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Bears 2015 Free Agency Tracker: Latest News & Updates

(CBS) The 2015 NFL league year officially started Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT, and it didn't take long to start the free agency chaos.

The Bears are well-positioned from a salary cap standpoint. They enter free agency with approximately $32 million in free cap space, of which $6 million is earmarked for the rookie class.

Even after the trade of wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the Bears will return 10 regular starters on offense, so the majority of the offseason moves will likely be aimed at improving the defensive side of the ball.

For all the latest news and updates, bookmark this page, which will be your portal for the latest news regarding the Chicago Bears and free agency.

Monday, March 16

2:34 p.m. -- Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork has reached a two-year agreement with the Houston Texans, per a report from ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

1:47 p.m. -- Cornerback Tramon Williams has reached a three-year agreement with the Cleveland Browns, per a report from ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

11:27 a.m. -- After more than a half-a-billion dollars have been spent in free agency, the market has hit a lull. However, the Bears still have needs to address and have $15 million in remaining free cap space. Dan Durkin takes a look at some players that may pique Ryan Pace's interest.

Sunday, March 15

1:18 p.m. -- After cashing in for one season in Tampa Bay, defensive end Michael Johnson is returning to Cincinnati on a four-year deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Saturday, March 14

1:14 p.m. -- The Vikings have released wide receiver Greg Jennings after two seasons, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

12:21 p.m. -- The Chiefs re-signed safety Ron Parker to a five-year, $30 million deal, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Bears hosted Parker last week at Halas Hall.

Friday, March 13

9:34 a.m. -- New Bears safety Antrel Rolle said Chicago was "the place I needed to be." He was also full of golden quotes. "If receivers cross those numbers, you've got to make them remember you," Rolle said.

8:08 a.m. -- The Redskins have signed former 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver to a four-year, $32 million contract, per a report from NFL Networks's Ian Rapoport.

8:01 a.m. -- The Titans have reached an agreement with free agent outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Thursday, March 12

10:04 p.m. -- The Jets have reached an agreement with former Chargers safety Marcus Gilchrist, per a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

9:05 p.m. -- The Browns have signed tight end Jordan Cameron to a two-year contract, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

6:06 p.m. -- The Washington Redskins will sign defensive tackle Terrance Knighton to a one-year, $4 million deal, per a report from ESPN's Josina Anderson. Knighton spent the last two seasons in Denver with Bears coach John Fox.

3:56 p.m. -- The Saints have signed former Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner to a three-year, $15 million contract with $10 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

2:27 p.m. -- Former Broncos safety Rahim Moore, who has up to this point, played every year of his NFL career for John Fox, has signed with the Texans, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

12:43 p.m. -- Former Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray will stay in the NFC East. The 2014 NFL rushing champ has landed in Philadelphia, signing a five-year deal worth $42 million with $21 million guaranteed with the Eagles, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

12:15 p.m. -- Eddie Royal's three-year deal with the Bears is for $15 million, with $10 million guaranteed, the Tribune's Brad Biggs reported.

11:04 a.m. -- The Bears are hosting safety Ron Parker for a visit today, according to Yahoo Sports NFL insider Rand Getlin.

10:45 a.m. -- Here's a Jay Cutler contract update after $10 million more became guaranteed today. The Bears still have a path to get out of the last $6 million of Cutler's guaranteed money, if they choose next spring.

9:00 a.m. -- Per his contract, $10 million of Jay Cutler's 2016 base salary has become fully guaranteed today.

8:38 a.m. -- Former Bears Henry Melton and Chris Conte will be reuniting with their former coach Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay. They've both signed one-year deals with the Bucs.

7:40 a.m. -- The Bears have more competition in the Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton sweepstakes, as the Ravens are now showing interest in the defensive tackle, according to Sun reporter Aaron Wilson. The Knighton front has been quiet as it pertains to the Bears.

