The way we hear it, neither Rex Grossman nor Kyle Orton did anything in the Bears’ minicamps and OTAs to gain any kind of edge in their battle for the starting QB job this coming season. “There are people in both camps,” a veteran team insider told PFW. “Grossman might have looked a little better physically, but nobody really knows how things are going to pan out.” Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner recently told the team’s Web site that the Bears plan to continue the same kind of rotating evaluation process they used in the team’s offseason practice sessions up to now, with Grossman and Orton taking turns on a daily basis directing the first-team unit once training camp opens. Turner also made a point of acknowledging Grossman’s improved focus — "He’s been locked in, really keyed in,” Turner said — as well as Orton’s improved accuracy, touch and comfort zone. Meanwhile, rumors persist that a third challenger might enter the mix before too long — disgruntled Buccaneers QB Chris Simms, who has asked for his release by Tampa Bay. We hear it’s unlikely the Bears could consider a trade for Simms but that they might be one of the first teams in line if Simms is given his outright release. Bears GM Jerry Angelo, the former director of player personnel in Tampa, has had his share of dealings with his old team in recent times. In addition to trading QB Brian Griese to Tampa Bay for a draft pick earlier this offseason, Angelo also pulled off a trade with the Bucs during the draft to obtain fourth-round S Craig Steltz.
