We haven't heard much of anything on the Chicago Bears' offseason plans, and I'm guessing that's the way new general manager Phil Emery likes it. But it seems pretty clear that quarterback Jay Cutler is hoping for, expecting or planning on the addition of at least one significant pass-catching target.
Appearing Monday morning on ESPN 1000
, Cutler sung the praises of his friend and former teammate Brandon Marshall, currently a member of the Miami Dolphins, but said: "Anyone really over 6-2 at this point is going to look good." (Michael C. Wright's examination of the Bears' free-agent/draft options at receiver is over at ESPNChicago.com.)
In reality, Cutler is like most quarterbacks who, as he said, aren't happy "unless we're getting offensive guys year in and year out, more toys to play with."
Still, when the starting quarterback speaks openly and publicly about his hopes for reinforcement in an area most observers agree could use an upgrade, it makes the situation worth monitoring. I doubt that Emery will make a move just to placate Cutler, but it would be hard to imagine that a personnel evaluator of Emery's reputation would look at the Bears' pass-catchers and conclude they are stocked well enough for the 2012 season.