ESPN.com is reporting that Drew Rosenhaus is trying to leverage a deal sending Lance Briggs to the Redskins for a swap of draft picks, giving the Bears the sixth pick instead of the 31st. Is that enough?
Posted by Roman Modrowski on March 27, 2007 08:50 AM|Permalink
Comments
Told you all about Drew Rosenhaus! Bitting the Bears right on the pockets like a pit bull! And he should shake until all of Lance's money falls out! It appears to me to be a problem that Stevie wonder could have seen coming. Bears could have let this man go and get his money a long time ago, or they could have given him his market value. They chose to challenge Drew Rosenhaus??? I don't understand what the Bears stand to gain but negative press?
Roman I am interested to hear if you guys believe the Bears anticipated this. If so, why? If not, why?
Roman responds: I'm sure they did. Rosenhaus isn't going to stop until he gets what he wants. The Bears have to decide whether Lance is worth it, and whether he'll follow through on the threats. It's like a poker game.
I disagree completely. This trade would allow the bears to move up to pick an impact player. Pick an OLB in the 2nd round then. And get over the distraction. Who needs it? Urlacher is the Derrick Brooks in this defense. He makes Briggs better, and he can do that for someone else. I'll enjoy watching Briggs suffer in Washington for the next 5-6 years...
Looking at this from a Bear perspective, losing Briggs is huge. While Tank Johnson will be back for the start of the season, there is no way he will start the season in playing shape, although prison is the best gym so I hear. This whole situation is insane and the Bears should just pay Briggs to keep that fearful line backing core intact. The secondary is not what is has been and losing Briggs makes it all the more susceptible. Moving up in the draft is a monster gain though, so holding on to Briggs for this draft pick swap works out well, maybe they have a shot at Calvin Johnson, Brady Quinn, or LaRon Landry. Bears fan need to be more concerned about the fact that Grossman is not the answer and that you’re trusting your running game to Benson who has not shown he's capable of being a feature back.
TRADE BRIGGS..lets see him rot with the redskins.
Enjoy no prob bowls without mr urlacher (THE MAN)
I mean, heck I can roam around an make plays if the opposing O focuses on THE MAN (yes not you briggs)
I guarantee you Briggs does not make the pro bowl next year.
Take the #6 pick and move up to get WR Calvin Johnson...one of the few rookies that could help the Bears this year.
Snyder and the Redskins are hoping that Angelo and the Bears are still suffering from the same dumbness that afflicted them when they "gave away"
Thomas Jones. Snyder wants to offer the 'Skins #6 pick in the first round for
the Bears' Briggs and their #31 pick in the first round. How generous of Snyder!!! Angelo ought to demand, and get both the Redskins #6 AND their 2nd round pick for Briggs and Briggs alone. If that doesn't fly, let Briggs sit out the '07 season or, perhaps, 10 games. If he wants to come back for the final 6 games, the Bears can find some reason to keep him off the field.
lets see, a player that sits for 10 games and plays the last 6...hmmm im sure many teams will be vying for your services...NOT!!!!! hasta la vista Briggs!
If Lance Briggs and Drew Rosenhaus feels this is the only alternative to playing for the Bears then by all means. Just make sure the player the Bears pick is not represented by Drew Rosenhaus.
I believe that trading Briggs now is the answer. BUT, I would NOT do it for a swap of 1st round picks. I just don't think there's equal value in swaping 1st roung picks and giving the Redskins a Pro Bowl linebacker. I'd take a swap of 1st round picks, and a 2nd or 3rd round pick as well (even if one of those is next year). The franchise tag states that if someone makes an offer to someone you've franchised, and the team refuses to match the offer, then they'd be compensated with two 1st rounders. I think that may be a little high, but there's no need to give him away to rid themselves of Briggs' situation. The Bears' have the upper hand here, and shouldn't give in to his whining. Trade him for market value, or let him sit out and receive nothing for being a stubborn brat.
