[CBFF] Help wanted: Bears work out WR Gardner

Wed Sep 6 06:17:39 MDT 2006

Why did the Packers release him?  

-----Original Message-----
From: cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com
[mailto:cbff-bounces at chicagobearsfanforum.com] On Behalf Of Tom Shannon
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 7:06 AM
To: post at chicagobearsfanforum.com
Subject: [CBFF] Help wanted: Bears work out WR Gardner

www.suntimes.com
output/bears/cst-spt-bearnt06.html

Help wanted: Bears work out WR Gardner 

September 6, 2006

BY BRAD BIGGS Staff Reporter 

The Bears went sifting through the wide receiver discard pile Tuesday
looking at players on the street seeking a job, and they could be
contemplating a roster move.

Former high draft picks Rod Gardner and Darius Watts worked out at Halas
Hall along with rookie Greg Lee as general manager Jerry Angelo and coach
Lovie Smith got a look at what's out there that might help a roster that has
not been able to achieve any consistency at wide receiver since training
camp opened. With Charles Rogers not in the group, it's a sign the team does
not have interest in the former No. 2 overall pick of the Detroit Lions.

Gardner, who was released by the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, could be the
man the Bears choose, and they also could have pumped him for information on
the new offense Mike McCarthy has installed as they prepare for the season
opener Sunday at Lambeau Field. If the Bears sign Gardner before Sunday, his
contract would be guaranteed for the season. In a lot of cases, clubs will
wait to sign veterans until after the first game so they are not on the hook
for termination pay, and one league source indicated that could be what is
happening here. Gardner is represented by Joel Segal, who has a strong
relationship with Angelo.

Washington made Gardner its first-round pick in 2001 and he spent four
seasons with the Redskins, making 59 starts and catching 227 passes while
scoring 22 touchdowns. He was traded to Carolina last summer and was claimed
on waivers by the Packers in December, appearing in their final two games.
Gardner has good size at 6-2, 215, and uses his body well downfield but has
only average quickness.

Watts doesn't appear to be someone the club is still targeting. The
second-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2004, he fell in the doghouse
there because of bad hands. He's expected to make visits to Kansas City and
Seattle, and could find work soon. Lee, who came out of Pitt early after
having 962 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior last season, went
undrafted and spent training camp with Arizona. Based on his lack of
experience, he's more likely to be a practice squad candidate.

If the Bears make a move for Gardner, it could spell the end for Airese
Currie or Justin Gage. Both missed practice Monday, and Gage has an
undisclosed side injury. Currie just had soreness in his left knee that was
repaired by arthroscopic surgery last month.

Bernard Berrian, who remains atop the depth chart at the No. 2 position, is
back after missing a week with a minor MCL issue in his right knee. Smith
has yet to name the starter opposite Muhsin Muhammad for Sunday's game at
Lambeau Field, but if camp and the preseason are a good indicator it will be
Berrian, who had a career-high 93 yards in the Christmas Day game at Green
Bay last season.

Mark Bradley is also practicing after a hip injury knocked him out of
Thursday's game at Cleveland. There is already a new face on hand. Mike Hass
was signed to the practice squad. At Oregon, he made 90 catches and averaged
17 yards per reception last fall, but fell to the sixth round because he
lacks explosiveness and a burst to get open. New Orleans released him.

NOTES: Ex-Bear Steve Edwards was released by the Minnesota Vikings on
Tuesday, 24 hours after they signed him to a two-year contract. Minnesota
used his spot to sign linebacker Marquis Cooper.

.Former Bear Glen Kozlowski, the head coach at Wauconda, was named the Bears
high school coach of the week after his team defeated Marengo 38-0.

bbiggs at suntimes.com

I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this,
and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect,
they don't even invite me.
            -- Dave Barry

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