Orlando Pace available, Jerry Angelo shrugs

The St. Louis Rams released seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace today. The 33-year old Pace, who played 14 games last season for the Rams, will likely be ignored by Jerry Angelo and the Bears, who have shown zero interest (at least publicly) in any veteran free agent other than the guys who played for them last season (Kevin Jones and the still unsigned John St. Clair), and offensive (maybe) guard/tackle Frank Omiygale. While Omiygale looks like a good prospect, he has started exactly one game in his four-year career, but was given a four-year contract by the Bears. 

Why not take a look at Pace? How about free agent WR Torry Holt, Pace's teammate in St. Louis? 

The Bear's just can't bring themselves to do it. They are committed to their off-season strategy, which seems to be revamping their defense and maximizing the talent they've already paid for by bringing in defensive line guru Rod Marinelli and new defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, and by head coach Lovie Smith taking over the defensive play calling from Bob Babich. They've also made it clear they are going to focus on the draft to fill roster vacancies at safety, wide receiver, and offensive line. 

I don't think that strategy is necessarily a bad one, but I think we're putting an awful lot of pressure on this draft panning out really well for us. 

Why not take a little of the pressure off and bring in a Torry Holt? And why haven't we made a move for a safety? The draft is thin at safety again this year, particularly guys who can cover. Do you really want to find yourself in a situation where you start Craig Steltz at safety? At free safety? 

Because that's where you're steering this thing, Jerry Angelo.