Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
I know everyone is (understandably) focused on the head-coaching search, but which Bears players are due to become free agents this offseason?
Simon G.
Syracuse, New York
Eighteen Bears players are due to become unrestricted free agents: Kahlil Bell, Zack Bowman, Jason Campbell, Kelvin Hayden, Geno Hayes, Israel Idonije, Lance Louis, Olindo Mare, Josh McCown, Henry Melton, D.J. Moore, Troy Nolan, Amobi Okoye, Chilo Rachal, Nick Roach, Jonathan Scott, Chris Spencer and Brian Urlacher. Nate Collins is set to become a restricted free agent, while Armando Allen is due to become an exclusive rights free agent.
Who do you think was the Bears' most valuable player this season?
Gary T.
Evanston, Illinois
That's a very interesting question. I think Brandon Marshall was certainly the most productive player, shattering Bears single-season receiving records with 118 receptions and 1,508 yards. But the offense struggled throughout the season. I'd say that Charles Tillman was the Bears' most valuable player in 2012, returning all three of his interceptions for touchdowns, tying an NFL record by forcing a career-high 10 fumbles and playing lockdown coverage against some of the league's top receivers, including Lions superstar Calvin Johnson.
It was great to see so many Bears players voted to the Pro Bowl this season. Apart from the 1985 team, what has been the largest numbers of Bears voted to the Pro Bowl?
Scott
Aside from the famed 1985 Super Bowl XX champions who sent a franchise-record nine players to the Pro Bowl, the Bears have had eight Pro Bowlers on three occasions: in 1956, in 1963 when they won the NFL Championship and in 2006 when they reached the Super Bowl for the second time.
