At the NFL Annual Meeting earlier this week, Bears coach Lovie Smith announced that Israel Idonije would be moving to defensive end. So where does that leave fellow defensive end Alex Brown? One source told the Chicago Tribune that the Bears want to deal the nine-year veteran, and if they can’t find a trading partner, the team will likely release him.

Brown is the probably the odd man out in Chicago after the Bears signed DE Julius Peppers and coaches raved publicly about the development of Mark Anderson.

Brown, 30, has 29.5 sacks over the last five seasons and is slated to make $5 million this season.

Other news making its way around the Web on Friday:

• Even though his team is not in the market for a quarterback, Packers coach Mike McCarthy would like an opportunity to develop former Florida QB Tim Tebow, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• The Baltimore Sun reports that Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle probably will not be physically ready to play in 2010. Said coach John Harbaugh, “I would say I’m under the assumption that with Samari, his health is the No. 1 concern.”

• Oft-injured Giants outside linebacker Gerris Wilkinson will be making the switch to middle linebacker in 2010, according to the New York Daily News.

• The Times-Picayune reports that free agent safety Darren Sharper hasn’t been visiting other teams while recovering from minor surgery on his left knee. “Right now I am just concentrating on my rehab so I’m ready for OTAs (organized team activities) wherever I’m playing,” Sharper said.

• Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is expecting a big jump from third-year running back Rashard Mendenhall, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

• Bears coach Lovie Smith says the roles of Devin Hester and Greg Olsen will not be diminished in offensive coordinator Mike Martz‘s new offensive scheme, reports the Chicago Tribune.

• According to the Ravens official Web site, the team has re-signed running back Matt Lawrence, bringing the exclusive rights free agent back to Baltimore for the 2010 season.

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