Bears close to extending Lance Briggs

[Sweetness_34 0]

 

Bears working to lock up Briggs

 

By K.C. Johnson and John Mullin

 

Tribune staff reporters

 

April 13, 2006, 11:21 PM CDT

 

 

The Bears are even more optimistic that a long-term extension will be reached with linebacker Lance Briggs after his agent spent Thursday in negotiations at Halas Hall.

 

Drew Rosenhaus remained in Chicago overnight and will continue to work with general manager Jerry Angelo on a deal that could be announced Friday.

 

Briggs, coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance, has one year remaining on his original four-year deal that he signed after the Bears made him a third-round pick in 2003.

 

Reached Thursday evening, Rosenhaus declined to comment on negotiations.

 

Angelo consistently has expressed optimism a solid relationship with Rosenhaus would allow the Bears to continue Angelo's philosophy of locking up young talent early.

 

Briggs, 25, finished second to Brian Urlacher with a career-high 170 tackles in 2005, eight for a loss. He also had two sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions—one of which he returned for a touchdown.

 

A Briggs extension would tie up a lot of money at linebacker because Urlacher has a nine-year, $56.65 million contract. But it also could drop linebacker depth to a secondary need in the upcoming NFL draft.

 

The Bears are expected to re-sign restricted free agent Hunter Hillenmeyer, were encouraged by Leon Joe's play late and have Rod Wilson, a seventh-round pick in 2005, returning from a knee injury.

 

The Briggs negotiations put the Ricky Manning situation on the back burner likely until next week. The Bears have until April 21 to make the restricted free-agent cornerback an offer.

 

Manning returned to California on Thursday after having what all parties described as a good visit to Halas Hall. If the Bears decide to present an offer sheet, they plan to write the contract in a way to make it difficult for Carolina to match.

 

The Panthers have limited salary-cap space and would receive the Bears' third-round draft pick as compensation if Manning leaves. He would provide the Bears with a nickel back with more experience than any rookie cornerback would.

 

Re-signing Briggs and signing Manning could push tight end back to the forefront in how the Bears will use their first-round pick. UCLA's Marcedes Lewis visited Halas Hall this week and is one of several tight ends projected as first-round talent.

 

kcjohnson@tribune.com

 

jmullin@tribune.com

 

================

 

Linkage: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines

 

If the Bears get Briggs deal done, then we can focus on CB, S and TE with the top 3 1st round picks. Of course if they get Manning signed uuuu, thn theylose the 3d rounder, and then only need to take a TE & S with the first 2 picks.

[Walter34 3]

[jdswan922 0]

I am thrilled that they are working on the extension for Briggs. I am not sure I am as thrilled about the Manning portion though. I read about Manning coming in either yesterday or the day before, but I don't know that I like giving up a 3rd rounder for him. If this draft is as deep as they say do we really want to lose a first day pick for this guy? I mean we got Briggs in the 3rd round. Angelo seems to shine in the rounds after the first. I am also worried that if they signed Manning that they would not consider a DB in the first. Any thoughts? Is it just me thinking this way? I know he had a good post season the year Carolina went to the Super Bowl, but he isn't more than a nickleback in my opinion.

[CurleyQ 0]

I agree. Real happy if they can lock up Briggs. Not too sure about the Manning signing. I think draft choices are generally crapshoots, but in this case, I would rather see the Bears keep the pick. Then, I would draft a CB first and go TE in the 2nd or 3rd. The other pick in the top 3 should probably be a WR, S or OL, depending on value.

 

Manning seems too much like Vasher. I would rather see them get a little bigger more physical corner, even if it is a rookie.

[swamp dog 0]

i can't believe there ever was talk of them not being able to do that. it's ridiculous that sort of talk ever happened given their cap space and his value to the team.

 

but they will have a lot of dough tied at linebacker now.

 

i wouldn't like the manning signing if i were a bear fan. the draft is a mile deep with guys of his caliber--and they won't cost a fraction of what manning will cost the bears. use that 3rd round pick on a guy just as good as, if not better, than manning and save $$$

[Walter34 3]

A 3rd round pick could be a Vasher or Briggs or it could be a Roosevelt Williams who never amounted to anything. Considering the retirement of Azumah and the need for depth, I would be ok with giving up the 3rd. manning would be a nickel back, so I dont expect the money to be that much. It would be front loaded to keep the Panthers from matching. I would expect 4 yrs for 8 mill with 3.5 guarenteed in year 1.

 

i can't believe there ever was talk of them not being able to do that. it's ridiculous that sort of talk ever happened given their cap space and his value to the team.

 

Maybe this talk was just media or msg board fodder and the Bears intended all along to resign him. Dont know, but glad they are working on it now.

