CHICAGO -- Kordell Stewart's agent spent Saturday putting together counterproposals to contract offers from the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals.

Stewart was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers after eight seasons of both brilliant and erratic play.

"Initially we thought this process would be one that would take several weeks. But the two teams we visited had a more rapid timetable than ours,'' agent Leigh Steinberg said, adding he doubted a deal would be reached over the weekend.

"We want to make sure it's the right decision, not a quick one.''

Stewart, who lost his starting job last year to Tommy Maddox, was one of three quarterbacks to visit the Bears this week, along with Jake Plummer (who left Arizona) and Jeff Blake.

But one day after visiting the Bears, Plummer signed with the Denver Broncos. That made Stewart No. 1 on Chicago's list.

A source told the Chicago Sun-Times that the Bears told Blake they would get back to him as soon as they determine whether they could sign Stewart. Blake's agent, Ralph Cindrich, told the newspaper his client was told no such thing, but did leave believing the Bears wanted to strike quickly.

The Bears have a quarterback opening after releasing Jim Miller last week.

Before becoming the Steelers' starter in 1997, Stewart was known as "Slash,'' a multidimensional threat who could make plays as a quarterback, running back and receiver.

As a quarterback, he led the Steelers to two AFC title games but threw three interceptions in each Pittsburgh loss.

Now he's out on the market, and Steinberg said he instructed Stewart to get out a piece of paper and list what was important to him. Among the suggested topics: money, security, location, quality of coaching, endorsement possibilities and type of turf.

"Obviously, in his value system, being a starter is a key and winning is a key,'' Steinberg said.

The Bears are coming off a 4-12 season.

"He spent eight years in one location, and we're hoping this would be his last career decision he ever has to make,'' Steinberg said. "We'd rather he take a couple more days to make sure this is the right decision.''