The opinions expressed on Lance Briggs have changed dramatically over the course of this season. Prior to it, there was a lot of disgust with how he handled his situation and many were for shipping him out to the highest bidder. Slowly, through this year as Urlacher was battling a bad back, it seemed people started thinking we needed to keep him on board.
With the season over, Urlacher doesn't think it likely he will be back next season.
"He deserves to be compensated for the way he's played. No matter if it's here or somewhere else, he's earned the right to be one of the highest-paid players in this league.
"Probably not going to happen here, but he's definitely played his way into that role."
Told of Urlacher's comments, Briggs tried to sound optimistic regardless.
"Anything is possible, but history says that Brian's right," he said. "But you know what? You just never know. I can stay hopeful. I'm a positive person.
"In this situation, even if I'm trying to think positively about a deal being made with the Bears, I'm not down about it because if it doesn't work out with the Bears, it's definitely going to work out somewhere else."
I don't know what the Bears are planning on doing. With Urlacher showing he still can play, it might come down to what they have or think they have in Jamar Williams as to whether they offer Briggs big money. I'd like to see them pay him, but I don't know if I'd be willing to sacrifice the money if it took away from fixing the offensive line.