Bears Sign LB Hillenmeyer To Five-Year Extension (1 Viewer)

[datonn]

From the Footballguys News Blogger:

The Chicago Bears announced on Thursday that they have signed strongside linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer to a five-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2011 season. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. However, ESPN's John Clayton that the new agreement includes a $5 million signing bonus.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2504331

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

at least the Bears have one of their starting OLBs locked up long-term, but they still need to get a deal done with Briggs at some point. $5 million signing bonus seems a bit high for Hillenmeyer though.

 

[Jene Bramel]

at least the Bears have one of their starting OLBs locked up long-term, but they still need to get a deal done with Briggs at some point. $5 million signing bonus seems a bit high for Hillenmeyer though.

Makes you wonder if this means Briggs is destined to hit free agency, similar to Will Witherspoon. Hillenmeyer can play all three positions and maybe Jamar Williams is impressing the coaches more than we're hearing.

 

[Rovers]

Is Briggs in his walk year?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Is Briggs in his walk year?

yes, although I think the franchise tag would be an option for them next year if they can't get a deal worked out. he was first team All Pro in 2005 and is likely asking for Julian Peterson type money right now. The Bears already have a ton of money tied up in Urlacher and will likely be careful about tying too much money up in one position.

 

[TecmoBeast]

He has franchise tag written all over him, Bears aren't letting him walk away with nothing in return

Briggs turned down a contract that averages him 5.5 million a season, that's less than what Julian Peterson signed for technically. But it's all fools gold anyways because Peterson isn't going to see the life of that contract looking at the base salaries:

1.0 million (2006), $2.0 million (2007), $3.5 million (2008), $6.5 million (2009), $7.5 million (2010), $8.0 million (2011) and $8.5 million (2012)

Maybe he wouldn't mind the tag as it will pull him 6 or 7 million for 2007. If the Bears couldn't afford him, some team would give up a first rounder for his services

 

[Achilles]

He has franchise tag written all over him, Bears aren't letting him walk away with nothing in return

Briggs turned down a contract that averages him 5.5 million a season, that's less than what Julian Peterson signed for technically. But it's all fools gold anyways because Peterson isn't going to see the life of that contract looking at the base salaries:

1.0 million (2006), $2.0 million (2007), $3.5 million (2008), $6.5 million (2009), $7.5 million (2010), $8.0 million (2011) and $8.5 million (2012)

Maybe he wouldn't mind the tag as it will pull him 6 or 7 million for 2007. If the Bears couldn't afford him, some team would give up a first rounder for his services

I think Briggs is as good as gone for next year.They may tag him with the intentions of trading him in the offseason.

 

[imeimex]

at least the Bears have one of their starting OLBs locked up long-term, but they still need to get a deal done with Briggs at some point. $5 million signing bonus seems a bit high for Hillenmeyer though.

That is way too much money for Hillenmeyer who is barely above replacement level. As a Bears fan I really hope that this does not forshadow the loss of Briggs. It is interesting that Briggs, T. Jones, and Vasher are all asking for new contracts yet the Bears have resigned Adrian Peterson and now Hillenmeyer. Angelo does a good job of reworking contracts throughout the year, but there would be a lot of money tied up in linebackers, running backs, and secondary if they do decide to rework their deals.

 

[TecmoBeast]

http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...lts.aspx?team=5

Bears got some money

 

[Achilles]

http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...lts.aspx?team=5

Bears got some money

I don't think that is the point. The Bears were real put off that Briggs rejected what they deemed to be an aggressive offer to extend him. They immediately broke off negotiations with no indication that they want to reopen them.