Bears' Brown on the Block

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 26, 2010 2:20PM

After nine seasons, the Bears are apparently ready to part ways with defensive end Alex Brown. When Lovie Smith announced that the team was moving Israel Idonije to defensive end, that seemingly left Brown as the odd man out in the three-man rotation that also includes newly signed All Pro Julius Peppers and Mark Anderson. NFL sources confirm that the Bears are actively shopping Brown, who has started over 100 games for the team during his tenure. If the team is unable to find any takers, it's possible the team might release Brown in order to save the $5 million he's owed for 2010. It's a mistake to trim the depth on defense given the team's history of injuries among its front four. So is their decision on Brown a sign that maybe the Bears acted a bit too much like drunken sailors when free agency began? Or does the team see a way to fill its need at safety but needs to free up some cap room? We hope it's the latter.