The Bears' release of 10-year veteran wide receiver Marty Booker doesn't really hurt an already weak group, since Booker caught just three passes in the final nine games last season. But it probably does provide more opportunities for Earl Bennett to get on the field. Despite being a third-round pick last year, Bennett scarcely stepped on the field and failed to catch a pass. But, with Booker gone and UFA Brandon Lloyd not expected back, Bennett will at least get more of an opportunity in the off-season and preseason.
The 6-foot, 203-pound Vanderbilt product showed some flashes during last year's training camp and in the preseason, when he returned a punt for a touchdown, but he got lost in a shuffle of mediocrity once the regular season began.
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.
--RB Kevin Jones didn't contribute much last season, and the Bears will be looking for a more productive complement to Matt Forte in free agency and/or the draft.
--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.
--OL John St. Clair filled in admirably at LT last season but is not the guy you want starting there for very long, but he is a valuable backup because of his versatility. However, with 2008 first-rounder Chris Williams waiting to take over at LT, the Bears won't pay St. Clair as a starter, although some team might.
--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: None.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.
PLAYERS LOST
--WR Marty Booker (released).
--LB Gilbert Gardner (released).
--LB Marcus Riley (released).
