Hoping to hang on to a player who is popular within the organization, the Bears negotiated Monday with defensive end Phillip Daniels. Talks will resume Tuesday about restructuring his contract for less money and possibly signing him to an extension that would keep him in Chicago.
“We’re still discussing some options,” Daniels’ agent, Hadley Engelhard, said.
General manager Jerry Angelo gave Engelhard permission to speak with other teams, given the Bears’ intention of releasing Daniels before a $1 million roster bonus kicks in next week.
Engelhard said Monday several teams had expressed interest in Daniels at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, including the Washington Redskins.
The Redskins seem like a natural landing spot for Daniels, considering they recently hired Greg Blache as their defensive line coach. Daniels and Blache shared mutual respect during Blache’s tenure as the Bears’ defensive coordinator, and Daniels could adapt easily to the system.
Daniels, due to make $3 million in the final year of his contract, likes the idea of staying in Chicago but is willing to relocate for the good of his career.
A source said the Bears have tabbed Daniels as a backup to Michael Haynes and Alex Brown in coach Lovie Smith’s new scheme, which emphasizes speed over strength. If Daniels were to play a reserve role, the team concluded, it would pay him accordingly.
Quinn on hold
The Bears, who are in the market for a veteran backup quarterback who understands Terry Shea’s version of the West Coast offense, can expect a call from the Chiefs’ No. 3 quarterback, Jonathan Quinn, once free agency begins March 3.
Quinn, who turns 29 Friday, enjoyed a rapport with Shea the last two seasons in Kansas City. Quinn left a positive impression with Smith in the final exhibition game last August, completing 15 of 21 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown against Smith’s St. Louis defense in a 22-6 Chiefs victory.
Quinn, a Middle Tennessee State product who led NFL Europe in passing in 2001, has been hailed by his agent, Rich De Luca, as a 2004 version of the Panthers’ Jake Delhomme–an unheralded backup who just needs a chance.
But De Luca said Quinn understands and accepts that his next opportunity will begin as a backup. The Bears will need a backup quarterback after they get rid of Kordell Stewart next week.
Meet the Bears
The Bears’ Fan Convention is Friday through Sunday at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. The new coaching staff and more than 60 former and current Bears will participate.
Festivities include autograph and photo access, clinics, youth interactive games and a question-and-answer session with team President Ted Phillips, Angelo and Smith. For ticket prices and more information, call 847-295-6600.
