Bears release quarterback Stewart

LAKE FOREST, Ill., March 1 (UPI) -- With Rex Grossman firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, the Chicago Bears on Monday released veteran quarterback Kordell Stewart.

Stewart spent one unproductive season with the Bears after signing a two-year, $5 million deal as a free agent last March.

Stewart, 31, began last season as th Bears starting quarterback before eventually losing his job to veteran Chris Chandler. He played in nine games, completing 126-of-251 passes for seven touchowns and 12 interceptions.

Grossman, selected in the first round of April's draft, finished last season as the Bears' starting quarterback.

Stewart spent his first eight years with the Steelers and twice led them to the AFC championship game. But he lost his starting job to Tommy Maddox in 2002.

Th Bears on Monday also released veteran defensive end Phillip Daniels, who played in 59 games for the team the last four seasons.