[bears9]

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Before he jets off to Hawaii later this week to get married, Bears quarterback Kyle Orton visited Halas Hall Tuesday afternoon to take care of some important business.

The 2005 fourth-round pick from Purdue signed a one-year contract extension through the 2009 season, and then discussed the prospect of competing for the starting job with Rex Grossman.

“Rex and I have been around each other for quite a while now and we’ve got a good relationship,” Orton said during a teleconference with the media. “We’re comfortable around each other.

"I expect it to be a stiff competition. I think that’s how both of us want it. I know that’s how I want it, and I’m just looking forward to it.”

Orton, who agreed to the extension late Monday, put himself in position to compete for the No. 1 position by performing well while starting the final three games of the 2007 season.

Asked if he felt he would be given a legitimate chance to win the job, Orton said: “I wouldn’t have signed the deal if I didn’t think that. I’m excited for this year. I’ve got a great opportunity here. I’ve got great teammates around me that I know, and I’m ready to get back to work.”

Orton excited about chance to battle for starting job - Chicago Bears