Statcruncher
Footballguy
This is exactly what I wanted to hear.
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***2013 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter benson_will_lead_the_way
- Start date
goldenchild
Footballguy
Just saw this pop up on Schefter's twitter:
brokencookie
Footballguy
Urlacher and Bears shut down their negotiations.
KCitons
Footballguy
I've been an Urlacher fan since day one. But, it concerns me the way this thing is being handled. From what I am reading, the 1yr/$2 million offer is being released by someone that spoke with Urlacher today. As a reporter, the very next question I would have asked, "how much was the last offer that you presented to the Bears" or "how much were you looking for" ?
I don't want to think this. But it feels like Urlacher is only giving one side of the story. The side that makes him look like the martyr.
Also there was no mention of signing bonus. Perhaps there was a extra million or so there. So, it would have been 2-4 million for 1 year.
I don't want to think this. But it feels like Urlacher is only giving one side of the story. The side that makes him look like the martyr.
Also there was no mention of signing bonus. Perhaps there was a extra million or so there. So, it would have been 2-4 million for 1 year.
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sho nuff
Footballguy
I understand what the guy means to the franchise and all...but take emotion out of it...at this point in his career...what is he really worth on the field?
KCitons
Footballguy
OK then. Before we find out the other side of the story, what would you offer Urlacher?
flapgreen
Footballguy
Have you read any of the other questions? He did answer that. What would Urlacher have to gain by trying to look like a martyr? That didn't happen. Awful
RBM
Footballguy
I would probably be thinking something like 2 for 8 would be fair.
RBM
Footballguy
He has obviously slowed but he is still pretty solid.
maxwelledison
Footballguy
I disagree. He isn't worth $4mil per year even on a short contract. The bottom line is that championship teams make decisions like this all the time and are better for it. As a critical and lifelong Chicago fan I'm glad to see another home team make a decision based on something other than nostalgia.
flapgreen
Footballguy
Quit listening to the media and look at the defensive stats without him in the game last year. They won't find anything near him at 3mil/per. Nostalgia?
NWIH would I offer him a 2 year contract if I'm the GM.
KCitons
Footballguy
At the time of my posting this, I had not read anywhere that Urlacher made any mention of how much he wanted. What I have read since is that Urlacher asked for $5.5 million for 2013 during the combine week. Now, he says that he would have played for $3-3.5 million this year. Honestly, I don't think the $2 million for 2013 is all that bad of an offer. The closer the number gets to $3 million the worse it sounds. Another thing to keep in mind is Urlacher has said he has not ruled out playing for the Bears in 2013. Why? Because he knows that other teams are probably not going to pay him more than that. If he says that he will not play for the Bears, then he is either forced to play for whatever he can get (even if it's the same) or he has to retire.Flapgreen, I have come to one conclusion. There is no pleasing you. I actually believe you think running an NFL team is like running a fantasy football team.
brokencookie
Footballguy
Is it a bigger slap in the face that the bears offered him 2 million or that no other team has made him an offer? Players in their prime are being asked to take pay cuts, don't blame the bears, blame the salary cap.
maxwelledison
Footballguy
You're pretty presumptuous. If you think Urlacher was anything more than slightly above replacement value in 2012 there isn't much else to say.Quit listening to the media and look at the defensive stats without him in the game last year. They won't find anything near him at 3mil/per. Nostalgia?
KCitons
Footballguy
Judging from this thread, I would have to assume Flapgreen is gonna start at MLB.
He missed 4 games last year. When he was on the field he was slower and missed more tackles than I've ever seen him miss. 34 year old MLBs don't get faster and start making tackles they missed the prior year. He should have taken the $2MM.
flapgreen
Footballguy
Compare the stats.You're pretty presumptuous. If you think Urlacher was anything more than slightly above replacement value in 2012 there isn't much else to say.Quit listening to the media and look at the defensive stats without him in the game last year. They won't find anything near him at 3mil/per. Nostalgia?
flapgreen
Footballguy
I like this guy.
maxwelledison
Footballguy
So anyone that thinks Urlacher is in serious decline and not worth the money he wants only listens to the media and doesn't watch games? Alrighty.
The Tick
Footballguy
I'm not sure i like the way it was handled in saying, goodby we can't make a deal. It seems to close the door, or someone looks stupid.
Offering Urlacher 2mil for one year seems low, but on the other hand 11 mil for two years is a complete joke that he is no where near worth. I don't even think he is worth 4mil/year right now. Start talking 3 mil per year, some of it bonuses tied to games or snaps played, and an easy way out after year one if the wheels fall off, and i think there is something in there, which is what i'm disapointed they couldn't leave it open to try and make something work.
