Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs has accepted the off-season departures of defensive end Alex Brown and cornerback Nathan Vasher, but Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports Briggs would really like to see the Bears add a veteran safety.

"I am excited with what we have right now. But I still think we need a safety, a veteran safety, to help our defense," Briggs said. "But, to me, I'm excited to work hard and prove ourselves."

Kevin Payne (4th year) and Al Afalava (2nd year) are penciled in as the Bears' starters at safety, with Josh Bullocks, restricted free agent Danieal Manning, and Craig Steltz in the mix, as well. With only five picks in the 2010 NFL Draft, and none in the draft's first two rounds, the Bears may have choice but to pursue a veteran in free agency.

St. Louis Rams restricted free agent O.J. Atogwe could be had for no compensation, aside from an enormous contract that the Rams wouldn't match, and unrestricted free agents Ken Hamlin (Dallas) and Darren Sharper (Saints) could be options for the Bears, as well.