photo by AP Photo/M. Spencer Green