While I'm excited to hear the Bears are trying to move up in the draft (having the 6th and 37th picks is much nicer than the 31st), I'm worried Angelo's just going to select yet another safety and completely waste the pick. As for whether or not it's enough compensation for Briggs--while no draft pick justifies the amount of production he's given the Bears, a top-10 pick comes pretty close. Why they couldn't have packaged this with the Adam Archuleta trade, we'll never know, but I'm not going to nitpick.
I hope this works out. Briggs will get his chance to be the man, and the Bears will get a good draft pick. NOW IF THEY WOULD JUST SIGN DAVID EFFING CARR...
Why not trade up to the #2 slot with Detroit? I know they are in the same division and might not want to swap but is Detroit really going to take Calvin Johnson knowing they tanked on so many drafted WRs. Wouldnt they take the our 1st rounder and Briggs who is already established instead of taking another chance? CJ will be an immediate impact offensive player which is what the Bears will need with Muhammed aging. He would be a great 3rd receiver for now..I couldnt imagine a Calvin Johnson Bernard Berrian tandum in a couple years. That would be an insane duo.
I think this whole mess is drew "greedy" rosheblah's fault. The bears did pony up and attempt to sign him long term, so get it staright Lance. It's about not over paying or a mid grade talent. Thats called cap managment. The way I see it let Lance not play Fine the hell out of him, when he comes back dont let him play, franchise him the next 2 years keep him off the field again, and then lets see how much he's worth after not touching a NFL field for 3 years, we need to get tough with these over paid babies, I mean come on he was given a fair deal. HE IS NOT, NOR will HE EVER BE Brian Urlacher. The system and Talent around him allow him to be a pro bowler not vice versa.
This trade would be a steal for the Skins. I agree, Chuck Johnson is an impact player - but the Bears will have no shot at him w/o giving up even more to trade up. The other impact player is Joe Thomas - who could eventually replace the most overrated Bear - John Tait. He'll be gone too. Briggs, is acting like a child, but he's also a key member of a team w/ a shrinking window at a Super Bowl. They should demand 2 picks (and not a swap!) for Briggs - who, btw, is the Derrick Brooks of this defense.
You could see this coming since the beginning of last season. It's 1986 all over again. Bears go to the Superbowl, 2nd best LB on the team covets the money and the limelight and he shuffles off to Washington, yet again. I understand that he should be compensated fairly(which I believe they have) but he's dreaming if he wants to be paid more than Urlacher. I say move him to Washington or any other team willing to pay an outrageous salary for a 'good' LB, take their trade up offer, include another pick or two & plan on Patrick Willis(Ole Miss)filling in admirably. Or take your high pick and use it on OT Joe Thomas(Wisconsin) or, if he falls, WR Calvin Johnson, with Jamar Williams filling Briggs' spot. Bears saw this coming. Congrats to them for being a step ahead. Now, just don't get hosed for his value like you did with Thomas Jones.
Take the trade and trade that #6 pick to Cleveland for the #3 pick and get Calvin Johnson... He is a can't miss and is a combo of R. Moss./TO/M. Harrison all in one. Calvin Johnson and Mush with Berrian in the slot is a good offense. Lance is replaceable, Calvin Johnson could be the best ever!!
The Bears have every right to protect their players, product, and feasibility they offered a long term contract before this season which Briggs declined;(fortunately Briggs wasn't injured)as both team(s) and players play at a great risk.
This entire situation seems reminiscent of the Wilbur Marshall era, except there was no franchise tags, it was simply an offer sheet that the Bears didn't match. Marshall was never the same in a Redskins uniform.
I am a die-hard Bears fan: Briggs stands to make 7 mil. this season, take the money - shut-up and work out a long term deal. My question is: Do the Bears have to play him for the remaining 6 games? What about the team? Team chemistry? A number 6 pick?? and what else do we get if he's trade?
Briggs for the sixth pick is awesome as long as we do not have to give up the 31st, two first round and a high second round makes the loss easy to swallow. Package the sixth and the second round to get a higher first round and pick Calvin Johnson, use the 31st on offensive lineman and we will be alright.
