Come to Think of It...Brian Urlacher Looking for Contract Extension

Brian Urlacher, No. 54 in your playbook and No. 1 in your hearts, wants a contract extension.

Apparently, that’s why he’s holding out of mini-camp. At least that’s why we think he’s skipping these voluntary workouts.

You see, Brian Urlacher isn’t discussing it publicly.

While it’s true that the Bears are $16 million dollars under the salary cap, there are more pressing contract issues for them to attend to right now.

First, there’s the issue of Tommie Harris, who the Bears want to lock up before his contract expires at the end of the 2008 season.

Then, there’s the little matter of signing return man extraordinaire Devin Hester. And raises for defensive end Mark Anderson and kicker Robbie Gould.

So, even if Bears management wanted to extend their pro bowl middle linebacker, there are other priorities ahead of him.

But oh, by the way, Bears management doesn’t want to renegotiate, so they say they are “educating" Urlacher and his camp as to the value of his deal, which was signed in 2003.

In June 2003, Urlacher signed a nine year, $57 million dollar deal. It was a huge deal at the time, and is still good money, especially for a player entering his 30s.

The thing is, Brian Urlacher probably realizes that if he waits until his current contract expires, he will be going on 34 years old and will likely not be a starter any longer. At least not a top player at his position.

So, he wants to seize the opportunity for one last chance at the big money. Understandable. But why would the Bears want to do this? For PR sake? Perhaps, because if they don’t, you can rest assured that some writers will say the Bears are being cheap as usual, and that they don’t want Brian Urlacher around any more.

And neither one of those things is fair to the Bears.

Not that they aren’t cheap sometimes. They can be, at times. Remember Mike Ditka’s famous comment about George Halas throwing nickels around as if they were manhole covers? But in this case, it just doesn’t make sound business sense to extend a player who is entering his twilight years in football terms.

Oh, I recognize that "30" isn’t old to you and me, nor is it old in a lot of other sports.  But in the rough and tumble world of professional football, if the gray hairs ain’t showing, they’re at least starting to sprout by 30.. 

Especially when you consider Urlacher’s recent history of medical woes.

Back and neck problems have plagued Urlacher.  He didn’t have a particularly good season last year either, except for the last couple of weeks.  When you combine those factors with his advancing age and a limited pool of money, it’s no wonder the Bears aren’t throwing bouquets around at his feet.

On the other hand, Urlacher is important to the Bears for the next couple of seasons, so they don’t want to piss him off. 

And you think you have problems.

But in the meantime, Urlacher should just shut up and play. Well, I guess he has already shut up so all he needs to do now is play. Which he will, when it counts anyway. Who cares if he misses these workouts, it’s not a big deal. It sends a clear message, however. One the Bears can choose to ignore at their own peril.

When the time comes he’d better answer the bell. Because he is getting paid well and nobody forced him to sign that contract. There was no gun pointed at his head. Not that we’re aware of anyway.

Come to think of it, I wish someone would point a gun at my head and force me to accept that kind of cash. No renegotiation necessary.