[Sweetness_34 0]

Latest update - Rosenhaus left town without an agreement yet.

 

 

Walter

 

I would not mind giving up a 3rd rounder for Manning either, however, this draft is chock full of very talented CBs.....we could easily land up with one of the following - Richard Marshall, Jonathan Joseph, Cromartie, Youboty and maybe even Tye Hill

 

So it might make sense to get the CB in the draft .... of course if we got Manning done, then we can literally take BPA with that 1st round pick (I think Bears take the TE with 2nd rounder - KLopfenstein or Marcedes Lewis)

[swamp dog 0]

hey, this is still rosenhaus the bears are dealing with. it ain't going to go that smoothly.

 

i suspect before this is done, you bear fans will be cursing him more loudly than the cheeseheads

[yojimbo81 0]

Nothing would be better than seeing the Bears mess this up and Lance Briggs walks. It won't happen but I dream of seeing the Bears crumble.

[Walter34 3]

Nothing would be better than seeing the Bears mess this up and Lance Briggs walks. It won't happen but I dream of seeing the Bears crumble.

 

It could very well happen that he doesnt sign. Worst case scenario is that he plays out his contract and then gets franchised next year. If he wants to play roulette, then so be it. With Drew, you know it wont be an easy signing. As for the crumbling of the Bears, relax, we've just arrived. The team is young, talented and in great financial shape overall. Hillenmeyer is the only starter not signed right now and he will be by the 21st. This team isnt going away anytime soon. Dont hold your breath.

[swamp dog 0]

It could very well happen that he doesnt sign. Worst case scenario is that he plays out his contract and then gets franchised next year. If he wants to play roulette, then so be it. With Drew, you know it wont be an easy signing. As for the crumbling of the Bears, relax, we've just arrived. The team is young, talented and in great financial shape overall. Hillenmeyer is the only starter not signed right now and he will be by the 21st. This team isnt going away anytime soon. Dont hold your breath.

 

let's see the bear have a second good year before announcing them anything, walter. they have a lot to prove this year. a lot. relax just a tad

[SmartassBoiler 0]

Nothing would be better than seeing the Bears mess this up and Lance Briggs walks. It won't happen but I dream of seeing the Bears crumble.

 

at the hatred and jealousy of this post. Your team suck much?

 

i can't believe there ever was talk of them not being able to do that. it's ridiculous that sort of talk ever happened given their cap space and his value to the team.

 

 

When Briggs/Rosenhaus are asking for more money than Urlacher, then it makes a lot of sense why this isn't done yet. Briggs has no right to want more money than Urlacher.

 

It's a similar situation to Damon and Varitek in Boston, but hopefully it won't end the same way.

[Walter34 3]

let's see the bear have a second good year before announcing them anything, walter. they have a lot to prove this year. a lot. relax just a tad

 

You just cant contain your jealousy can you. Other than wishful thinking on your part, there is no reason to think a swoon would happen.

 

It just galls you that your team let you down again and the team you thought was shiat ended up being the division champ. You were wrong - get over it.

 

And all 32 teams have alot to prove. Every year. Your Lions still have to prove that they can reach the lofy 5 win total again.

[swamp dog 0]

And all 32 teams have alot to prove. Every year.

 

 

hey, i agree with the above. sounds like you do, too. so why the touchiness?

 

 

i'm sorry you think the bears and their fans can simply demand respect--i.e. "they've obviously arrived and will contend for years now"-- after one decent season. and i've said all along they will be the favs this year.

 

for every positive you point out about the bears vis-a-vis their "arrival" and their ability now to dominate for years and years, there is an equally compelling ?? that can also be said.

 

but it's going to be a long summer for you if you're going to be that thin-skinned about it. my advice to you as it is to drj: enjoy your bears more and be happy rather than getting all pissed off at people that bring up legitimate questions and criticisms of the bears.

 

at the hatred and jealousy of this post. Your team suck much?

When Briggs/Rosenhaus are asking for more money than Urlacher, then it makes a lot of sense why this isn't done yet. Briggs has no right to want more money than Urlacher.

 

It's a similar situation to Damon and Varitek in Boston, but hopefully it won't end the same way.

 

the bears are going to have to tens of millions of dollars per year tied up their linebacking corp for this to work. rosenhaus doesn't let his clients get all teary-eyed and emotionally tied to a team with loyalty: it's all about the benjamins.

 

if the bears sign briggs, it will be a big, fat, huge contract. otherwise, he won't sign. you're right in that he's not as good as urlacher, but that's immaterial to rosenhaus.

[Deadpool 0]

I love it when fans of teams that haven't done jack crap the last few years try to bring down a team that is on the rise.