This is indeed a mess ! Briggs is a great player but so far all he and Rosenhaus have done is blow a lot of hot air. If they can present the Bears with a scenario as to what he is being offered by other teams then the BEARS would have a chance to "match" or as the tag goes let him walk for the two draft picks....The Bears should not cave in here ! I love Lance but $7.2 mil guaranteed for I year......s_it ! Where do I sign ! Lance get real, the team and the town love you and your production, tell the Bears what you want and be reasonable you just might get it $$$$$
I just hope Lovie does not allow his team to Blow up like Ditka did!
The opportunity to get rid of a giant headache and his weasel of an agent for the #6 overall pick in the draft sounds very attractive. There are many worthwhile players in the draft pool this year, as just about everyone has already pointed out. The Bears should get this deal done fast before Daniel Syner changes his mind. I would like to read something positive about the Bears this offseason (aside from Rex's structurally sound shoulder) and getting rid of Briggs would be a step in that direction.
At the 6 spot, they would have a shot at grabbing outside linebackers John Beason or safety Laron Landry. They are not going to be able to trade up to get one of the big 3...Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, or Adrian Peterson. And I highly doubt they'd consider Brady Quinn if we was to fall to them. So my next question is, will an unproven rookie or reserve linebacker be able to fill a huge hole at outside linebacker? Urlacher already covers up for alot of mistakes that Hunter Hillenmeyer makes, how will he be able to cover up the 100 plus tackles that Lance Briggs would give the Bears? I don't see this move improving the Bears.
This is indeed a mess ! Briggs is a great player but so far all he and Rosenhaus have done is blow a lot of hot air. If they can present the Bears with a scenario as to what he is being offered by other teams then the BEARS would have a chance to "match" or as the tag goes let him walk for the two draft picks....The Bears should not cave in here ! I love Lance but $7.2 mil guaranteed for I year......s_it ! Where do I sign ! Lance get real, the team and the town love you and your production, tell the Bears what you want and be reasonable you just might get it $$$$$
I just hope Lovie does not allow his team to Blow up like Ditka did!
Yes! Jump all over it. Briggs is almost completely useless to the Bears as a player on the field now. Get that high pick. Someone will want it to get "their" guy and will trade their 1st round pick plus another pick or two. Maybe even their 1st round pick next year. This is how you build a champion that has staying power. Do the deal now!
First, if Briggs does sit out for ten games and plays six, he'll meet the obligations of the franchise tag. However, can the bears do something similar to what the eagles did to TO a couple of years ago and suspend him for up to four games? I'm not sure if this violates the terms of franchise tag, but if LB and DR want to play hardball, the bears should too.
Secondly, the trade doesn't make much sense to me if it is the 6th for Briggs and the 31st. If memory serves me correctly, the redskins have a tendency of trading next years picks. I think they only have few picks this year because they signed restricted free agents, but it shows they don't place alot of emphasis on draft picks. Why not the 6th and next years 1st or 2nd round pick for Briggs and the 31st? If I had to guess, the redskins will not be very good this year, making their next years' pick more valuable.
The only other thing to realize is that the 6th pick doesn't have as much value this year. There are five highly sought after players: Thomas, C. Johnson, Brady, Russell, and Peterson. after those five, the value drops off. If the Bears can trade down from the 6th, it makes more sense. Only Thomas and Johnson make sense to me for the Bears to take. From there, the 6th pick might be a difficult spot to trade out of without much demand for one of the top five players.
To Kuup-Mokena or others who keep comparing Briggs' situation to Wilber Marshall's. Marshall DID NOT leave the Bears after they won the superbowl in 1985. Marshall played two more seasons on the Bears after 1985 and left the Bears after the 1987 season. Now for Briggs, part of me says teach him a lesson and prove a point that some street walking agent can't dictate to the organization how they should operate. Call his bluff and let him sit out the first ten games. Because if he does he will only get paid for six games, which according to my calculation means he will make roughly 2.5 million next year. So if Briggs does that he will make about 4.5 million less than he would if he played the full season. Even a dimwit like Briggs could see the difference in that. So I say come on Briggs and Rosenhaus, be men for the first time in your lives and honor your words. You will only be doing the Bears a favor by saving them 4.5 million bucks in salary next year.