 7:16 a.m. -- The Bears addressed a big need at safety by signing Antrel Rolle. Dan Durkin gives his quick breakdown.

6:58 a.m. -- The Bears need some speed at wideout and got just that in signing Eddie Royal. Dan Durkin gives his quick breakdown.

Wednesday, March 11

9:44 p.m. -- The Bears signed safety Antrel Rolle to a three-year deal worth a reported $11.25 million, with $5 million guaranteed. He'll likely be a starter.

9:20 p.m. -- The Bears and receiver Eddie Royal have agreed to a three-year contract, according to multiple reports. He'll likely be the team's No. 3 receiver.

5:07 p.m. -- Former Bears safety Chris Conte is close to a deal with Tampa Bay, per a report from ESPN's Vaughn McClure, which would reunite him with his former coach Lovie Smith.

3:54 p.m. -- The Bears have nabbed an "ascending player" in outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, writes Dan Durkin.

2:51 p.m. -- GM Ryan Pace denied that the Bears shopped Jay Cutler on the trade market.

2:31 p.m. -- The Bears are looking at wide receivers in both the free agent market and the draft, GM Ryan Pace said. Chicago is still widely considered the favorite to land free agent receiver Eddie Royal.

2:13 p.m. -- "We're moving forward with Jay Cutler as our starting quarterback," Bears GM Ryan Pace said.

2:11 p.m. -- The Bears plan to use Pernell McPhee primarily as an outside linebacker in the base 3-4, but he can also play inside in sub packages, general manager Ryan Pace said at an introductory press conference.

11:59 a.m. -- The Chiefs announced they've signed receiver Jeremy Maclin.

11:35 a.m. -- The Bears have officially announced they've signed Pernell McPhee to a five-year deal.

11:26 a.m. -- There's a difference between "building" and "buying" in free agency. Dan Durkin explains why the Bears are showing patience.

11:22 a.m. -- Safety Ron Parker is visiting the Bears today, the Kansas City Star's Terez Paylor reported. The 27-year-old Parker is a journeyman, having been released eight times. He had 12 pass breakups and one interception in 2014 for the Chiefs.

10:53 a.m. -- The Raiders have agreed to deals with defensive tackle Dan Williams and linebacker Curtis Lofton, ESPN.com reported. The Bears had monitored the market for each player.

10:52 a.m. -- Safety Rahim Moore is visiting with the Texans today, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. He's one of the Bears' targets to fill a void at safety.

10:18 a.m. -- The Bears' signing of outside linebacker Pernell McPhee should be made official sometime today assuming there are no problems with his physical, Chicago Tribune beat writer Brad Biggs said in an interview earlier on the Mully and Hanley Show.

6:39 a.m. -- Defensive tackle Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton is visiting Washington today, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported late last night. The Bears have shown serious interest in Knighton.

6:02 a.m. -- The Eagles signed cornerback Walter Thurman, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. Thurman is the fifth starting-caliber cornerback to sign in the first 15 or so hours of free agency. The Bears are in need of another cornerback still. Former 49ers Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox are two names to monitor on that front. Each played under new Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in San Francisco.

Tuesday, March 10

7:47 p.m. -- Cornerback Darrelle Revis is going back to the team that originally drafted him, reaching an agreement with the New York Jets, per a tweet from his agency -- Schwartz & Feinsod. The deal is for five years and $70 million, with $39 million guaranteed, according to reports.

7:33 p.m. -- Receiver Eddie Royal is in Chicago, readying for the Bears' pitch, per a report from the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer. The Bears are in the market for another receiver or two after the trade of Brandon Marshall to the Jets.

6:30 p.m. -- Recently cut by the Jets, receiver Percy Harvin is in talks with a number of teams, but his first visit will be to the Buffalo Bills, per a report from  Yahoo Sports' Rand Getlin. Buffalo is led by Harvin's former coach, Rex Ryan.

