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Bears 2017 Free Agency Tracker: Latest News & Updates

(CBS) The Bears have their sights set on a turnaround following a 3-13 season, and a great deal of that work began Tuesday.

The legal tampering period of NFL free agency began Tuesday at 11 a.m., meaning teams started negotiating with free agents. Thursday at 3 p.m. CT brings the start of the league new year, when players can officially sign.

After Thursday's release of quarterback Jay Cutler, the Bears entered with around $67 million in salary cap space, and general manager Ryan Pace knows big decisions await.

"There is a delicate balance between being aggressive and being decisive, but being responsible," Pace said. "I think you can always recover from the player you didn't sign. You can't recover from the player that you signed at the wrong price. I think we've got to be conscious of that.

"Free agency is dangerous," Pace said. "You're stepping through land mines, and you've got to be careful you don't step on the wrong one."

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.

Saturday

1:06 p.m. -- The Bears hosted cornerback Marcus Cooper on a visit Friday at Halas Hall, a source confirmed to Chris Emma. Cooper had four interceptions in 15 games with the Cardinals last season.

10:45 a.m. -- The Bears' signing of cornerback Prince Amukamara is now official. He is slated to be their top corner. They have also re-signed linebacker Christian Jones to a one-year deal.

Friday

2:23 p.m. -- "Mike Glennon is our starting quarterback," general manager Ryan Pace said at a press conference to introduce the new Bears.

1:10 p.m. -- The Bears have re-signed kicker Connor Barth to a one-year deal, the Tribune's Brad Biggs reported.

12:45 p.m. -- The Bears made their signing of receiver Markus Wheaton to a one-year deal official.

12:22 p.m. -- The Bears have made the signings of quarterback Mike Glennon, tight end Dion Sims and safety Quintin Demps official. Each signed three-year deals. the Bears will hold a 2 p.m. press conference Friday to introduce them.

11:19 a.m. -- Jay Cutler's exit from the Bears bring no joy, writes CBSChicago.com columnist Tim Baffoe.

10:54 a.m. -- After missing out on their top cornerback targets, the Bears finally reeled one in, agreeing to a one-year deal with Prince Amukamara, who spent last season with the Jaguars.

Thursday

10:38 p.m. -- Just one more blow for the Bears on this Thursday, with Logan Ryan signing with the Titans, according to his agents. Another cornerback goes off the board.

6:23 p.m. -- The Bears have added a receiver to the fold after losing Alshon Jeffery, though it's a low-profile move. Markus Wheaton, 26, has agreed to terms with Chicago. He played in just three games last season as he battled a shoulder injury.

6:04 p.m. -- What will quarterback Mike Glennon bring to the Bears when he signs? 670's Greg Gabriel takes a look.

5:26 p.m. -- Former Bears kicker Robbie Gould, who was most recently with the Giants, has agreed to join the 49ers, according to Alex Flanagan of the NFL Network. The Bears cut Gould just before the 2016 regular season started.

4:44 p.m. -- Jay Cutler is now officially a former Bear, with the team making his release official. Coach John Fox, general manager Ryan Pace and chiarman George McCaskey each issued comment on Cutler.

3:47 p.m. -- Bears free agent defensive lineman Cornelius Washington has agreed to a two-year deal with the Lions, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

3:47 p.m. -- Bears running back Jordan Howard is at a loss, and one might assume it's regarding how free agency is going.

3:18 p.m. -- Former Bears safety Chris Conte is returning to the Bucs on a two-year deal, the team confirmed.

3:04 p.m. -- Alshon Jeffery's time is done with the Bears. He will sign with the Eagles on a one-year, $14-million deal, according to multiple reports. He's taking a gamble on himself.

3:00 p.m. -- Happy New Year! It's the turn of the calendar for the NFL.

2:38 p.m. -- We have a stunner: the Browns have acquired acquired quarterback Brock Osweiler and a second-round pick from the Texans to get the massive contract off the books of Houston.