For that money i would have rather kept Roach for a couple years who would be willing to play multiple positions as we try to bring in young new starters.
It's a sad end, but if they really can't come to a workable deal, which takes two parties, then the time has to end.
Now we really need to find some damn LB's unless they want to come up witht he new 5-1-5 D.
Offering Urlacher 2mil for one year seems low, but on the other hand 11 mil for two years is a complete joke that he is no where near worth. I don't even think he is worth 4mil/year right now. Start talking 3 mil per year, some of it bonuses tied to games or snaps played, and an easy way out after year one if the wheels fall off, and i think there is something in there, which is what i'm disapointed they couldn't leave it open to try and make something work.
For that money i would have rather kept Roach for a couple years who would be willing to play multiple positions as we try to bring in young new starters.
It's a sad end, but if they really can't come to a workable deal, which takes two parties, then the time has to end.
Now we really need to find some damn LB's unless they want to come up witht he new 5-1-5 D.
flapgreen
Footballguy
If you think there's a better option for this defense than Urlacher at 2yrs 6 mil, tell me who it is. That's all I'm saying. Everyone knows he's in decline when compared to his HOF career. He's still better at running this defense than half the starters out there, even during the downside of his career. Playing MLB is about more than making tackles. He qb's the defense. Again, look at the stats with and without him last year. They aren't close. The whole " he missed a lot tackles last year so he sucks" stance is ridiculous. It's a huge loss for the defense. I can't believe you guys think the defense won't miss a beat without him. He wasn't demanding huge money, just not a slap in the face.
flapgreen
Footballguy
Game over, maaaan!
Mister Martie
Footballguy
Sorry to see him go, but it was probably time.
Mister Martie
Footballguy
RBM
Footballguy
If you think there's a better option for this defense than Urlacher at 2yrs 6 mil, tell me who it is. That's all I'm saying. Everyone knows he's in decline when compared to his HOF career. He's still better at running this defense than half the starters out there, even during the downside of his career. Playing MLB is about more than making tackles. He qb's the defense. Again, look at the stats with and without him last year. They aren't close. The whole " he missed a lot tackles last year so he sucks" stance is ridiculous. It's a huge loss for the defense. I can't believe you guys think the defense won't miss a beat without him. He wasn't demanding huge money, just not a slap in the face.
Still waiting for one name for who is our starting MLB week 1.I can assure you there will be one. I seem to remember you being Mr. Doom and Gloom when Trestman was hired. Then you did a quick 180 after free agency opened up. Why not take a deep breath and not overreact to everything immediately?If you think there's a better option for this defense than Urlacher at 2yrs 6 mil, tell me who it is. That's all I'm saying. Everyone knows he's in decline when compared to his HOF career. He's still better at running this defense than half the starters out there, even during the downside of his career. Playing MLB is about more than making tackles. He qb's the defense. Again, look at the stats with and without him last year. They aren't close. The whole " he missed a lot tackles last year so he sucks" stance is ridiculous. It's a huge loss for the defense. I can't believe you guys think the defense won't miss a beat without him. He wasn't demanding huge money, just not a slap in the face.
brokencookie
Footballguy
If Lovie was still coaching I'm pretty sure he would plug Hester into MLB.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
How long before he signs with the Pack out of spite? He'll easily send Hawk to the bench.
KCitons
Footballguy
For some reason, I still get the feeling that it will be Urlacher at MLB in 2013. Both sides are going to realize the grass isn't greener on the other side of the fence and Urlacher signs for 1 year $2.5 mil.If you think there's a better option for this defense than Urlacher at 2yrs 6 mil, tell me who it is. That's all I'm saying. Everyone knows he's in decline when compared to his HOF career. He's still better at running this defense than half the starters out there, even during the downside of his career. Playing MLB is about more than making tackles. He qb's the defense. Again, look at the stats with and without him last year. They aren't close. The whole " he missed a lot tackles last year so he sucks" stance is ridiculous. It's a huge loss for the defense. I can't believe you guys think the defense won't miss a beat without him. He wasn't demanding huge money, just not a slap in the face.
Bears have paid Urlacher 10 of millions of dollars over his career. He could retire 10 times over.
If he wanted to stick around Chicago so much, it's not like he is hurting for money. And I'd love to be slapped in the face if I got 2 million a year to play football afterwards.
The whole "I wanted to finish my career here" bit is whiny. Bears made him an offer to finish his career there, and he declined it to pursue more money when he's already sitting on a pile of it.
It's clear he would be a one year transition player. I still would have loved to have him back, but at least we get a chance to see possible replacements.