6:13 p.m. -- The Eagles announced they've reached a six-year deal with free agent cornerback Byron Maxwell, per a report from the NFL Network's Albert Breer. The deal is worth $60 million over six years, with $25 million guaranteed.

5:24 p.m. -- Perhaps part of the holdup in the Bears officially announcing the signing of outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is because the NFL -- which on Monday sent a memo to teams saying it was upset that deals had been agreed to in the "legal tampering" period -- is looking into deals that leaked early, a theory floated by Boston Globe Patriots beat writer Ben Volin.

4:53 p.m. -- The Raiders and Jaguars are both suitors for running back DeMarco Murray, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

4:42 p.m. -- Brandon Marshall called his trade to the Jets an "amazing opportunity" and added it was "pretty cool to be able to sit back and figure out who really wanted me."

4:28 p.m. -- After finalizing the trade for Brandon Marshall, the Jets announced they've released wide receiver Percy Harvin.

4:20 p.m. -- Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton told ESPN's Josina Anderson that the Raiders and Broncos are out of the running for his services. The Bears are believed to be one of the finalists for Knighton.

4:17 p.m. -- The Bears have expressed interest in re-signing one of their own free agents, cornerback/special teamer Sherrick McManis, the Tribune's Brad Biggs reported.

4:14 p.m. -- The Bears officially announced they've traded receiver Brandon Marshall to the Jets.

3:50 p.m. -- Antrel Rolle retweeted an account that said the Bears "got a baller" in Rolle. So take that for what it's worth.

3:49 p.m. -- Receiver Torrey Smith has agreed to a five-year with the 49ers worth $40 million, with $22 million guaranteed, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

3:47 p.m. -- One of the Bears' safety targets is off the board. Da'Norris Searcy has signed a deal with the Titans, according to ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky. It's worth $24 million over four years, with $10.5 million guaranteed, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. With the Bears seaching for a safety, perhaps Searcy's deal helps set the market.

3:30 p.m. -- Safety Antrel Rolle is visiting the Bears, but he doesn't have an agreement with Chicago or any other team at this time, per agent Drew Rosenhaus. The 32-year-old Rolle played the past five seasons in New York, where he didn't miss a start for the Giants.

3:29 p.m. -- Quarterback Jake Locker has retired from the NFL, per a report from Ian Rapoport.

3:25 p.m. -- Former Bears free safety Chris Conte is flying to Tampa Bay to for a possible reunion with Lovie Smith, per a report from ESPN'S Vaughn McClure.

3:14 p.m. -- The Redskins have signed former Bears defensive tackle Stephen Paea to a four-year deal worth around $5 million per season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

3:10 p.m. -- In addition to Brandon Marshall, the Bears also sent their 2015 seventh-round pick to the Jets in exchange for the Jets' 2015 fifth-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

3:08 p.m. -- The opening minutes of the new league year were chaotic. Among the major moves:

-- The Ravens traded defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and a seventh-round pick to the Lions for a fourth- and fifth-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
-- The Rams are close to trading Sam Bradford to the Eagles for Nick Foles and draft pick compensation, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
-- Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray has become a free agent.
-- Offensive guard Mike Iupati's deal with the Arizona Cardinals is a five-year deal worth $40 million, with $22.5 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter.
-- Outside linebacker Brooks Reed has signed a five-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons worth $22 million, per a report from Ian Rapoport.

2:52 p.m. -- After losing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins, the Detroit Lions have traded for Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, as first reported by the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson. (Updating report: The Ravens received fourth- and fifth-round picks from the Lions).

2:47 p.m. -- The first major trade off the 2015 season has taken place. The Seattle Seahawks have acquired tight end Jimmy Graham and a fourth-round pick from the New Orleans Saints for center Max Unger and a first-round draft pick, per FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer.

2:24 p.m. -- Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, who spent the last two seasons with John Fox in Denver, is apparently out of the running for the Bears, per a report from ESPN Denver's Cecil Lammey. The Bears were linked to Knighton as a possible nose tackle in their base 3-4 defense.