2:36 p.m. -- A new team has entered the picture for Alshon Jeffery. The Vikings are now in pursuit of the receiver, according to Ian Rapoport. It seems Jeffery may get the bidding war he desired.

1:41 p.m. -- The Bears are closing in on signing tight end Dion Sims, according to Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network. The 26-year-old Sims had 26 receptions for 256 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Dolphins. He would add depth at a position of need.

1:25 p.m. -- As the Bears part ways with one quarterback and prepare to add another, their situation at receiver appears to be in trouble. Alshon Jeffery is leaning towards signing with the Eagles over the Bears, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.

1:15 p.m. -- The Jets are expressing interest in Jay Cutler, according to multiple reports.

1:01 p.m. -- Jay Cutler deserved better as the Bears' quarterback, 670's Chris Emma writes.

12:34 p.m. -- The Jay Cutler era in Chicago is over. After eight years as the Bears' starting quarterback, Cutler has been granted his release.

12:13 p.m. -- Cornerback A.J. Bouye is closing in on a deal with the Jaguars, according to the NFL Network. Another corner gets crossed off the Bears' board.

10:59 a.m. -- The Bears and veteran safety Quintin Demps have agreed to a three-year deal, 670's Chris Emma confirms. Demps had six interceptions in 13 games for the Texans last season.

10:24 a.m. -- We have likely numbers for the Bears' expected deal with quarterback Mike Glennon -- three years and $45 million, with $19 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

10:18 a.m. -- Another team has entered the picture for receiver Alshon Jeffery -- the Colts. Indianapolis has joined Philadelphia in making a strong push for Jeffery, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Bears are also in talks to retain Jeffery.

9:07 a.m. -- The Bears and Alshon Jeffery continue to discuss potential deals as he considers other teams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

9:02 a.m. -- The Bears are slated to pay Mike Glennon $15 million annually, and according to Albert Breer of of MMQB.com, which far exceeds the $8 million-10 million annual range from which the Jets and Bills backed off.

8:14 a.m. -- It was a brutal start to the morning at Halas Hall, as cornerback Stephon Gilmore is set to sign with the Patriots and cornerback A.J. Bouye appears to be staying in the AFC South. This would eliminate two of their top free agent targets.

6:20 a.m. -- The Bears' deal with quarterback Mike Glennon is expected to be for three years and $14.5 million annually, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. However, the specifics on the all-important guaranteed money remain a mystery.

Wednesday

9:45 p.m. -- Wrapping up Wednesday, 670's Chris Emma sheds light on what the the early returns on the market mean for Alshon Jeffery. 

6:06 p.m. -- All is quiet on the Bears front so far. If there's no splash to come this evening, look for noise on Thursday.

2:10 p.m. -- Bears free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer has reached an agreement with the 49ers, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This means Mike Glennon to Chicago is all but certain.

1:07 p.m. -- Tony Romo's time in Dallas is over, with ESPN reporting that the Cowboys will release him Thursday, making him a free agent available to sign anywhere. The Texans and Broncos are considered the favorites for his services.

1:05 p.m. -- A quarterback is off the board, with the Bills committing to keeping Tyrod Taylor in Buffalo.

11:46 a.m. -- Well, that escalated quickly. Ricky Wagner has agreed to terms with the Lions, according to multiple reports. The Bears must move to Plan B if they hope to upgrade the position of right tackle.

11:22 a.m. -- Tackle Ricky Wagner now has a new suitor -- the Lions. Detroit has become a "strong contender" to land Wagner, according to Alex Marvez of Sporting News. Wagner has also drawn interest from the Bears.

9:25 a.m. -- The 49ers and Jets are showing interest in Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer, set to become a free agent Thursday. Both teams were also interested in Mike Glennon before backing off and moving on.

8:49 a.m. -- In a major story to start the morning, former Bears receiver Brandon Marshall has signed with the Giants. He joins Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard in an impressive receiving core.

