Bears QB Griese returning to Bucs

CHICAGO, March 3 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bears have sent quarterback Brian Griese back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an undisclosed 2009 draft pick.

The Chicago Tribune reported Monday the deal will save the Bears a $300,000 bonus due to Griese Tuesday, as the Bucs will assume the quarterback's contract.

Griese, who spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons with Tampa Bay, completed 161-of-262 passes for 1,803 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2007, his second season with the Bears. He was intercepted 12 times in six starts as he filled in for Rex Grossman.

In 10 NFL seasons with Denver, Miami, Tampa Bay and Chicago, Griese has thrown for 18,367 yards and 114 touchdowns while being intercepted 92 times. He started 15 games for Denver in 2001, but hasn't started more than 10 games in a season since then.