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Chicago Bears Roster Turnover: Quarterback

Wcg_thumb_roster_mediumIn this ongoing series I'll be looking at the possibilities for the 2010 Chicago Bears roster on a position by position basis.  Every year there is a good amount of turnover on each team; injuries, age, draft status, contract, free agency, and player personality are some of the things that go into deciding the 53 man roster.  Of course talent factors in, but it can occasionally get trumped by something else.  With the labor talk clouding the 2010 season (Salary cap or no?) there may be changes to some players free agent status, and with the troubling economy there may be even more teams looking to shave payroll.

A couple weeks back, fellow WCG writer, MuleTrain posted his take on the subject with his; Way, Way Too Early 2010 Roster Predictions.  If you haven't read it yet take a gander, it's a real solid look at the future of the Bears. 

Take the jump and we'll start the series off with a look at quarterback...

Star-divide

QUARTERBACK - Last year at this time Bears fans were hoping Kyle Orton would solidify the position, who knew that Jerry Angelo would shock the NFL world and trade for a potential franchise QB in Jay Cutler.  Even though he had his ups and downs in '09, there is no question who the man is moving forward.

Jay Cutler - Signed through 2013 - Yes, I think he'll be around next year.  He still has a lot to prove in the NFL, namely if he can lead his team into the playoffs and can cut down on his interceptions.  But another year working with the receiving corps will do wonders.  He'll be fine. 

Caleb Hanie - Signed through 2011 - I see no reason why Hanie wouldn't return next season.  Whoever is brought in as offensive coordinator will no doubt build parts of the offense around the talents of Jay Cutler, and Hanie possesses some of those same traits (a big arm and mobile).  In my opinion he's a perfect understudy for Cutler. 

Brett Basanez - Signed through 2010 - I'm not sure why Basanez was promoted to the active roster for the final game of the season, and I'm not exactly sure if the promotion will now make him ineligible for the practice squad next year, but regardless his spot on the roster isn't a sure thing.

2010 QB OUTLOOK - Cutler is the obvious #1, but I could see Angelo looking over the free agent pool to bring in a wily veteran to compete for the #2.  Cutler has proven to be a durable player, but there are no guarantees.  And how comfortable would Bears brass be with Hanie having to take snaps for an extended number of games?  The free agent pool isn't very impressive, but a guy like Jon Kitna could bring some experience to the position.  Signing someone that has played in whatever system the new O.C. would bring over is another thought. 

Poll
Do you expect the Bears to bring in a veteran QB to compete with Caleb Hanie in 2010?
Yes
257 votes
No
855 votes

1112 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 34 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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The offense has MANY...

other holes to fill at this point. Haine may not be a great backup, but the offense’s success is squarely on Cutler’s shoulders. No back up can fill that void. Thus, assembling a better offense outside of the QB is the most important. I could argue that QB is the MOST stable position on this team, but it’s at least the last few “issues” to be addressed.

When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!!!

by LostInSTL on Jan 19, 2010 10:16 AM CST reply actions  

agree

I think the poll results so far back up this opinion too.

"I am not an animal!" - Merrick

by Maelvampyre on Jan 19, 2010 2:33 PM CST up reply actions  

Every time now?

FYI – you really don’t have to reply to the top string in order to get your opinion on. People tend to know how to scroll down.

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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Jan 20, 2010 7:53 AM CST up reply actions  

Please, no Kitna

I recall his play being worse than most journeyman QB’s – he also had a bad tendency to fumble. I don’t think they should keep wasting roster spots on has – beens, and start developing players instead. JA has shown to possess a weird fondess for veterans well past their prime.

by Waylon on Jan 19, 2010 10:33 AM CST reply actions  

and start developing players instead

We’re pretty bad at that, on the offensive side, at least.

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"I don’t care if Belichick wins twenty Super Bowls. He’s an asshole." - Da Coach

by Spongie on Jan 19, 2010 10:27 PM CST up reply actions  

I think Hanie can stick

Cutler has proven to be durable and if they can solidify the line there is no reason that can’t continue. If they can’t improve the line then yes bring in a veteran because no one can take the pounding Cutler took this year and stay healthy for very long.

by Sam Householder on Jan 19, 2010 10:44 AM CST reply actions  

Although I wasn't sure about it at first,

I like the idea of only using 2 roster spots for QB, and keeping one on the practice squad. I think Hanie is a more than capable back-up, so I agree with you that he’ll be back.

As for the practice squad and Basanez… a player can have up to 3 years on the practice squad. Basanez was in his 3rd year this year (07-09) this past season, so he won’t qualify anymore for anyone’s practice team.

The one game active wouldn’t have hurt him anyhow, as it takes 6 games active (I think) to be considered a full season, which negates the eligibility as well.

Sending condolences and peaceful thoughts to the family and community of Gaines Adams.

by Dane Noble on Jan 19, 2010 10:46 AM CST reply actions  

I love keeping only 2 QB's

as long as you have a QB with a history of durability and are able to stuff a youngster on the practice squad. Last year worked out great (from a roster standpoint).

