<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>If you're wondering why the Bears were able to sign three-time Pro Bowler Lance Briggs for about the same money he turned his nose up at two years ago, the answer is simple: They didn't have to outbid anyone. That's because most teams realize any reasonably talented linebacker will get over 100 tackles a season in the Bears' scheme. Briggs is more than "reasonably talented," and he's an integral part of the Bears' defense, but he isn't the guy that opposing offensive coordinators worry about when they're devising game plans. That would be Tommie Harris and Brian Urlacher. To some extent, Briggs is a product of the system and a beneficiary of the presence of Harris and Urlacher. Fortunately for Briggs, in today's free-agent market, the going rate for a productive complementary linebacker in his prime is $36 million for six years. Briggs expected more money and more interest, but the 49ers and Saints, two teams in need of defensive help, went in different directions. The 49ers gave Bengals defensive end Justin Smith $45 million over six years, and the Saints traded for Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma. "Those are kind of the setbacks as far as free agency went," Briggs said. "(But) I'm real happy. My market is where it should be. The Bears' front office came up with a deal that worked."</div> That's something. Maybe they should try him at WR too, which the rest of the article dwells upon.
Definately going to make a huge impact on defense this year. He will play with a bit of chip on his shoulder, and with the corners healthy and harris a full year removed from his injury the league better watch out
As crappy as the Bears' offseason has been thus far, I'll give them credit here: they re-signed Briggs to a pretty reasonable contract. Its kind of a surprise after last year's holdout, because he could've gotten much more on the open market.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Mar 10 2008, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>As crappy as the Bears' offseason has been thus far, I'll give them credit here: they re-signed Briggs to a pretty reasonable contract. Its kind of a surprise after last year's holdout, because he could've gotten much more on the open market.</div> Actually they have had a great offseason. They didnt go overpay for above average players. Lets face the facts, 98% of free agents are free because the team knows that they arent good enough to get paid what they are asking. No one is letting thier top players just walk. So what you get from FA is an above average player for a good players salary, or a good player for a great players salary. By not doing anything they will be able to continue to resign good players like nathan vasher early at good player prices. They draft well and it shows on thier roster. I am not looking for ridiculous free agent frenzy.
