But the Bears are desperate to increase their pass-rush presence. Last year's sack leader, Alex Brown, had just six, so if Melton can harness his raw physical talents into a role as a situational pass rusher he could make an immediate impact.

"He's got some natural pass rush skills and he could fit into the rotation," director of college scouting Greg Gabriel said. "Plus, we have three defensive linemen coming out of (their) contract at the end of this coming season and, as you know, defensive line is the cornerstone of this franchise right now."

The contracts of Adewale Ogunleye, Israel Idonije and Mark Anderson are all scheduled to expire after this season. Melton scored 10 touchdowns as a true freshman on the Longhorns' national championship team. He said he'd be happy to handle some short-yardage situations for the Bears.

"I'll play anywhere," he said. "I'm a versatile player. I came into college as an athlete. I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to with the help of some coaching. So, if they want me to play (running back), I'll play it."

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--S Mike Brown makes the defense better when he's on the field, but in the past few seasons he hasn't been able to stay healthy, so he's unlikely to be brought back.

--QB Rex Grossman will be allowed to leave and seek a fresh start with a change of scenery.

--WR Brandon Lloyd started off impressively last season but then missed six weeks with a sprained knee and disappeared for most of the remainder of the season.

--OLB Darrell McClover doesn't figure as a defensive contributor, but he was a standout on special teams.

--S Brandon McGowan is a physical, in-the-box type but has been hurt more often than not, but he could be back at a bargain price.

--OT Fred Miller was signed late in the season strictly as insurance and never played. He will give retirement a second try.

--S Cameron Worrell was brought back late as insurance but doesn't figure to return.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--CB Marcus Hamilton: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

--RB Kevin Jones: UFA; $3.5M/2 yrs, $1M SB.

--LB Nick Roach: ERFA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--FS Josh Bullocks: UFA Saints; 1 yr, $525,000 guaranteed.

--QB Jay Cutler (trade Broncos).

--OT Frank Omiyale: UFA Panthers; $11.5M/4 yrs, $5.5M SB.

--OT Orlando Pace: FA Rams; $15M/3 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--OT Kevin Shaffer: FA Browns; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--WR Marty Booker (released).

--LB Gilbert Gardner (released).

--OG Terrence Metcalf (released).

--QB Kyle Orton (Traded Broncos).

--LB Marcus Riley (released).

--T/G John St. Clair: UFA Browns; $9M/3 yrs, $600,000 guaranteed.

--OT John Tait (retired).