QUOTE (MurcieOne @ Sep 3, 2008 -> 04:50 PM)
Is Willie Anderson still available? If so, is he too expensive?
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...1,2728258.story
Bears talk to free-agent tackle Anderson, but chances slim
The Bears have had contact with free-agent Pro Bowl tackle Willie Anderson, but the chances of the veteran joining the Bears are slim to none, according to an NFL source.
Anderson, 33, was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on cut down day. He became a backup to Stacy Andrews at right tackle and refused to take a pay cut. He had a streak of 116 consecutive games stopped last season due to chronic pain in his right foot and also battled knee problems.
Anderson signed a fiive-year contract extension in 2005 reportedly worth $32 million. Money is part of the reason he doesn't fit into the Bears' plan despite the team's need for help on the offensive line.
The Bears lost rookie left tackle Chris Williams until at least November following back surgery. Guard Terrence Metcalf just returned to practice Monday off a knee injury. Veteran Fred Miller is mulling over the Bears' one-year contract offer after being cut by the team following last season.
Also, the Bears had talks about acquiring Chris Simms but those talks have died down, the source said. Simms visited Baltimore Monday but did not sign with the Ravens. He was released by the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Simms appeared to be a viable option earlier in the off-season, but the Bears don't want to shake up the roster at this point.