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Duane Sampson -> RE: RE:Da Bears (4/21/2008 1:41:12 PM)
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Brian Urlacher Believes He's Outplayed His Contract
Mon Apr 21, 2008
The Chicago Tribune reports the latest stir back at Halas Hall involves LB Brian Urlacher contract situation and how he has opted to stay away from voluntary workouts with his teammates, in part because he wants Bears management to show more appreciation. He's uncertain about attending a mandatory mini-camp scheduled for the end of May, but Urlacher won't go as far as to declare himself a holdout. He remains adamant, however, about not reporting until his situation is resolved. "I do feel like I've outplayed my contract, with the way the salary cap has moved," Urlacher says, referring to the nine-year, $57 million deal he signed in 2003 that included $13 million in bonus money. The salary cap now stands at $116.7 million compared with $75 million when he inked his long-term deal. Urlacher, still considered one of the NFL's best linebackers, has made the Pro Bowl six times in his eight NFL seasons. He turns 30 next month. "I realize I signed a contract five years ago," he said. "But you know what, what happens when a guy signs an eight-year contract and he gets hurt the second year? They cut him the next year. What happens if a guy signs an eight-year contract and he plays like crap the first three years? They cut him. So when a guy plays great five or six years into his contract, what's wrong with rewarding him with a new deal? Is there a difference?"
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