This article lists names that could be available to the Bears next year. True, some are far fetched, but their names will be out there in the off season.
*Brian Brohm: The Bears probably would have to be drafting high to get a shot at the Louisville quarterback. At this point Brohm looks like the only prospect you would even consider starting as a rookie.
*Daunte Culpepper: He could be the most talented quarterback available if he proves to be healthy in Oakland. Culpepper will be an unrestricted free agent but might not fit the Bears' offense.
*Josh McCown: The journeyman will be a free agent and the Raiders are likely to let him go.
*Donovan McNabb: It's unlikely the Chicago native will be traded or cut if coach Andy Reid remains in Philadelphia, as expected. But the Eagles did draft his potential successor this year, Kevin Kolb.
*Chad Pennington: He could be the best fit for the Bears' offense, and the Jets might be willing to trade him if Kellen Clemens shows he can be an NFL starter.
*Jake Plummer: The 32-year old is retired but under contract with the Bucs. If he decides he wants to play again for a team other than Tampa Bay, the Bucs probably would demand a second- or third-round pick in return. The Bears made a run at Plummer when he was a free agent in 2003, but he chose Denver.
*Tony Romo: His contract is up after the year, but the Cowboys aren't likely to let him get away. If they don't sign him to a contract extension, they will franchise him.
*Chris Simms: He's in coach Jon Gruden's doghouse in Tampa and a candidate to be cut or traded. But he hasn't proved anything.
*Billy Volek: The Chargers backup will be a free agent, and there are some who think he has the ability to be an NFL starter.