Arms race: List of available passers shrinks

Go ahead and take one veteran quarterback off the list of players Jerry Angelo can pick through.

David Carr, the No. 1 pick of the 2002 draft, has re-signed with the New York Giants, according to the New York Daily News. This reduces the short list of experienced veterans as free agency quickly approaches on Feb. 27. Another possibility also disappeared as Luke McCown re-upped with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two seasons.

Kurt Warner has come and said if he plays next season it will be for the Arizona Cardinals. The Tennessee Titans are working to bring back Kerry Collins. Matt Cassel was already tagged by the New England Patriots.

That leaves a few options, if Angelo wants to add a veteran. The club signed unproven Northwestern product Brett Basanez last week. A look at the list:

Kyle Boller: Drafted ahead of Rex Grossman in 2003, he didn’t get on the field last season.

Jeff Garcia: The Bears turned down Garcia previously when his agent tried to land him with the Bears. He’d be a good fit in Minnesota, right?

Byron Leftwich: There could be considerable interest in him. He’s already suggested the Bears look him up come Feb. 27.

J.P. Losman: Do the Bears want to go with a quarterback that is a Dick Jauron castoff? Jauron’s seen his share of quarterbacks who cannot play.

J.T. O’Sullivan: Third time is the charm?

Chris Simms: He has not started since 2006.

Any question now whether or not Kyle Orton is the 2009 Bears starter without controversy, competition or further debate?