[bears9]

Being a good soldier and keeping his mouth shut during two years was not enough for Brian Griese to earn his release from the Bears.

The team is going to try to trade him before his $300,000 roster bonus is due Tuesday. If they can’t find any takers by then, he will be released.

``Brian is extremely disappointed that he will not have the opportunity to be free to talk with whomever he wants at [111 p.m.],’’ said his agent Ralph Cindrich. ``There’s not any question whatsoever that would be his preference. But that’s what they’re doing.’’

It’s uncertain what kind of market there could be for the 11-year veteran. Griese made six starts last season, compiling a 3-3 record, while passing for 1,803 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are believed to have tried to trade for him previously, but if they know he is going to be on the street by early next week, it’s unlikely they or anyone else would surrender a draft pick for him.

The Bears signed Griese to a five-year contract in 2006. He was professional during the rollercoaster season Rex Grossman had en route to Super Bowl XLI, and again so at the start of last season before his turn finally came. The Bears announced the quarterback competition would be between Grossman and Kyle Orton with the team expected to draft a quarterback in April.

Bears trying to trade Brian Griese :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears