<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Vasher returns to Bears practice without new dealBy Len PasquarelliESPN.comAbsent from the Chicago Bears' on-field workouts the past two weeks because of dissatisfaction over his contract, Pro Bowl cornerback Nathan Vasher has returned for the final three days of organized activities, and has suggested that his boycott got the attention of team officials.Nathan VasherCornerbackChicago BearsProfile2005 SEASON STATISTICSTot Ast Solo FF Sack Int48 41 7 2 0 8What it did not get Vasher, however, was the raise he was seeking. And it almost certainly earned him a demotion entering training camp.Two other Bears starters, tailback Thomas Jones and Pro Bowl weakside linebacker Lance Briggs, were dropped on the depth chart by coach Lovie Smith because they skipped the voluntary workouts, even though both were on hand for a mandatory three-day minicamp. Vasher participated in the opening weeks of the organized team activities and the minicamp, but then missed the past two weeks of the club's voluntary practices.In his absence, fourth-year veteran cornerback Ricky Manning Jr., signed by the Bears as a restricted free agent this spring and projected as the No. 1 nickel defender, has lined up at cornerback with the first unit. The cornerback on the left side remains Charles Tillman."For the time being," Vasher said, "I have to be content with my position."At the root of Vasher's unrest is a contract his representatives claim makes him only the 131st highest paid cornerback in the league. Vasher, 24, has two seasons remaining on the four-year, $1.77 million contract that he signed as a fourth-round choice in the 2004 draft. He is due base salaries of $425,000 for 2006 and of $460,000 for 2007, although he could earn an "escalator" in the latter year. Vasher's agent has proposed a one-year extension that does not affect the 2006-07 base salaries.General manager Jerry Angelo has steadfastly maintained the Bears have a policy against reworking a player's contract after only two seasons.There is no denying Vasher has been a bargain for the Bears, earning $945,000 in bonuses and salaries in his first two seasons, and performing at a high level. In 32 appearances, including 22 starts, the former University of Texas standout has 87 tackles, 13 interceptions, 23 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. In 15 starts in 2005, he registered eight interceptions and earned a Pro Bowl berth.What he may have to re-earn now is the starting position that he claimed early last season when incumbent right cornerback Jerry Azumah was injured. Vasher said that, even with his contract situation unresolved, he will report to training camp on time next month."Coach Smith always has told us that, when the season begins, the best players will play, and I believe he'll continue to go by that," Vasher said. "Having a fair shot to start is all we can ask for. So if I have to win my way back out there, then that's just how it is."Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.</div>http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2492388
