We need some more 15-yard penalties

Despite all that penalty yardage, Illini fans will recall Lloyd's collegiate career fondly.

During the 2001 Sugar Bowl season, quarterback Kurt Kittner would just throw the ball up into double coverage and Lloyd would go get it.

No problem. Touchdown. Celebration. Penalty flag.

Given that Lloyd signed a contract with the Bears on Friday, here's to hoping we see some more of those patented 15-yard penalties after scoring plays this fall.

But after a quick look at the numbers, that doesn't seem likely.

In the last two seasons combined (both with Washington), Lloyd has caught only 25 passes. None went for touchdowns.

Lloyd played for Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner at Illinois, and perhaps the familiarity will give his career a jump start.

On the whole, though, you have to wonder what the Bears are thinking with their offseason moves on offense thus far.

They retained quarterback Rex Grossman, then declined to put the franchise tag on his favorite receiver, Bernard Berrian. Mistake.

Berrian left and signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

They bring back 31-year-old Marty Booker. He was once a No. 1 receiver. Is he anymore? Probably not.

Then you have Devin Hester, the greatest kick returner I've ever seen, but I'm not sure he¹ll ever be a top wide receiver. Mark Bradley is oft-injured and doesn't seem likely to make a huge impact.

Enter Lloyd. The Bears only gave him a one-year deal. It's a minimal risk, but will he emerge as a top threat?

I doubt it. He's coming off a broken collarbone, and he's never had more than 48 receptions in a single season during his six-year pro career.

Say this for Lloyd: He'll go up and fight for the ball in traffic. He proved it while playing with Kittner in college. He has good hands and good athletic ability, but he's never reached his potential.

The way it is looking, it doesn't seem like whoever the Bears quarterback is next year (Grossman or Kyle Orton) will have a top-flight receiver to throw to.

Who will get the blame for that? Knowing the mentality in Chicago, probably Grossman or Orton.

Speaking of quarterbacks, the Bears finally unloaded Brian Griese this week, dispatching him to Tampa Bay in exchange for a late-round draft pick.

Given Griese's affinity for throwing the ball to guys wearing Honolulu Blue, it's a wonder the Bears didn't trade him to Detroit.

Griese tossed seven picks in two losses against the Lions last season.

Performances like those punched his ticket out of town.