Tuesday

10:59 p.m. -- The Bears' approach to free agency is beginning to take shape, 670's Chris Emma writes.

9:51 p.m. -- It was a quiet day news-wise to open NFL free agency. The Bears have been busy working the phones and getting their ducks in a row. Wednesday can expect to bring some splashes, and deals can become official on Thursday at 3 p.m. CT.

6:28 p.m. -- The Colts have retained tight end Jack Doyle, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported. Doyle had earlier been linked to having interest from the Bears.

5:17 p.m. --  Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is receiving "strong interest" from the Bears, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN. The 26-year-old Gilmore has spent his entire five-year career with the Bills and had five interceptions last season, when he was named a Pro Bowler for the first time.

3:27 p.m. -- The Bears have interest in receiver Andre Holmes, a confirms to our Chris Emma as Adam Jahns of the Sun-Times first reported. Other teams are considering the Hoffman Estates native, but Chicago could be an option. The 28-year-old Holmes had 14 catches for 126 yards in 16 games for the Raiders last season.

2:23 p.m. -- It will take more than a first-round pick to land Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to Mike Garofolo of NFL Network. His belief is that the price would be a first-rounder in 2017 and 2018. That would sound vaguely familiar to Bears fans.

12:55 p.m. -- The market appears to be diminishing for Mike Glennon, with the Bills, Jets and 49ers backing off, according to Moon Mullin of CSNChicago.com. This could allow the Bears to better dictate negotiations.

12:10 p.m. -- A lot of names are reportedly in play for the Bears, including not only Mike Glennon but tight end Jack Doyle, tackle Ricky Wagner and many more. It appears Ryan Pace is preparing for an active free agency period.

11:18 a.m. -- The Bears are believed to be interested in safety D.J. Swearinger, the Tribune's Brad Biggs reported. Swearinger, who turns 26 in September, started 12 games for the Cardinals last season and recorded three interceptions.

11:00 a.m. -- The NFL's legal tampering period has officially begun. Teams and agents can begin contract negotiations.

10:05 a.m. -- Free-agent receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is expected to receiver interest from the Bears, according to Alex Marvez of Sporting News.

10:02 a.m. -- The Bears have been deemed the frontrunner for quarterback Mike Glennon, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. They're expected to make a major push for him.

670 The Score links

Report: Bears re-sign kicker Connor Barth
Bears sign tight end Dion Sims to a three-year deal
Bears to sign cornerback Prince Amukamara
Report: Bears to add receiver Markus Wheaton
Gabriel: What will Mike Glennon bring the Bears?
Alshon Jeffery joins Eagles on a one-year deal
Emma: Jay Cutler deserved better as Bears quarterback
Bears grant Jay Cutler his release
Bears to sign veteran safety Quintin Demps
Reports: Bears may miss out on top two cornerback targets
Emma: Alshon Jeffery may be disappointed by his market value

Emma: Bears set to be busy in free agency
Emma: Bears plan to be composed in free agency

Bears considered frontrunners to sign quarterback Mike Glennon
Bernstein: Mike Glennon to the Bears? Meh

Bears' unrestricted free agents

Alshon Jeffery, receiver -- signed 1-year deal with Eagles
Brian Hoyer, quarterback -- agreed to deal with 49ers
Matt McCants, tackle
Ted Larsen, guard
Johnthan Banks, cornerback
Connor Barth, kicker
Sam Acho, linebacker
Chris Prosinski, safety
Deonte Thompson, receiver
Logan Paulsen, tight end
Mike Adams, tackle
C.J. Wilson, defensive end
Nick Becton, tackle
Matt Barkley, quarterback
Cornelius Washington, defensive end -- agreed to 2-year deal with Lions
Marquess Wilson, receiver
Josh Shirley, linebacker

Bears' restricted free agent list

Demontre Hurst, cornerback
Christian Jones, linebacker

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