Like all NFL teams, the Bears are hunkered down, simultaneously preparing for next week’s college scouting combine in Indianapolis and the upcoming free-agent signing period.
The question is: When will the free-agency period begin?
It’s scheduled for March 3, but there is talk that the open-market period could be pushed into April if talks on a new collective bargaining agreement progress. The current agreement calls for an uncapped 2007 season, which could have severe ramifications on free agency because of its uncharted nature.
Teams are forbidden from talking about the collective bargaining agreement negotiations, so the Bears, like all teams, are operating as if March 3 is the date.
With a salary cap projected at $92 million to $95 million for 2006, the Bears will have roughly $17 million to sign draft picks, negotiate any extensions, re-sign players like Hunter Hillenmeyer and pursue free-agent targets.
“We’re developing a hot list for both the combine and free agency,” general manager Jerry Angelo said. “You’re not going to get them all. But we at least want delineation between needs and wants.”
Deep pockets
Tackle Fred Miller isn’t just paying a $50,000 fine to the league for his role in last season’s fracas with Olin Kreutz at an FBI shooting range. He recently made a $300,000 donation to Baylor University, his alma mater. Long known as one of the most charitable NFL players, he donated more than $1 million to Nashville’s Nurses for Newborns Foundation when he played for the Titans.
Extra points
The Bears officially announced the hiring of Steven Wilks as defensive backs coach. . . . The league office isn’t expected to rule on possible discipline for Tank Johnson until his legal situation is resolved. Johnson has a March 2 court date after getting arrested early Sunday morning and charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.
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kcjohnson@tribune.com
