Two free agent quarterbacks, two new teams, two different directions

The Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears made a splash in free agency this offseason with the addition of new franchise quarterbacks.

The Broncos have found the answer to their quarterback problem, but the Bears have found a quarterback who will add to their problems.

Jake Plummer has dealt long enough with the "joys" of playing in Arizona. His tenure with the Cardinals included one playoff win, but for the most part, just tons of losses.

He's watched numerous teammates move on to new franchises and enjoy greater individual and team success (see Simeon Rice with Tampa Bay).

Plummer takes over the QB spot for a Denver team that will provide him many targets, and he's already received the full endorsement of John Elway, something Brian Griese never received nor deserved.

Plummer now will work with the likes of receivers Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey and Ashley Lelie, along with tight end Shannon Sharpe and running back Clinton Portis.

Can anyone even name three wide receivers or a tight end on the Cardinals roster?

The skeptics will say that Plummer was part of the reason that Arizona has been so bad, but everyone will find out in the very near future that given the right tools and coaches around him, Plummer is as good as any other QB in the game today.

Kordell Stewart was awesome in 1997. Problem is, he hasn't been any good since.

A flash of "Slash" would come to the surface now and then, but considering how rare that was in the last half decade, it's amazing the Steelers kept him around for so long.

Stewart was pretty much the QB by default in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers never brought anyone in who was better, so Stewart continually held the job -- until last season.

That's when Tommy Maddox, the XFL's lone MVP, took over the starting job and other than for a short-term injury, never relinquished it.

Maddox was able to run the offense that Stewart couldn't for years.

If Maddox was able to work well with the receivers in Pittsburgh, how come Stewart couldn't?

Now the Bears, who have been in the market for a quality QB for quite a while, have decided that Stewart is the answer.

It's one thing if you bring Stewart in as a backup, but as your main guy?

The move makes no sense and the Bears probably would have been better off waiting until June 1 when the Broncos cut Griese.

At least Griese has only been ineffective for two seasons and is a lot younger.