Ten Bears Line up For Early NFL Europe Season Due to World Cup

Qasim Mitchell got a decent paycheck more than a year ago, but he certainly did not find satisfaction on the football field this past season.

The offensive tackle will get that chance on the field again as he heads up a group of 10 players the Bears have allocated to play in NFL Europe. Mitchell, who will play for Frankfurt, is the most experienced of the bunch.

He appeared in only four regular-season games as a backup with a talked-about switch to guard not panning out. Mitchell, 26, signed a four-year contract in the middle of the 2004 season that included a $1.5 million signing bonus, a reasonable wage for a backup offensive tackle. That position, however, will be assumed by John St. Clair, who has agreed in principle to a three-year contract extension. Mitchell is scheduled to earn $650,000 next season.

''Going to Europe, whatever, I will do anything to play and get back on the field,'' Mitchell said. ''Not dressing for the games, without saying any cuss words, it's not cool. It's not a good feeling.''

The Bears certainly are seeking some depth on the offensive line, and youth. Starting tackles John Tait and Fred Miller are both on the wrong side of 30, so a young tackle to develop behind St. Clair would be helpful. Left guard Ruben Brown, who turns 34 next month, is entering the final year of his contract wishful of an extension. Roberto Garza figures to start at right guard, and it is expected Terrence Metcalf will enter the free-agent market, although he could return in a deal favorable for the club.

Of course, finding that depth for the line in the draft will be tricky. The Bears have defensive needs at cornerback, linebacker and safety, and there is a solid talent pool of tight ends, another offensive need position.

Linebacker Jeremy Cain, who was promoted from the practice squad for the final three games of the season, has been allocated to Amsterdam along with cornerback Abraham Elimimian and wide receiver Craig Bragg. Joining Mitchell in Frankfurt will be safety Jason Harmon. Linebacker Stephen Larsen will play for Rhein. Hamburg will have linebacker Justin Smith and cornerback Willie Amos. Quarterback B.J. Symons goes to Berlin, and cornerback Josh Dean will play for Cologne.

Training camps for NFL Europe open Monday in the Tampa, Fla., area. The season starts March 18, with the date moved up this year to accommodate the World Cup.