INDIANAPOLIS - Few players generated more polarizing thoughts for the Patriots recently than Brandon Meriweather. The safety was oft-criticized but staunchly defended by some who cited his two Pro Bowl appearances as evidence of his value.
Meriweather's time ended abruptly in New England last summer when Bill Belichick let him go in late August. And his time in Chicago, where he landed, looks like it will be even shorter.
Bears coach Lovie Smith offered his assessment of Meriweather's days with the Bears.
"He came in and did some good things. It's tough when you haven't had an offseason," Smith said. "I know no one had an offseason last year, but he came into a tough situation and was always in a catch-up mode. Last year, it didn't work out completely the way Brandon and we wanted it, but not many things did. I really liked him being on our football team. He was a great guy who showed up every day to go to work."
Meriweather signed a one-year deal with Chicago and it appears he'll be free to sign elsewhere next month.