If he wanted to stick around Chicago so much, it's not like he is hurting for money. And I'd love to be slapped in the face if I got 2 million a year to play football afterwards.
The whole "I wanted to finish my career here" bit is whiny. Bears made him an offer to finish his career there, and he declined it to pursue more money when he's already sitting on a pile of it.
It's clear he would be a one year transition player. I still would have loved to have him back, but at least we get a chance to see possible replacements.
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RBM
Footballguy
http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/544/article/p2p-74726051/
By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter
11:55 pm, March 20, 2013
It didn't have to end this way. Not in Brian Urlacher's eyes.
The eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker and future Hall of Famer yearned to be a Bear for life. He wanted to walk off Soldier Field on his terms.
When the Bears sent out a news release Wednesday saying they were parting ways with their longtime leader, the reality of the moment caught Urlacher by surprise. In fact, Urlacher and his camp never voiced a desire to move on, although the Bears' statement labeled it a mutual decision.
"My phone was blowing up, and I had no freaking idea what was going on," Urlacher said. "I had 10 messages in 20 seconds. Then I was like, 'Holy crap.' It was crazy."
Even crazier to Urlacher was the team's decision to hold firm on a one-year contract offer that maxed out at $2 million and included $1 million guaranteed. Urlacher, a free agent for the first time after 13 seasons, initially sought a two-year, $11.5 million deal and figured the sides would reach a middle ground. Problem was, there never truly were any negotiations.
After Urlacher's agents presented their initial proposal at the combine, the Bears took a few weeks to mull it over before sending an email Thursday with the one-year, $2 million offer. Urlacher made $7.5 million last season.
It didn't have to end this way. Not in Brian Urlacher's eyes.
The eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker and future Hall of Famer yearned to be a Bear for life. He wanted to walk off Soldier Field on his terms.
When the Bears sent out a news release Wednesday saying they were parting ways with their longtime leader, the reality of the moment caught Urlacher by surprise. In fact, Urlacher and his camp never voiced a desire to move on, although the Bears' statement labeled it a mutual decision.
"My phone was blowing up, and I had no freaking idea what was going on," Urlacher said. "I had 10 messages in 20 seconds. Then I was like, 'Holy crap.' It was crazy."
Even crazier to Urlacher was the team's decision to hold firm on a one-year contract offer that maxed out at $2 million and included $1 million guaranteed. Urlacher, a free agent for the first time after 13 seasons, initially sought a two-year, $11.5 million deal and figured the sides would reach a middle ground. Problem was, there never truly were any negotiations.
After Urlacher's agents presented their initial proposal at the combine, the Bears took a few weeks to mull it over before sending an email Thursday with the one-year, $2 million offer. Urlacher made $7.5 million last season.
"It wasn't even an offer, it was an ultimatum," Urlacher told the Tribune. "I feel like I'm a decent football player still. It was insulting, somewhat of a slap in the face.
"They came back with the offer and said, 'This is what it is, take it or leave it.' It was, 'If you want to play for the Bears, you'll play for this. If not, then you're not playing for the Bears.'"
Urlacher's agents, Pat Dye Jr. and Bill Johnson, responded with another proposal to play for one year at about $3.5 million. Although general manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman had voiced their support of Urlacher and expressed a desire to have him back, the Bears wouldn't budge.
"This whole offseason, I had a bad feeling about this situation anyway," Urlacher said. "I just wish they would have said, 'We don't want you back.' I think this whole thing is just about them saving face and trying to say that they made a run at me."
Urlacher, who turns 35 in May, said he has worked too hard this offseason to consider retirement. He counted on the sides coming to an amicable agreement so a hamstring strain wouldn't be his last memory as a Bear.
"I wanted to be here," Urlacher said. "I wanted to be in Chicago. I wanted to finish here. Now, it's not possible.
"Don't get me wrong … $2 million is a lot of money. But I'm not going to put my body through what it goes through during the season for that amount of money. Not for anybody. Not at this point of my career. It's not worth it to me."
Emery and Chairman George McCaskey expressed their thoughts on Urlacher in the team statement.
"Brian has been an elite player in our league for over a decade," Emery said. "He showed great leadership and helped develop a winning culture over his time with the Bears. We appreciate all he has given our team, on and off the field. Brian will always be welcomed as a member of the Bears."
Said McCaskey: "As Bears fans, we have been lucky to have such a humble superstar represent our city. He embodies the same characteristics displayed by the Bears all-time greats who played before him, and he will eventually join many of them in the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
The Bears might not appreciate Urlacher's value until they take the field without him this fall. A severe left knee injury suffered at the end of the 2011 season kept him from roaming the field in his usual fashion last season. His teammates, however, understood the importance of having him out there as a defensive field general and overall team leader, even if a step slower.