 

For the record, I'm not a fan of either team, but its very obvious which direction each team is currently going. The Bears were the best in that division last year, face the facts. Until Detroit can win more than 5 games in a season, you really cannot call anyone else's team out. If your Lions would have went 12-4 or even 11-5 last season, you would have no doubt let us know about it and "demanded" respect, even though you really earned it by being the best in the division.

 

 

But until that happens, shut it.

 

 

[swamp dog 0]

I love it when fans of teams that haven't done jack crap the last few years try to bring down a team that is on the rise.

 

For the record, I'm not a fan of either team, but its very obvious which direction each team is currently going. The Bears were the best in that division last year, face the facts. Until Detroit can win more than 5 games in a season, you really cannot call anyone else's team out. If your Lions would have went 12-4 or even 11-5 last season, you would have no doubt let us know about it and "demanded" respect, even though you really earned it by being the best in the division.

But until that happens, shut it.

 

no, it doesn't work that way. if the lions did well last year walt and j and everyone else would be the first in line to say it proved nothing and let's see what this year brings.

 

 

 

[Walter34 3]

no, it doesn't work that way. if the lions did well last year walt and j and everyone else would be the first in line to say it proved nothing and let's see what this year brings.

 

 

wrong.

 

If the roles were reversed, I would shut my piehole much like I did last year when everyone, yourself included, was predicting 3 wins for the Bears.

[swamp dog 0]

wrong.

 

If the roles were reversed, I would shut my piehole much like I did last year when everyone, yourself included, was predicting 3 wins for the Bears.

 

yeah, right, you are a superior human being and bear fans are superior fans. again, that attitude is the entire problem.

 

and the bears exceeded your wildest expectations last year. yeah, right: if you knew going into the season that 1) the bears defense would be good 2) but the rookie orton would start most of the season 3) that orton and all bear qbs would have a collective rating of 59--you would have been on our pompous horse about the bears getting dissed, and, furthermore, you would have predicted first place and 11 wins for them? that's funny, because i seem to remember a lot of bear fans ready to jump off buildings when grossman got hurt last august. and what if you knew that day--the day grossman went down--that orton would be the starter the entire season and you knew his numbers and rating? you would have jumped off the building, walt. guaranteed. nice revisionist history: you simply knew more than we all did and were proven right.

 

please stop being pompous, walt. come on. you love to throw out this disrespect card in relation to last year and claim you and all good bear fans "just knew" how wrong everyone was, but there was no evidence going into the season to predict or know the bears would do this magic carpet ride 11-win season--good defense or no good defense.

 

and for the record, i've predicted a finish of bears, vikings, lions, and packers this year. how is that disrespecting the bears?

 

but hey, i've been wrong before

[Bishop82 61]

Da Bears!

[Vikings4ever 550]

Bears | Talks with Briggs break down

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 06:54:10 -0700

 

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports contract talks between the Chicago Bears and LB Lance Briggs on a long-term contract broke down Friday, April 14. The Bears were optimistic following a round of negotiations with agent Drew Rosenhaus Thursday, April 13, at Halas Hall that a deal was coming soon, but the tone was decidedly different Friday afternoon as Rosenhaus returned to Miami. Briggs' high salary demands brought the meeting to a halt and increased the possibility the club will select his replacement in the first round of the April 29 NFL Draft.

 

[swamp dog 0]

Bears | Talks with Briggs break down

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 06:54:10 -0700

 

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports contract talks between the Chicago Bears and LB Lance Briggs on a long-term contract broke down Friday, April 14. The Bears were optimistic following a round of negotiations with agent Drew Rosenhaus Thursday, April 13, at Halas Hall that a deal was coming soon, but the tone was decidedly different Friday afternoon as Rosenhaus returned to Miami. Briggs' high salary demands brought the meeting to a halt and increased the possibility the club will select his replacement in the first round of the April 29 NFL Draft.

 

 

when i first heard this story on thursday i thought either rosenhaus had found jesus or he was drunk. the light of a new day on friday showed him to have neither found jesus or be drunk, but, in fact, be quite himself.

 

if the bears take his replacement in round 1 instead of addressing cb, wr, or te...that would be a spinning-their-wheels pick for sure.

[Deadpool 0]

Here's my take on this....

 

 

If Briggs is asking for Urlacher money, and if Lavar Arrington is looking for big money and is still jobless...........

 

What in the hell is Rosenhaus thinking? Does he really think anyone else is going to pay that amount for Briggs? He is a good LB, no question, but I don't think he deserves that type of deal. With alot of teams already spending quite a bit of their cap money on other players, the market for a LB is somewhat smaller. If Briggs was smart, he would dump Rosenhaus and extend with the Bears and be happy.