2:08 p.m. -- Tight end Virgil Green informed the Bears he will stay with the Broncos, per a report from ESPN NFL Nation's Jeff Legwold.

1:16 p.m. -- Tight end Virgil Green will choose between the Bears and Broncos, ESPN Denver's Cecil Lammey reported. Green is primarily a blocking tight end.

1:03 p.m. -- Safety Da'Norris Searcy remains in talks with the Bears, Chiefs and Titans, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported.

1:02 p.m. -- What have the Bears netted themselves in the reported signing of outside linebacker/edge rusher Pernell McPhee? Dan Durkin has the breakdown with a look at his strengths and weaknesses.

12:27 p.m. -- One of the better safeties remaining on the open market, Buffalo's Da'Norris Searcy, is close to an agreement with the Tennessee Titans, per a report from Ian Rapoport.

11:23 a.m. -- The Bears have their eye on safety Ron Parker, the Tribune's Brad Biggs reported. Parker, 27, had 84 tackles in 15 starts for the Chiefs last season.

11:22 a.m. -- It appears running back Frank Gore will sign with the Colts and not the Eagles, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

11:09 a.m. -- The Bears have informed free agent linebacker D.J. Williams that they aren't interested in re-signing him, ESPN's Jeff Dickerson reported.

10:12 a.m. -- Chicago's in the market for a cornerback, but it won't be Davon House, who will sign with Jacksonville with a $6.25 million average annual value on his contract, the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.

10:04 a.m. -- Bears guard Kyle Long shared his support for quarterback Jay Cutler, who's expected to return in 2015.

9:55 a.m. -- There's no shortage of storylines to follow around the NFL. Here are five questions that need answers as free agency opens.

8:49 a.m. -- Brandon Marshall passed his physical, per a report from NFL Network's Kimberly Jones. Thus, the Bears-Jets trade will become official today at 3 p.m. CT. The Bears will acquire the Jets' fifth-round pick in return and clear $3.95 million in 2015 cap space and $7.7 million in cash.

6:56 a.m. -- The Bears fully expect Jay Cutler to be their quarterback in 2015, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported. Cutler was believed to be on the trade block, though the degree of interest -- were teams actually calling the Bears or not? -- was unclear.

Monday, March 9

9:13 p.m. -- Outside of Martellus Bennett, the Bears got no productivity from the rest of the tight ends on their roster. It appears they're in the market for Virgil Green, who most recently played with the Broncos, per a report from CBSSports.com's Jason LaCanfora. Green is an in-line tight end, who has caught only 23 passes over the first four years of his career.

6:39 p.m. -- Brian Hartline will sign with the Cleveland Browns, as originally reported by Dustin Fox of CBS Cleveland. Hartline visited Halas Hall last Wednesday after he was cut by the Dolphins in a cost-savings move. He'll will get $6 million over two years from the Browns.

5:52 p.m. -- Running back Frank Gore has reconsidered signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, Ian Rapoport tweeted. Gore will now visit the Indianapolis Colts, per a tweet from Tony Donohue of 1070 The Fan in Indianapolis.

2:21 p.m. -- Stephen Paea has posted video of himself destroying Josh McCown in the Bears-Bucs' regular-season matchup last season. Because why wouldn't you post video of yourself sacking McCown?

The tweet includes what surely must be a reference to heading to Washington for the next step of his career: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

12:53 p.m. -- Stephen Paea has told others that he'll be signing with Washington, Ian Rapoport tweeted. That matches up with what Comcast SportsNet's Jen Lada has previously reported.

10:21 a.m. -- The NFL is threatening to investigate violations during the three-day negotiating window between agents and teams from Saturday until Tuesday, ProFootballTalk.com reported. This is known as the "legal tampering" period, but the NFL apparently is upset that deals have been finalized, with contract figures leaking to boot.

