Posted on 11/27/2004 9:43:53 PM PST by Dan from Michigan
Source: Bears intend to sign QB George
11/28/2004, 12:03 a.m. ET
By RICK GANO
The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) Struggling desperately at quarterback, the Chicago Bears intend to sign veteran Jeff George, a team source said Saturday night.
The Bears will sign George on Monday, the source said on the condition of anonymity.
The 36-year-old George is a 12-year veteran who has not played since he was released by the Washington Redskins in 2001.
Chicago's quarterback woes began in the third week of the season when starter Rex Grossman sustained a season-ending knee injury. Backup Jonathan Quinn struggled and was replaced by rookie Craig Krenzel.
The Bears went on a three-game winning streak with Krenzel as a starter, but he was shaky and turnover prone as Chicago lost its last two games. Krenzel was knocked out of Thursday's loss to Dallas with a sprained ankle, and Quinn was ineffective again as his replacement.
The Bears (4-7) are expected to turn to third-stringer Chad Hutchinson on Monday and give him the start on Dec. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. Hutchinson is a former major league pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals who started nine games as a rookie with the Cowboys in 2002.
Earlier this season, the Bears gave a tryout to former Browns and Packers quarterback Tim Couch before deciding not to sign him.
George, who played college football at Illinois, entered the NFL in 1990 with the Colts. He also played with the Falcons, Raiders, Vikings and Redskins. He completed 58 percent of his passes during a 131-game career, throwing for 154 touchdowns with 113 interceptions.
ESPN.com first reported the signing late Saturday.
How about Scott Mitchell?
He played college at Illinois. If you are going to have to settle for some washed up quarterback, why not settle for one who might can put a few old Illini fans in the seats.
As a Packer fan, I will say this is a great move.
If I were a Bears fan, my friends and family would be taking all the sharp objects away.
Cool, I get to use my favorite Terry Bradshaw line:
If Jeff George is the answer then it was a stupid question.
I think that was 3, maybe 4, "comebacks" ago.
Just goes to show, never say things can't get any worse. This guy can throw but he is locker room poison.
It was a game against that pack -- a monday night against the 'skins -- that cost jeff george his last job in the NFL.
4.5 million a year......to suck. Only the Lions.
Need him for the playoff run, no doubt.
Gasoline on a fire bump.
Isn't Rick Mirer from up that way? LOL
You know your football team sucks when....
1. Jeff George is signing with them
Rick Mirer's now with the Lions. 3rd stringer behind Joey Mitchell, I mean Batch, I mean Harrington and Mike McMahon.
How about Steve De'Berg I sure the Bears could sign him.
well you can have Tim Couch too LOL
It would only be a better day for us if the Vikings had signed him. But I will take an idiot move like this by any team in the division (except the Packers).
E A G L E S EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How about Steve De'Berg I'm sure the Bears could sign him.
"Mr. Me" (his college nickname, according to a friend of mine who went to school with him) is back? Oh, goodie.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.