Now, their two greatest needs are clear-cut: A No. 1 wide receiver and a starting-caliber offensive tackle, even if they do re-sign UFA John St. Clair. An elite pass rusher is also a need, since there aren't any on the roster.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Bears have added Frank Omiyale, a backup offensive lineman from the Panthers; re-signed Kevin Jones, their own backup running back who touched the ball three times in the final 11 games; and signed former Saint Josh Bullocks, a marginal starter at free safety.

Meanwhile, they have yet to resign their own free-agent offensive lineman, John St. Clair, who started all 16 games at left tackle last season; and they're expected to lose John Tait, who started 16 games at right tackle last season, to retirement.

They released backup guard Terrence Metcalf, which probably doesn't matter one way or the other. Too bad it took them seven years to figure that one out. They also have no interest in Mike Brown, who, when he's healthy, is a better player than Bullocks.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Wide receiver: The Bears don't have a No. 1, and it's still a stretch to call Devin Hester a No. 2. There also isn't any quality depth. Bigger receivers like Hakeem Nicks and Darius Heyward-Bey make more sense than a little, injury-prone guy like Florida's Percy Harvin. However, based on his outstanding combine and pro day performances, Heyward-Bey could be off the board by the Bears' No. 18 pick.

2. Offensive tackle: Last year's No. 1, Chris Williams, should start at left tackle after missing much of last season with a back injury and barely playing. But ORT John Tait has given notice that he plans to retire, and John St. Clair, who played left tackle last season, will be 32 in July and is an unrestricted free agent who still has not been re-signed.

3.Pass-rushing defensive end: Nobody on the team had more than six sacks, and if the Bears can't get pressure with the front four the defense struggles, as it did much of last season.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

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.

--OL John St. Clair filled in admirably at left tackle 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 left tackle, 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

--LB Nick Roach.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--CB Marcus Hamilton: ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

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

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

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

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

PLAYERS LOST

--WR Marty Booker (released).

--LB Gilbert Gardner (released).

--OG Terrence Metcalf (released).

--LB Marcus Riley (released).

--OT John Tait (retired).