Griese to Visit Bears

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 17, 2006 6:57PM

Seems that Bears management has finally realized that they might want to have a capable veteran QB on the roster, especially since Rex Grossman seems to be running neck-and-nexk with Mark Prior in the "who can get injured more" contest the two seem to be having. The past two seasons have forced Bears fans to witness a parade of overwhelmed rookies and career third-string QBs take the field.

While last year's team went 11-5, in spite of Kyle Orton's passing numbers, the team needs to add a better QB if there are real hopes of a Super Bowl run in 2006. With that goal in mind, the Bears will meet with Brian Griese on Sunday.

With Drew Brees signing with the Saints (he probably would have been too costly anyway) and former Cardinal Josh McCown signing with Detroit, Griese is currently at the top of the Bears wish list.

They could certainly do worse than Griese if they're looking for somebody to back up Grossman ... or maybe even compete for the starting job. Chicagoist had hoped the Bears would have signed him back in 2003, when they instead chose to try Kordell Stewart. Griese played in 16 games over two seasons with Miami and then began last season as Tampa Bay's starter. He lead them to a 5-1 record before suffering a season-ending injury.

Prior to his Chicago stop, Griese will meet with Cincinnati about backing up Carson Palmer. He knows he'll have no chance at the starting job in Cincy, so hopefully the Bears can lure him to Chicago. He might be just the QB to lead the Bears deep into the playoffs. They made a mistake passing on him three years ago -- let's hope they don't this time.