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 19, 2010 10:52 AM CST up reply actions  

Yup... with only 2 spots being taken up by QBs

and only 1 backup OT, and only 1 guy as a back-up to both OG and C, that leaves around 40 spots for defensive linemen and defensive backs.

Sending condolences and peaceful thoughts to the family and community of Gaines Adams.

by Dane Noble on Jan 19, 2010 10:55 AM CST up reply actions  

Aw stupid work.

I totally would’ve made the same comment.

I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves

I want and/or need followers. http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers

by Kev H on Jan 19, 2010 12:31 PM CST up reply actions  

And don't forget

Quality, fast & tall WR’s that ride the pine for ther first 13 weeks :-)

Unreasonable people make life difficult...

by WisBearsFan34 on Jan 19, 2010 10:57 AM CST reply actions  

Reply fail!!!!

That was supposed to be a reply to Dane’s 40 DL & DB’s Sorry :-(

Unreasonable people make life difficult...

by WisBearsFan34 on Jan 19, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions  

Basanez was activated...

as a reward. linkers

The coaching staff and front office felt indebted to Basanez because he worked so hard all season as the scout team quarterback. He was the only player on the practice squad who traveled with the team because he was helpful on the sideline. Basanez approached his job with energy, enthusiasm and professionalism.

The Bears subsequently wanted to thank him, so they promoted him for one game.

What kind of reward was that?

The league minimum for a second year player is $385,000. So for being on the roster for 1 of 17 weeks, Basanez will receive 1/17th of the minimum — or $22,647. That’s an increase of $17,447 from what Basanez would have made last week on the practice squad.

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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Jan 19, 2010 10:59 AM CST reply actions  

Good find!!!

Can he be on the practice squad next year too?

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 19, 2010 11:03 AM CST up reply actions  

From my comment up above
As for the practice squad and Basanez… a player can have up to 3 years on the practice squad. Basanez was in his 3rd year this year (07-09) this past season, so he won’t qualify anymore for anyone’s practice team.

The one game active wouldn’t have hurt him anyhow, as it takes 6 games active (I think) to be considered a full season, which negates the eligibility as well.

Sending condolences and peaceful thoughts to the family and community of Gaines Adams.

by Dane Noble on Jan 19, 2010 11:09 AM CST up reply actions  

oh...

I guess reading is a skill…

And I guess I could have reference my piece on the Practice Squad I wrote last offseason… I must be lazy today!!!

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 19, 2010 11:14 AM CST up reply actions  

Working backwards...

> 09 – Bears practice squad
> 08 – Panthers practice squad
> *07 – I believe he was stashed on IR
> 06 – Panthers practice squad – I believe. If he would have been on the active roster all season he wouldn’t have been eligible later on.

According to the CBA, it’s three games in the first two seasons and one game in the third.

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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Jan 19, 2010 11:31 AM CST up reply actions  

No way they bring in another QB

then there isn’t enough room for young athletic DBs/DL/DEs/ and 6th and 7th round picks to ride the bench

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden

by BearNecessities on Jan 19, 2010 11:08 AM CST reply actions  

It's pointless to have 3 QBs

when this team has many holes on it. This team needs to trim some serious excess fat off of it.

"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.

by propheteer on Jan 19, 2010 11:24 AM CST reply actions  

The real question...

Is Basanez good enough to merit a roster spot. I wouldn’t mind if they go with Cutler and Hanie, and then find another PS squad eligible quarterback.

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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Jan 19, 2010 11:33 AM CST up reply actions  

uh no culter blocks better that he does.

Sxrew that the bears suck, next. GO BLACKHAWKS! Spring training starts in February and Arena Football is coming back too. YAY!!!!!!!!!

by pierzynskirules on Jan 20, 2010 7:26 PM CST up reply actions  

So did Lynn Swann

I had quite a few chances to see the back of his jersey that game.

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Jan 20, 2010 9:01 AM CST up reply actions  

Kinda sucks to lose Basanez

But can’t have roster spots for all those d players with him on it


The coaching staff and front office felt indebted to Basanez because he worked so hard all season as the scout team quarterback. He was the only player on the practice squad who traveled with the team because he was helpful on the sideline. Basanez approached his job with energy, enthusiasm and professionalism.

Sounds like a classy guy, helpful on the sidelines, and good work ethic. Good to see a guy who works hard and appreciates his spot, even if it is on the ps, you are getting paid to play football for Gods sake.

by TheMan1 on Jan 19, 2010 2:57 PM CST reply actions  

I'm sure that Painter kid on Indy works hard too

but i wouldn’t EVER want him lining up behind center when the game mattered…nor Basanez. cut the fat

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden

by BearNecessities on Jan 19, 2010 5:39 PM CST up reply actions  

But another year working with the receiving corps will do wonders.

I think that your piece on that receiving corps will make for an interesting read.

-
The glass is more than half-full.

by NorthStarr on Jan 27, 2010 2:35 AM CST reply actions  

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