 

Just my opinion though.

[swamp dog 0]

Here's my take on this....

If Briggs is asking for Urlacher money, and if Lavar Arrington is looking for big money and is still jobless...........

 

What in the hell is Rosenhaus thinking? Does he really think anyone else is going to pay that amount for Briggs? He is a good LB, no question, but I don't think he deserves that type of deal. With alot of teams already spending quite a bit of their cap money on other players, the market for a LB is somewhat smaller. If Briggs was smart, he would dump Rosenhaus and extend with the Bears and be happy.

 

Just my opinion though.

 

why not take that stand now and play hard to get? it's no skin off his nose and it certainly doesn't put briggs out any. he has another year on his contract.

[Walter34 3]

why not take that stand now and play hard to get? it's no skin off his nose and it certainly doesn't put briggs out any. he has another year on his contract.

 

Unless he gets hurt.

 

Sign now and protect yourself. The guy deserves a good payday, just not top of the heap dollars. He has made only 500K or so a year, so he deserves a big hike. He should sign a 5 yr / 25 mill deal and protect his future.

 

Worst case, he plays this year and the Bears have the option to franchise him next year or just let him go.

[swamp dog 0]

Unless he gets hurt.

 

Sign now and protect yourself. The guy deserves a good payday, just not top of the heap dollars. He has made only 500K or so a year, so he deserves a big hike. He should sign a 5 yr / 25 mill deal and protect his future.

 

Worst case, he plays this year and the Bears have the option to franchise him next year or just let him go.

 

in that case, sit out the year

 

that's not angelo's style to franchise a player like briggs and have 2 of the top-5 highest paid linebackers in the nfl at the same time.

 

hey, if the bears are as good as you say they are those guys are all going to start lining up to get paid.

[GeminiV 0]

Unless he gets hurt.

 

Sign now and protect yourself. The guy deserves a good payday, just not top of the heap dollars. He has made only 500K or so a year, so he deserves a big hike. He should sign a 5 yr / 25 mill deal and protect his future.

 

Worst case, he plays this year and the Bears have the option to franchise him next year or just let him go.

 

I'm sure Rosenhaus is telling him, "Hey, look what I did for Julian Peterson. He tore his Achilles and I still got him a huge payday after making franchise tag money."

[Deadpool 0]

in that case, sit out the year

 

that's not angelo's style to franchise a player like briggs and have 2 of the top-5 highest paid linebackers in the nfl at the same time.

 

hey, if the bears are as good as you say they are those guys are all going to start lining up to get paid.

 

 

You know swampy, you are right...... maybe the Bears need to change up their roster strategy and starting drafting WRs every year in the first round.

 

In this case, I believe it would be a good thing to have players who earn lower-end contracts play better and "deserve" to get paid more than have some players that already make the big money (high draft picks) and have yet to really earn one single dollar of it.

[swamp dog 0]

You know swampy, you are right...... maybe the Bears need to change up their roster strategy and starting drafting WRs every year in the first round.

 

In this case, I believe it would be a good thing to have players who earn lower-end contracts play better and "deserve" to get paid more than have some players that already make the big money (high draft picks) and have yet to really earn one single dollar of it.

 

walt says worst-case scenario is the bears franchise briggs, like it's slam-dunk easy. i don't see that option as being in angelo's vocabulary with urlacher sitting there at linebacker and cashing fat checks.

 

the point is that it becomes difficult to keep a lineup full of pro-bowl players together for any length of time in the current cba. especially when those players are represented by agents like rosenhaus.

[Walter34 3]

walt says worst-case scenario is the bears franchise briggs, like it's slam-dunk easy. i don't see that option as being in angelo's vocabulary with urlacher sitting there at linebacker and cashing fat checks.

 

the point is that it becomes difficult to keep a lineup full of pro-bowl players together for any length of time in the current cba. especially when those players are represented by agents like rosenhaus.

 

This happens to every team.

 

Its a valid point whether to tie up that much cash at LB because then you have to skimp elsewhere. Other players that likely will be looking for the big payday in the next 2 to 3 years are Scott, Vasher, Alex Brown and whichever qb emerges. That is the way it goes in the NFL however. The Pats have felt the pinch over the last year as has the colts. No one is exempt.

 

What does help is when you hit on the mid round draft picks and get quality production for a low salary over the 1st 3 or 4 years. Keeping these quality cheap picks churning through can compensate.

 

Another trick is to frontload contracts when you have the cap space. A couple of years ago, the Bears had the room and lured Tait away from KC by paying him 14 mill in years 1. Subsequent years of the deal were 2 or 3 million or so a year.