Hardy wants Bears; is it mutual?(Chicago Tribune)

CHICAGO _ In spite of the Chicago Bears' tradition, in the last several years they have earned the dubious honor of being among the teams, like Cincinnati, that some players told their agents they did not want to consider in free agency. That has changed a bit.

Jacksonville Jaguar linebacker Kevin Hardy, the second pick overall in the 1997 draft and a Butkus Award winner at Illinois, has let it be known that he would like to be traded to the Bears. He has refused to restructure the final contract year from $4.6 million and the Jags initially were willing to take as little as a third-round pick for Hardy, whose 10{ sacks in 1999 earned him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Linebacker, however, is one of the few positions the Bears believe they have adequately staffed.

QB update: Few positions will have a more motivated competition among the Bears in 2001 than quarterback. All three of the Bears' current applicants for the starting job have significant financial incentives riding on their winning the post.

Shane Matthews' two-year deal includes playing time ...