Brian Urlacher Goes To The Back Of The Line

by Adam T on Apr 15, 2008 10:00 AM CDT in News

While Team President Ted Phillips said getting star middle linebacker Brian Urlacher happy with his contract extension a priority those behind the scenes(at least according to this article) say he is actually 5th in line. In addition to Tommie Harris, the team's #1 priority:

he's also behind 2-3 other teammates considered worthy of extensions -- WR-RS Devin Hester, PK Robbie Gould and possibly DE Mark Anderson.

Like everybody else is saying this isn't a big deal yet. With everybody else cashing in and getting new deals, I think this was Urlacher's way of letting them know to not forget about him. Unless Urlacher comes to the table with insane numbers the Bears are going to give him his money, just in time.

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Mark Anderson?

For what? One good year and the inability to stop the run?

"Kyle Orton and Jack Daniel's could be the greatest songwriting duo since Rodgers and Hammerstein." - DJ Gallo

by mike b on Apr 15, 2008 10:24 AM CDT reply actions

Yeah really!

If they are saying resigning Anderson is more of a priority than Urlacher, something is wrong there.

GO BEARS!!!!!

by McRipper on Apr 15, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions

On the surface....

....I would agree, but if you it look at it, it kind of makes sense. 1.) Urlacher has a relatively lucrative deal. No, it's not what some other guys are making, but at the time he signed the contract it was one of the richest for the position. That is one of the risks of signing a long term extension. In that, in a few years it will be "outdated". But, you sacrifice that to get money upfront. 2.) Anderson is much younger and will be playing much longer than Urlacher will. 3.) Urlacher is coming off of nagging injuries and neck surgery. 4.) There's alot more depth at LB than at DE.

I'm not sure I would break the bank for Anderson, and I do agree he has some weaknesses. But, I don't think this is entirely crazy.

by illini on Apr 15, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree

I have this hope that someone out there over values his rush ability (maybe better suited for a 3-4 defense) and offers da Bears a nice draft pick for him. With Brown, Ogunleye, Idonije, and Bazuin, MA is kind of a luxury to have. He could be someone to let go to shore up the offense.

Just a thought.

by Mike Mueller on Apr 15, 2008 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Conducting their business with due diligence

Ted Phillips seems to have a good idea how to manage cap space and lengthy contracts - this reminds me of Scottie Pippen's insistence on signing a long - term contract, then complaining about being underpaid a few years later, despite the warnings of Bull's management regarding the risks. But at least Ulracher's not taking his beef with the press.

by Dmac on Apr 15, 2008 11:01 AM CDT reply actions

Cry me a river

Urlacher sould had never signed a 9 year deal. dummy......this is why Tommy Harris isint signing one so he may be a free agent when he is 30 just in case he is still worth alot of money or if he's unhappy then he can try FA.

by SuperBowlXX on Apr 15, 2008 11:22 AM CDT reply actions

What he wants?

Any idea what Urlacher wants? I tend think he is probably looking for something like a good size signing bonus/guaranteed money and add a few years or something. I doubt he comes with outrageous demands.

As for Harris, I think he might play out similar to Briggs...unfortunately.

by scy3000 on Apr 15, 2008 1:01 PM CDT reply actions

Really

he probably just wants to renegotiate it so he gets a little more upfront money and maybe an extra year or two. It probably won't be a big deal.

by Adam T on Apr 15, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions

This is good...

...I am OK with it and I am sure he is too. He has always tended to be a good teammate and I too think that he is just trying to make sure no one forgets about him.

by Sam Householder on Apr 15, 2008 4:15 PM CDT reply actions