Bears GM Phil Emery reiterated he believes Jordan Palmer can be the team's No. 2 quarterback. "Absolutely [Palmer can be the No.2]," Emery said. "I told him that the other day -- looking forward to your contributions and we're counting on you." Emery added that he doesn't expect to use a late-round pick on a developmental quarterback. Palmer is currently competing with just Jerrod Johnson for backup duties behind Jay Cutler. He hasn't appeared in a regular season game since 2010 , but spent last year in Chicago and knows Marc Trestman's system. Even if the Bears fail to upgrade in the draft, a veteran free-agent signing can't be ruled out. Cutler has missed a total of 12 games the last three seasons.