Chicago Bears’ punter Brad Maynard is one of 14 players on last year’s roster who will become unrestricted free agents. If Maynard doesn’t return the Bears may have just signed his replacement.

According to a report by Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears have signed punter Richmond McGee to a reserves/futures contract.

McGee, a Texas Longhorn, has been at the Bears’ training camp for the past two seasons as a camp leg for Maynard who was working his way back from surgery. If the 37-year-old Maynard returns to the Bears he’ll undoubtedly be the favorite to be the punter in 2011.

If Maynard doesn’t return McGee more than likely won’t be given the job outright, and will  have to compete with at least one other free agent punter in camp.