Lance Briggs, Urlacher's tag-team partner at linebacker, was too emotional to talk about his friend's abrupt departure when contacted by phone Wednesday. Pro Bowl cornerback Tim Jennings had a difficult time coming to grips with the news too.
"Hell, yeah, it's a shock to me," Jennings said. "I thought the organization would at least have a little bit more respect for the man, pay him what he's worth and not try to lowball him.
"Brian knows what he's worth, going out there at the stage of his career that he's at and risking his body. It was very insulting to hear what they thought of him. And it's very disappointing that he won't be coming back."
Urlacher's legend was born Sept. 17, 2000, when he recorded 13 tackles and a sack in his first NFL start after being drafted in the first round out of New Mexico. Thirteen seasons and a franchise-record 1,776 tackles later (according to team statistics), Urlacher must start a new chapter.
His agents have been in contact with the Cowboys, Vikings, Cardinals and others. The Cowboys appear to be a long shot based on their tight salary-cap situation and faith in Sean Lee at middle linebacker. The Vikings plan to address their middle linebacker void through the draft.
Urlacher isn't focused on any one team.
"I would like to go somewhere that has a chance to win," Urlacher said. "There are a lot of opportunities out there for me. I'm not in any hurry to make any decisions right now."
Despite the way things ended, Urlacher said he is not bitter toward the franchise.
"There are no hard feelings between me and the Bears organization," Urlacher said. "I'm going to miss the hell out of my teammates. I had a great run here."
vxmcclure@tribune.com
Twitter @vxmcclure23
By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter
11:55 pm, March 20, 2013
It didn't have to end this way. Not in Brian Urlacher's eyes.
The eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker and future Hall of Famer yearned to be a Bear for life. He wanted to walk off Soldier Field on his terms.
When the Bears sent out a news release Wednesday saying they were parting ways with their longtime leader, the reality of the moment caught Urlacher by surprise. In fact, Urlacher and his camp never voiced a desire to move on, although the Bears' statement labeled it a mutual decision.
"My phone was blowing up, and I had no freaking idea what was going on," Urlacher said. "I had 10 messages in 20 seconds. Then I was like, 'Holy crap.' It was crazy."
Even crazier to Urlacher was the team's decision to hold firm on a one-year contract offer that maxed out at $2 million and included $1 million guaranteed. Urlacher, a free agent for the first time after 13 seasons, initially sought a two-year, $11.5 million deal and figured the sides would reach a middle ground. Problem was, there never truly were any negotiations.
After Urlacher's agents presented their initial proposal at the combine, the Bears took a few weeks to mull it over before sending an email Thursday with the one-year, $2 million offer. Urlacher made $7.5 million last season.
It didn't have to end this way. Not in Brian Urlacher's eyes.
The eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker and future Hall of Famer yearned to be a Bear for life. He wanted to walk off Soldier Field on his terms.
When the Bears sent out a news release Wednesday saying they were parting ways with their longtime leader, the reality of the moment caught Urlacher by surprise. In fact, Urlacher and his camp never voiced a desire to move on, although the Bears' statement labeled it a mutual decision.
"My phone was blowing up, and I had no freaking idea what was going on," Urlacher said. "I had 10 messages in 20 seconds. Then I was like, 'Holy crap.' It was crazy."
Even crazier to Urlacher was the team's decision to hold firm on a one-year contract offer that maxed out at $2 million and included $1 million guaranteed. Urlacher, a free agent for the first time after 13 seasons, initially sought a two-year, $11.5 million deal and figured the sides would reach a middle ground. Problem was, there never truly were any negotiations.
After Urlacher's agents presented their initial proposal at the combine, the Bears took a few weeks to mull it over before sending an email Thursday with the one-year, $2 million offer. Urlacher made $7.5 million last season.
"It wasn't even an offer, it was an ultimatum," Urlacher told the Tribune. "I feel like I'm a decent football player still. It was insulting, somewhat of a slap in the face.
"They came back with the offer and said, 'This is what it is, take it or leave it.' It was, 'If you want to play for the Bears, you'll play for this. If not, then you're not playing for the Bears.'"
Urlacher's agents, Pat Dye Jr. and Bill Johnson, responded with another proposal to play for one year at about $3.5 million. Although general manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman had voiced their support of Urlacher and expressed a desire to have him back, the Bears wouldn't budge.
"This whole offseason, I had a bad feeling about this situation anyway," Urlacher said. "I just wish they would have said, 'We don't want you back.' I think this whole thing is just about them saving face and trying to say that they made a run at me."
