Stewart Gets Offer to Play for the Bears

The Chicago Bears made a contract offer to free-agent quarterback Kordell Stewart, according to published reports.

The Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times both reported Saturday that the Bears made a proposal to Stewart’s California-based agent, Leigh Steinberg, on Friday night.

Steinberg also said Stewart received an offer from the Arizona Cardinals. Rod Graves, the Cardinals’ vice president for football operations, has said he is negotiating with Steinberg.

Bear spokesman Scott Hagel said he couldn’t confirm that a contract offer had been made. Steinberg did not return numerous phone calls.

Stewart -- the former Pittsburgh Steeler starter who lost his job last year to Tommy Maddox -- was one of three quarterbacks to visit the Bears this week, joining Jake Plummer and Jeff Blake.

Plummer, though, signed with the Denver Broncos.

Chicago has a quarterback vacancy after releasing veteran Jim Miller last week.

*

Defensive tackle John Thornton, an unrestricted free agent, signed a six-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals did not disclose the terms of the contract, but the Cincinnati Post and the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the six-year deal is worth $22.5 million, including a $5 million signing bonus.

Thornton, 26, spent the last four seasons with Tennessee and started every game -- including both playoff games -- for the NFC South champions. He had 44 tackles, two sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.

*

Wide receiver Derrius Thompson signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, increasing the possibility the team will not keep veteran Oronde Gadsden.

Thompson spent the first four years of his career in Washington, where he caught 53 passes for 773 yards and four touchdowns last season. He came on strong in the final five games, with 28 receptions for 437 yards and three touchdowns.

Thompson will compete with James McKnight for a starting job opposite Chris Chambers, said Rick Spielman, the Dolphins’ director of player personnel.

*

Restricted free-agent kicker Paul Edinger signed an offer sheet with the Minnesota Vikings. The Chicago Bears have a week to match the offer.

The offer sheet is for five years and $7 million, Edinger’s agent, Ken Harris, confirmed. The offer includes $1.6 million in bonus money, which would all be earned this month.

Edinger made 22 of 28 field goals last season, with a long of 53 yards, and all 29 point-after tries.