The Bears have a replacement for Rex Grossman.
The club has a third quarterback now after signing Arlington Heights native Brett Basanez to a two-year contract. For now, he figures to vie with Caleb Hanie for a spot as the No. 2 quarterback heading into the offseason. Grossman will be an unrestricted free agent beginning Feb. 27 and will not return.
Basanez spent the last three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, who were hoping to bring him back. He was on the practice squad last season and spent 2007 on injured reserve after a wrist injury in preseason. An undrafted free agent from Northwestern in 2006, he spent the majority of the season on the practice squad before being elevated to the 53-man roster in December.
Basanez is an athletic quarterback who is smart and accurate. The 2005 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year holds numerous records at Northwestern.
The Bears will likely still look at a quarterback. Whether it is a veteran in free agency or a rookie in the draft remains to be seen.
"Grossman will be an unrestricted free agent beginning Feb. 27 and will not return."
Ahhhhhhh!!! Music!
Brad,
How exactly did we sign him? Was he released at the end of the year, or did he sign an injury settlement? Otherwise, I thought even practice squad guys were locked in until Feb 27th. Can you give me some insight there?
Thanks
Oooooh. BIG move, Bears. Bet they really had to open up their wallet big for this multiple-Pro Bowler. Oh, wait...
WHO??????????
Please add this name:
http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/chicagobears...
Don't let Rex leave.............we'll be sorry!!!!
Brett Basanez!! THE Brett Basanez? Our QB issues are over! Hail Angelo for such a bold move!