Bears acquire Cutler

The Broncos will also get the Bears' 2009 third-round draft pick in exchange for their fifth-round pick.

The Bears added another offensive lineman to help protect their new Pro Bowl quarterback, signing free-agent offensive tackle Orlando Pace to a three-year contract. The team earlier acquired free agents Frank Omiyale and Kevin Shaffer.

Pace, 33, a seven-times Pro Bowl tackle in 12 years with the St. Louis Rams, was cut earlier this month after three injury-shortened seasons.

Cutler fell out with new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels after word leaked out in February that he had discussed a deal to bring in quarterback Matt Cassel, tutored by him in New England.

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said the team had spoken with Cutler's agent, who had confirmed he no longer had any desire to play for them.

Cutler, 25, has been absent from the team's off-season workout program and snubbed overtures by McDaniels to mend the rift.

The former first-round draft pick threw for 4,526 yards with 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions last season for the 8-8 Broncos.