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Bears say vamoose to 'Moose,' 2 other vets -- chicagotribune.com




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chicagotribune.com
Bears say vamoose to 'Moose,' 2 other vets

By Vaughn McClure

Tribune reporter

11:04 PM CST, February 18, 2008



The extreme makeover process is under way for the Bears with three
aging veterans out, signifying a youth movement for a franchise in
dire need of a face lift.

 Released Monday were receiver Muhsin Muhammad, 34, right tackle Fred
Miller, 35, and defensive tackle Darwin Walker, 30, all of whom
carried high price tags into next season. Cutting Miller, Muhammad and
Walker will save the Bears about $15.6 million in salary-cap space.

 The cuts minimized the other big news from Monday as the Bears signed
defensive end Alex Brown to a two-year extension through 2011.

 Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Brown is certain to make
more than the $605,000 base salary he was due this coming season. He
also could regain his starting role at right defensive end with Mark
Anderson coming off a knee injury and an unproductive season.

 "It's a significant two-year extension for Alex, and he's looking
forward to getting the Bears back on the championship track," agent
Joel Segal said. "He's looking forward to continuing to play the great
football that he always does."

 Segal also represents Muhammad, who was released after three seasons
with the Bears. The 12-year veteran, who is 66 yards short of the
10,000-yard milestone for his career, was due to make $1.6 million
this coming season, was owed a $500,000 roster bonus in March and
carried a cap number of $3.3 million. He had three years left on his
contract.

 "Any time a special player like 'Moose' gets released, it's
surprising," Segal said. "But the timing for us is on the cusp of free
agency, allowing Moose to sign with another team quickly and continue
his great career."

 Segal said reworking Muhammad's contract was not discussed. Muhammad
indicated during the season that he wasn't interested in taking a pay
cut.

 With Muhammad gone, the Bears might consider working harder to keep
No.1 receiver Bernard Berrian. He is scheduled to become an
unrestricted free agent Feb. 29.

 They could place the franchise tag on Berrian. Such a move, which has
not been ruled out by general manager Jerry Angelo, would keep Berrian
around at least one more season at $7.8 million.

 If Berrian leaves, the Bears might be scrambling for options at
receiver. Ex-Bear Marty Booker, recently released by the Dolphins,
campaigned to rejoin his old team, but the Bears have yet to show
interest. Booker is schedule to visit New England on Tuesday.

 The Bears' coaching staff is confident Devin Hester can develop into
a No. 1 receiver, but that process might take some time. Mark Bradley
is another young talent the Bears hope will develop at a faster pace.

 On the offensive line, Miller's release was expected. Before season's
end, he conceded the Bears might be looking to go younger. His
off-season ankle surgery and recurring knee problem didn't help the
matter.

 Miller, a 12-year pro who had two years left on his contract and was
due a $500,000 bonus in March, was set to make $4 million next season
and carried a cap figure of $5.8 million.

 His departure might influence the Bears to think offensive line in
the first round of the draft, or dig into their wallets to land a top
free agent such as Alan Faneca or Flozell Adams.

 The defensive line won't miss Walker, who never lived up to the high
expectations that followed him with his trade from Buffalo. He had
just one sack after recording 27.5 sacks during his first seven
seasons. Walker missed the last three games with a series of injuries,
including a fractured elbow.

 He was beat out for the starting job in the preseason by Dusty
Dvoracek, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season
opener.

 Walker, who had four years left on his deal, was due a $5.2 roster
bonus in March, was scheduled to make $1.15 million next season, and
carried a cap number of $6.5 million.

 The Bears have other options at defensive tackle, with Dvoracek and
Antonio Garay returning from injuries and Matt Toeaina emerging.

 "It's a business, man," said Al Irby, Walker's agent. "Darwin had too
many nagging injuries this past season. He just didn't get a chance to
show things."

 Other roster moves could be in the works as the Bears' brass prepares
for the NFL scouting combine this week in Indianapolis.

 Angelo reiterated to ChicagoBears.com that he would like to keep
quarterback Rex Grossman around, meaning Brian Griese could be on the
way out.

 Safeties Adam Archuleta and Mike Brown, cornerback Ricky Manning Jr.
and guard Ruben Brown might be causalities too. Archuleta said he
hadn't heard anything new about this status as of Monday afternoon.

 The Bears also have to prepare for possibly losing Lance Briggs,
Brendon Ayanbadejo and Grossman to free agency.

 vxmcclure at tribune.com

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