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.
Which Bears players are due to become free agents this offseason?
Robert G.
Oak Forest, Illinois
The Bears have 18 players who are set to become unrestricted free agents. They include linebacker Lance Briggs, cornerback Kyle Fuller, defensive tackle Stephen Paea, quarterback Jimmy Clausen, safety Chris Conte, center Brian de la Puente, cornerback Sherrick McManis, tight end Dante Rosario and linebacker D.J. Williams. The others are tackle Eben Britton, long-snapper Jeremy Cain, kicker Jay Feely, safety Danny McCray, tight end Zach Miller, receiver Josh Morgan, fullback Montell Owens, defensive end Trevor Scott and linebacker Darryl Sharpton. The Bears also have three players slated to become exclusive rights free agents (who can only negotiate with the Bears) in cornerbacks Demontre Hurst and Al Louis-Jean and linebacker DeDe Lattimore.
Which Bears rookie do you think has the brightest future in the NFL?
Ross E.
Evansville, Indiana
I'm not really going out on a limb in picking the Bears' first-round draft pick, but I'd have to say that cornerback Kyle Fuller has the brightest future of all the rookies. Replacing the injured Charles Tillman in Week 2, Fuller played extremely well early in the season, recording three interceptions in the first two games against the Bills and 49ers. He was slowed by some injuries to his hand, knee and hip during the middle of the year—wearing a cast on his hand for several weeks at one point—but I thought he came on again at the end of the season and showed some of the skills and athleticism the Bears had seen in making him their first-round pick.
Do you think any Bears will be added to the Pro Bowl?
Steven G.
Glyn Ellyn, Illinois
I think there's a chance that running back Kyle Long and/or tight end Martellus Bennett could join guard Kyle Long in the Pro Bowl. There are players at both positions who may not be available to play because they could advance to the Super Bowl, which would open the door for Forte and Bennett. Some of those players include running backs Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks) and DeMarco Murray (Cowboys) and tight ends Rob Gronkowski (Patriots) and Julius Thomas (Broncos).
