Bears sign Griese<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>By John Mullin and K.C. JohnsonTribune staff reportersPublished March 21, 2006, 7:37 PM CSTThe Bears made their first big splash in free agency Tuesday, signing the veteran backup they hope finally will solidify their quarterback position.Brian Griese has agreed to terms on a five-year contract that should keep him in a Bears uniform through the 2010 season, according to a source close to the player. Financial details weren't yet immediately available.Griese, son of Hall of Famer Bob, has started 72 games in eight NFL seasons with three teams. He led Tampa Bay to a 5-1 record last season before tearing two knee ligaments in his left knee last Oct. 16 against Miami, ending his season.The Bears zeroed in on Griese last week during free agency and were comfortable with a medical evaluation performed on the injured knee to sign him. A meeting with offensive coordinator Ron Turner on Monday in Tampa helped sway the veteran quarterback, who also drew interest from Cincinnati, Miami and the Buccaneers.Tampa Bay released Griese on March 10 to avoid paying him a $2.6 million bonus.Griese is expected to supplant Kyle Orton as Rex Grossman's backup. Given Grossman's injury history, Griese also felt comfortable enough with the situation in Chicago to possibly start games. Griese has completed 63.1 percent of his passes with 103 touchdowns and 78 interceptions. The former Michigan star is known as an accurate passer and cerebral player.</div>Damn, If we signed any veteran QB I was hoping it would be Griese. I guess we're left with Kerry Collins.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ward86 @ Mar 22 2006, 12:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Now they have 3 capable quarterbacks. I have no idea what they're going to do...</div>and two injury prone ones... (Grossman and Griese) I'd say let 'em tank it out in preseason
I love this signing. Griese is a solid QB. He's not great but he's way better than the guys we've had as backup QB's. I really hope Grossman can stay healthy. I'm a big fan of him.
