Tom Uhlman / AP

Don't be surprised if Byron Leftwich is competing for the starting quaterback job in Chicago next season.

Candidates for release
1. Michael Vick, Falcons: Atlanta will exhaust trade possibilities before a summer release

2. Alex Smith, 49ers: San Francisco would like to re-work his deal

3. Jon Kitna, Lions: A return to Cincy seems possible. (UPDATE: Traded to Cowboys)

4. Brian Griese, Bucs: Gruden favorite can backup in a West coast offense

5. Brad Johnson, Cowboys: Dallas needs a backup upgrade

6. Trent Green, Rams: Rock solid career could be over

7. Gus Frerotte, Vikings: Sage Rosenfels could be the rich man's Frerotte

8. Damon Huard, Chiefs: Notice a pattern with these release candidates: All nearing 40

Teams that could dip into free agent QB market
1. Bears: They want someone to compete with Kyle Orton and may not be patient enough to wait on a rookie.

2. Chiefs: The new staff probably doesn't see Tyler Thigpen as the future.

3. Jets: They have a huge need, but they may convince themselves they are happy with Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff for now. We'll see.

4. Lions: They should want another quarterback, but they seem comfortable with Daunte Culpepper, Drew Stanton, and a rookie to be named later.

5. Rams: Marc Bulger is sticking around, but Steve Spagnuolo should want a backup plan.

6. Redskins: Always a candidate to surprise, and they seem lukewarm on Jason Campbell. They could be a surprise suitor for Leftwich.

7. Bucs: Who wants to compete with Luke McCown?

8. Bills: They should be looking for a veteran backup to pair with Trent Edwards

9. Bengals: Considering Carson Palmer's health, this is a key backup spot.

10. 49ers: Mike Singletary said they already have their veteran in Shaun Hill. They are more likely to add through the draft.

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