"Bears coach Lovie Smith is open to adding a veteran quarterback, and Marc Bulger, who was released Monday by the St. Louis Rams, certainly would fit the bill.

But as intriguing as a reunion with offensive coordinator Mike Martz would be, Bulger might be drawn more to the Arizona Cardinals or Pittsburgh Steelers, a league source said.

On the Cardinals, Bulger could compete with Matt Leinart to replace Kurt Warner, who retired. On the Steelers, he could be a valuable backup to Ben Roethlisberger, who might face charges related to an alleged sexual assault last month in Georgia. Bulger is a Pittsburgh native.

Smith made clear at the NFL owners meetings last month that he would be open to adding a veteran quarterback to the roster to join Jay Cutler and Caleb Hanie.

''It wouldn't be a bad thing if we end up with a veteran,'' Smith said, ''and that has nothing to do with Caleb Hanie.''

Smith indicated that a veteran could serve as a sounding board for Cutler."