Urlacher, who turns 35 in May, said he has worked too hard this offseason to consider retirement. He counted on the sides coming to an amicable agreement so a hamstring strain wouldn't be his last memory as a Bear.
"I wanted to be here," Urlacher said. "I wanted to be in Chicago. I wanted to finish here. Now, it's not possible.
"Don't get me wrong … $2 million is a lot of money. But I'm not going to put my body through what it goes through during the season for that amount of money. Not for anybody. Not at this point of my career. It's not worth it to me."
Emery and Chairman George McCaskey expressed their thoughts on Urlacher in the team statement.
"Brian has been an elite player in our league for over a decade," Emery said. "He showed great leadership and helped develop a winning culture over his time with the Bears. We appreciate all he has given our team, on and off the field. Brian will always be welcomed as a member of the Bears."
Said McCaskey: "As Bears fans, we have been lucky to have such a humble superstar represent our city. He embodies the same characteristics displayed by the Bears all-time greats who played before him, and he will eventually join many of them in the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
The Bears might not appreciate Urlacher's value until they take the field without him this fall. A severe left knee injury suffered at the end of the 2011 season kept him from roaming the field in his usual fashion last season. His teammates, however, understood the importance of having him out there as a defensive field general and overall team leader, even if a step slower.
Lance Briggs, Urlacher's tag-team partner at linebacker, was too emotional to talk about his friend's abrupt departure when contacted by phone Wednesday. Pro Bowl cornerback Tim Jennings had a difficult time coming to grips with the news too.
"Hell, yeah, it's a shock to me," Jennings said. "I thought the organization would at least have a little bit more respect for the man, pay him what he's worth and not try to lowball him.
"Brian knows what he's worth, going out there at the stage of his career that he's at and risking his body. It was very insulting to hear what they thought of him. And it's very disappointing that he won't be coming back."
Urlacher's legend was born Sept. 17, 2000, when he recorded 13 tackles and a sack in his first NFL start after being drafted in the first round out of New Mexico. Thirteen seasons and a franchise-record 1,776 tackles later (according to team statistics), Urlacher must start a new chapter.
His agents have been in contact with the Cowboys, Vikings, Cardinals and others. The Cowboys appear to be a long shot based on their tight salary-cap situation and faith in Sean Lee at middle linebacker. The Vikings plan to address their middle linebacker void through the draft.
Urlacher isn't focused on any one team.
"I would like to go somewhere that has a chance to win," Urlacher said. "There are a lot of opportunities out there for me. I'm not in any hurry to make any decisions right now."
Despite the way things ended, Urlacher said he is not bitter toward the franchise.
"There are no hard feelings between me and the Bears organization," Urlacher said. "I'm going to miss the hell out of my teammates. I had a great run here."
vxmcclure@tribune.com
Twitter @vxmcclure23
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James AndersonIf you think there's a better option for this defense than Urlacher at 2yrs 6 mil, tell me who it is. That's all I'm saying. Everyone knows he's in decline when compared to his HOF career. He's still better at running this defense than half the starters out there, even during the downside of his career. Playing MLB is about more than making tackles. He qb's the defense. Again, look at the stats with and without him last year. They aren't close. The whole " he missed a lot tackles last year so he sucks" stance is ridiculous. It's a huge loss for the defense. I can't believe you guys think the defense won't miss a beat without him. He wasn't demanding huge money, just not a slap in the face.
I can understand Urlacher's position. One guys gets $16 million to play part time, Urlacher plays balls to the wall every play and is offered $2 million.
Statcruncher
Footballguy
Tough day yesterday, Urlacher no longer a Bear and the Blackhawks fumble away an opportunity to make a statement. I hate to see Brian go, but if he wanted to be a Bear he could have been. Sure, the money might have been insulting in his eyes, but that's the nature of the NFL beast. I've enjoyed watching Brian bring it on the field for over a decade, but nothing lasts forever. Good luck #54 wherever you go.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Are you talking in terms of an actual player on the field or more of a hybrid mascot/cheerleader role?
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
I don't think I could handle watching that, especially the Cowboys.
flapgreen
Footballguy
All emotion aside, which is obviously hard to do, the defense will take a big step back next year, when it didn't have to do so. There is no one close to 3-4 mil with Urlacher's leadership abilities and knowledge of the game. This is very upsetting. I couldn't be happier with the moves the team has made on offense this offseason, but I feel they are underestimating the importance of the defense and even more so the importance of good leadership.. With our current defense, we have zero chance of competing with teams like the 49ers.
flapgreen
Footballguy
ugh don't even mention the Cowboys with Urlacher. :X
flapgreen
Footballguy
McClure probably the best Bears reporter out there.
