When the Bears signed quarterback Jonathan Quinn away from Kansas City in free agency, it appeared Chris Chandler did not figure in their plans.
They confirmed that Friday, waiving the 16-year veteran.
Chandler, 38, started 13 games in his two seasons with the Bears, leading them to five victories. Chandler, who was scheduled to make $1.4 million in 2004, came as a veteran backup to Jim Miller before the 2002 season and shared time with Kordell Stewart and Rex Grossman last season.
Chandler, who led the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl after the 1998 season, has started games for a record seven NFL teams, including the Colts, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams and Oilers.
Quinn, 29, spent the last two seasons as the Chiefs’ No. 3 quarterback and becomes the Bears’ No. 2 quarterback.
The Bears also are expected to select a developmental quarterback in the middle or late rounds of the April 24-25 draft.
Stewart, waived earlier by the Bears, visited Denver this week. The Broncos are looking for a backup to Jake Plummer.
Bits: Offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam, who started 14 games for Denver last season but was waived after the season, has turned down the Bears’ initial contract offer, which general manager Jerry Angelo said he made “to get the ball rolling,” according to agent Rocky Arceneaux. “We’re still talking,” Arceneaux said. “We haven’t closed the door.” . . . Offensive linemen Mike Gandy and Steve Edwards and wide receiver Ahmad Merritt have signed their one-year tender offers.