9:43 a.m. -- Bears free agent defensive tackle Stephen Paea is closing in on a four-year deal with Washington, per a report from Comcast SportsNet's Jen Lada. Paea had a productive season for the Bears in 2014, finishing third on the team with six sacks.

9:09 a.m. -- The silence from the Bears on big-money quarterback Jay Cutler speaks volumes, writes 670 The Score's Dan Bernstein. For starters, Chicago is still gauging his trade value.

9:07 a.m. -- The Bears are one of many suitors for free agent cornerback Davon House, according to Yahoo Sports NFL insider Rand Getlin. House only has 14 career starts, but he played a large role for the Packers as the slot cornerback last season. Read Dan Durkin's breakdown of him here.

8:11 a.m. -- The Bears made their first move of the Ryan Pace era, reaching a five-year agreement with Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, per a report from the Baltimore Sun. The 26-year old McPhee was a highly productive pass rusher in a reserve role last season for the Ravens, generating 7.5 sacks in a variety of roles and alignments. McPhee's versatility will be a boon in new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme, which thrives on pre-snap deception. He'll reportedly get $16 million in guaranteed money.

6:55 a.m. -- The Bears have expressed interest in Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski, per a report from the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs. The Bears signed incumbent starter Roberto Garza to a one-year extension at the end of last season for the veteran minimum with incentives, but they need to get younger at the position, considering the 35-year old Garza is entering his 15th NFL season.

Sunday, March 8

7:31 p.m. -- New England safety Devin McCourty will be returning to the Patriots on a five-year, $47.5-million contract with $28.5 million guaranteed, as first reported by Fox Sports 1's Mike Garofalo. Safety remains a big need for the Bears, and McCourty was the best player available. Vic Fangio's scheme features man coverage on the outside, which requires free safeties to help over the top, so the Bears must now turn their attention elsewhere.

12:34 p.m. -- Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will sign a six-year, $114-million contract with $60 million guaranteed with the Miami Dolphins, as first reported by ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the move means the Bears won't line up against Suh again until the 2018 season.

10:06 a.m. -- The Bears are one of at least four teams showing "serious" interest in former Broncos defensive tackle Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson. The Raiders, Colts and Redskins -- and perhaps more -- are showing intense interest as well. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound Knighton had two sacks last season.

Saturday, March 7

7:20 p.m. -- Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb will remain in Green Bay, after agreeing to a four-year $40-million contract with $17 million guaranteed, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Cobb turned down more money from other teams to remain in Green Bay, per Ian Rapoport. The move ensures Aaron Rodgers will be throwing to Jordy Nelson and Cobb through the 2018 season.

New Bears

* Outside linebacker/edge rusher Pernell McPhee
* Safety Antrel Rolle
* Receiver Eddie Royal

Bears' unrestricted free agent list

* Lance Briggs, linebacker, 34
* Charles Tillman, cornerback, 34
* Chris Conte, safety, 26 -- signed a one-year deal with the Bucs.
* D.J. Williams, linebacker, 32
* Stephen Paea, defensive tackle, 26 -- signed a four-year deal with the Redskins.
* Brian de la Puente, center, 29
* Jimmy Clausen, quarterback, 27 -- signed a one-year extension with the Bears.
* Sherrick McManis, cornerback, 27
* Danny McCray, safety, 26
* Trevor Scott, defensive end, 30
* Dante Rosario, tight end, 30
* Josh Morgan, wide receiver, 29
* Jeremy Cain, long snapper, 34
* Darryl Sharpton, linebacker, 27
* Eben Britton, offensive tackle, 27
* Montell Owens, fullback, 30
* Jay Feely, kicker, 38

Free agency preview content

* Free Agency Primer
* Bears Salary Cap Outlook
* Free Agent Preview -- Cornerback
* Free Agent Preview -- Safety
* Free Agent Preview -- Inside Linebacker
* Bears Positional Breakdown

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