Llyod Signs With Bears, Sparks Controversy

Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears and inadvertently stirred a quarterback controversy Friday. “Rex Grossman is the starter,” Lloyd said during a conference call. Well, not exactly. The Bears have said that Grossman and Kyle Orton will compete for the starting job next season, and Lloyd apparently jumped to a premature conclusion. When asked who told him Grossman would start, the receiver backpedalled. “That’s what I’m assuming,” said Lloyd, who was released after two disappointing seasons in Washington. “That’s what …” His voice trailed off. Then, he said, “Orton and Grossman signed one-year deals. I figured Grossman was the starter. Open competition is what I’m being told right now.” Grossman, who got benched early last season and returned for five games before injuring his left knee, re-signed with the Bears for one year and $3 million with $1.5 million possible in incentives. Orton got a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2009 season.