After a disappointing 2008 season where the Chicago Bears were apparently a few plays away from 11-5 (also a few away from 7-9 in that same ideology), fans are growing restless with the Jerry Angelo / Lovie Smith regime. With NFL free agency starting tonight at 12:01 am and around twenty million in cap space, the Bears have the opportunity to fill holes and bolster their biggest roster weaknesses. I’ll shoot you through some of their trouble spots and whose services they should be pursuing.

Quarterback: Duh. With Rex Grossman leaving to free agency (and saying he would love to play for the Lions!?), the Bears are in dire need of an experienced quarterback to compete with Kyle Orton for the starting job or at the very least a competent back-up.

Possible Solutions:
Chris Simms: The Bears have always liked Simms, and Simms recently commented on having the desire to play in Chicago. He doesn’t have a wealth of experience, but coming back from the ruptured spleen he suffered a few seasons ago is nothing at which to scoff. If nothing else Simms would provide another young arm to groom in case Orton isn’t the man for the long-term.

Kerry Collins: I know, a Pro Bowl quarterback off a 13-win team is going to be an unrestricted free agent, how odd? The problem is he’s 36 years old. He’s only a temporary solution that would leave the Bears with the same problem they have now. On the plus side, he’s used to working with mediocre receivers.

Byron Leftwich: Probably the most intriguing name on this list, at 29 Leftwich is young enough to build an offense around. Judging from his few appearances in Pittsburgh last season, he’s talented enough as well. He could win the starting job outright.

Jeff Garcia: I would LOVE to see Garcia in a Bears uniform. He’s a solid veteran who seems to win wherever he goes (okay, besides those awful one year stops in Cleveland and Detroit, everyone loses there). He’s tough, gritty, and probably angry enough about the way things ended in Tampa to have another typically awesome Garcia season.

Other free agent QB’s of note: Kurt Warner (Don’t get too excited, he’s only mentioned here on the smallest of chances Arizona can’t get him signed), Trent Green, Kyle Boller.

Wide Receiver: Devin Hester is still the Bears’ number one wide-out. They also cut Marty Booker and let Brandon Lloyd go. Help. Unfortunately, it’s a less than stellar crop of talent this year. Trading for Arizona’s Anquan Boldin is a more costly option, but could be the most effective after our first name on the list.

Possible Solutions:
T.J. Houshmandzadeh: This is almost a pipedream with the kind of money Housh is going to command on the open market. Still, he’s a number one talent without all of the ego issues, so he can’t be ignored. A strong push early and he could solve Chicago’s receiver troubles and make life easier for whoever is at QB.

Malcolm Floyd: A lesser-known from San Diego, Floyd is a work in progress. At 6’5 he would be a fantastic end zone threat, but he has the speed and ability to be a solid number two at this stage in his career. Instead of being where receivers go to die, can’t Chicago be where they come to emerge?

Marvin Harrison: Everyone wants to mention him. He won’t fit here. It’s not gonna happen. He’s too old and not enough of a downfield weapon. Also, we don’t have Peyton Manning.

Other free agent receivers of note: Laveranues Coles, Mike Furrey, Justin McCareins, Jerry Porter (McBust-a-lot).

Defensive Tackle: Chicago's overpaid defensive line barely managed to sniff opposing quarterbacks last season. What better way to strengthen it than adding another hefty contract?

Possible solutions:
Albert Haynesworth: Talk about your pipedreams. Can you imagine an interior line featuring Haynesworth and Tommie Harris? I peed a little. Seriously though, Jerry Angelo and the money-hoarding McCaskey’s won’t touch him. His 15-16 million dollar price tag won’t be worth it to them.

Other defensive tackles of note: Rocky Bernard, Grady Jackson.

For Chicago’s other areas of need (offensive line, defensive end, safety), expect a few selections in that direction on draft day and maybe a few mid-level free agents that won’t garner a hefty paycheck. The Bears have never made a splash in free agency; they don’t seem to believe in it. It’s like they believe they’re the only team that has been burned by free agent signings. (Redskins and Raiders anyone?) Still, making an effort this year or even being heavily mentioned in rumors would go a long way into convincing fans that the front office wants to win now. Starting at 12:01 tonight, let’s see if the Bears can actually come through with a coveted talent. If they do, you can bet I’ll be right here with the news and reaction!