MVN - Most Valuable Network

Bears Negotiating With Harris, 2 Others

According to the Chicago Sun Times, the Bears could reach an agreement on a contract extension with defensive tackle Tommie Harris very soon. Or, the talks could go down the drain.

Thats because Harris is represented by Drew Rosenhaus, the agent notorious for demanding huge, often ridiculous contracts. Like Lance Briggs last year, the team could be very close to agreeing with Drew, than refuse to give more.

Despite not being a free agent until after 2010, the twenty-four year old Harris wants a deal now so that he can get another one before he turn thirty, the age that tackles don’t get paid a lot of money at. He claims that he isn’t asking for an insane amount of money, but considering his agent, you never know.

Chicago may be reluctant to give him a big extension because of his problems with injuries, specifically his knees. He did start every game last season for the Bears, but was slowed after having hamstring surgery in the offseason. He still had a productive year, but some question as to whether his knees will be able to hold up for a long period of time.

Still, I think a deal will eventually get done. With the decreasing defensive depth that the Bears have, they would really like to lock him up long term, as he’s an absolute beast, especially when healthy.

Chicago will also need to address new contracts for linebacker Brian Urlacher, kicker Robbie Gould, and kick returner/receiver Devin Hester.

Urlacher wants a new contract, even after signing a nine-year deal just five years ago. While the Bears are currently in talks with him, they’ll probably shy away from giving him a lot of money after his back problems last season. He’s a no-show at voluntary workouts, but that doesn’t appear to be a big deal.

Gould also wants a new contract, and the Bears are more likely to give him one. His rookie one is up at the end of this season, and he’s proven to be a reliable, accurate kicker. Plus, he’s only twenty-five. Like Urlacher, he isn’t at the workouts presently taking place, as he might be trying to send a message.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 at 4:56 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.