It wasn't so much that McDaniels didn't want Cutler, but this episode began when he made an effort to bring in Matt Cassel, who he helped turn from career backup to on-the-cusp superstar with the Patriots after Tom Brady went down in the 2008 season opener. Substituting Kyle Orton for Cassel in the compensation package isn't an option – the Broncos would be better off just sticking with what they have since Orton doesn't know McDaniels' system any better than Cutler does. Sure, Cutler has been a bit of a baby once the story became public since the thinks he's reached the point of being untradeable, which is comical for any signal caller with a career record of 17-20 as a starter.
Nevertheless, even if the Bears find enough ammunition lying around Halas Hall to whet Denver's appetite, it's not in Angelo's nature to sell the farm – let's hope the Cutler talk dies down on Day 2 of minicamp because it's not going to happen.
St. Clair Chooses Cleveland Over Chicago
Tuesday, 5:42 p.m.
The Bears were already minus one starting bookend after right tackle John Tait decided to hang up his spikes following the 2008 season, and now last year's starter at left tackle, John St. Clair, won't be back in the Windy City either.
St. Clair officially became the newest member of the Browns on Tuesday, as he visited Cleveland on Monday and ultimately came to an agreement a day later on a three-year contract. Chicago refused to move off the three-year, $4.5 million deal it originally offered before the start of free agency, even though the roster for this week's minicamp features a grand total of one NFL start at tackle. And that came last year from free-agent addition Frank Omiyale, who was brought in to compete at either guard position.
Cody Balogh, an undrafted rookie free agent from Montana just a year ago, got the majority of the reps at right tackle during Tuesday's minicamp workout.
Defense Still Dealing with Many Injuries
Tuesday, 12:56 p.m.
There will be plenty of familiar names out of action during the three-day veteran minicamp this week at Halas Hall, including defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek, strong-side linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer, cornerback Trumaine McBride, strong safety Kevin Payne, and cornerback Charles Tillman.
With Tillman still recovering from shoulder surgery, the first-team corners will be Nathan Vasher and Corey Graham even though the two of them could be battling for a starting role come training camp this July. No Dvoracek means an awful lot of Marcus Harrison lining up at nose tackle alongside Tommie Harris at the three technique. Payne's absence throws the safety derby into a bit of a loop, as it robs Craig Steltz of a chance to compete with new addition Josh Bullocks at free safety since he'll be needed at strong safety.
The offensive side of the football appears to be much healthier than their defensive counterparts, although the right tackle position is a mystery with John St. Clair still swimming the free agent waters.
Exclusive-Rights Free Agent Roach Signs
Monday, 2:21 p.m.
The Bears announced Monday afternoon they have agreed to terms with third-year linebacker Nick Roach, who was an exclusive-rights free agent.
Roach will open veteran minicamp Tuesday at Halas Hall atop the depth chart at the strong-side linebacker position, where he took over for Hunter Hillenmeyer this past season. Hillenmeyer is currently rehabbing from an injury and won't participate in the mandatory workouts, so expect fourth-year special-teams standout Jamar Williams to push Roach for playing time.
In 2008, Roach was credited with 38 tackles and two passes defensed in 14 games.
St. Clair Visiting Monday with Cleveland
Monday, 7:48 a.m.
The Bears will be taking their physicals Monday at Halas Hall ahead of this week's three-day minicamp that begins Tuesday, but there is at least one projected starter nowhere near Lake Forest.
John St. Clair, who stepped in capably at left tackle this past year and would most likely be the right tackle next season if he returns, is on his way to Cleveland and may receive an offer from the Browns. With 2008 first-round draft pick Chris Williams ready to take over at left tackle after a year of back problems, St. Clair would appear to be the best candidate to slide over to the right side on the heels of John Tait's unexpected retirement. But should St. Clair get away as an unrestricted free agent, the Midway Monsters might be in trouble up front.
General manager Jerry Angelo did sign career reserve tackle Frank Omiyale on the first day of free agency, but he's expected to get his first look at guard.