The trade would make a great deal of sense if the Bears manage to trade back down to get extra picks. At the 6th slot, they can easily accomplish this if someone like Quinn or Peterson is still available, and there may be a shot to trade down more than once.
The Bears top upgrade areas worthy of first-round consideration are (with or without Briggs) LB, OT, OG, DT, TE, WR.
At six, the top WR, OT and DT -- sure things, are gone. I don't support moving up.
Yet, players like Posluzny, Patrick Willis and Levi Brown -- all solid players who could likely step in immediately, could still be around in the early teens, especially the former.
One or two trades down, especially for Quinn or Peterson, could land possibly a No. 1 next year, if not multiple picks from the 2-5 range this year.
Given that I really do believe that Briggs will seriously sit out several games, this would make the most sense for this franchise.
ESPN also reported this. Bears offered 7.2 for one year, BUT Lance Briggs is worth 20 million guaranteed on the open market - with a long term contract. We all can do math right? I believe 20 is bigger than 7. Hypothetical - the Bears who have raised ticket prices - are asked by Chicago to take a 3rd of their income next year in order to accomodate the olympics. If the olympics dont work out, then they don't get anything. What do you think the Bears answer will be to that offer? Let me guess???
"Hello Mr. Rosenhaus...this is Jerry and Ted, yeah we have a real problem with Mayor Daley. He wants us to accept a 3rd of what we can get. Doesn't he know we just went to the Superbowl?"
I say call Rosenhaus' bluff and let the greedy jackass sit for 10 games, and rot on the bench for the remaining 6. Then hit him with the Franchise tag again and repeat the scenario in 2008. How much moeny would he stand to lose then? Who is going to sign a linebacker that hasn't played a down in 2 years for BIG money?
Just trade him but realistically they're not gonna trade him for a 1st and a 2nd round to washington. Maybe a 1st and 3rd would still be good. Calvin Johnson would be a big boost anyways. Did everyone forget about Jamarr Williams? The Bears drafted him to replace Briggs cause they knew this was gonna happen (Briggs leaving the Bears). Like Briggs, Williams was drafted in the 3rd round and was coveted a lot by the staff until his injury. Remember Warrick Holdman? Roosevelt Colvin? They were all products of what the opposing defense gives the Bears when they are too focused on Brian Urlacher. Maybe Briggs is too. Just think about that. Trade his spoiled butt.
1st - I would let Briggs sit and rot. If $7 MM isn't enough money - then let him collect nothing for the year. That is $7 MM he'll never get back. Think Al Harris & Todd Bell.
2nd - If they do trade him then Washington should come up with some more late round picks this year or picks next year say a 2 or a 3. He is a all pro and they would still be getting a #1.
3rd - if we did get the # 6 pick I would trade back down and start restocking the lines. D line is thin & O line getting old.
4th - With Archuletta in the Defensive back field. That is one area we don't have to address.
First of all, The swapping of picks for Thomas Jones was not a waste. Yes, he ran for over 2500 yards in the past two seasons, but in the NFL, he was in not in the L. Tomlinson mold, untradeable. But as for Briggs, I was not a fan until this year. No, he is not better than Urlacher, because as I recall, teams gameplan to stop Urlacher first or, Tommie Harris first, not L. Briggs. He's a better player than me so I can't dis the man too much, but, the deal is not enough. We need to see a 3rd or 4th rounder as well, and give us one of their linebackers, or their backup R.B. and exchange out
I think you let Briggs stay at home. Why does he get to decide if he is going ot come back. Take a page from the Ottawa Senators of the NHL when Alexi Yahsin said he wasn't playing. The senators said stay home & be a baby then, He still had to play out the contract. Make him earn the money. These players who always want more. Keep him off the field and at home, see how good he does then. Further more this is just heightened by greedy agents like Drew Rosehouse. Look at what great things Terrell Owens did since the gunieness told him to stay at Home with Philly, Ownes isn't making near the money he would hae if he played the contract out that he signed. Just goes to show you Greed does NOT PAY
So, if the truth was a little hazy before, Briggs's situation should be crystal clear right about now. Lance Briggs only cares about Lance Briggs, not the Bears, not the fans, not winning, not even the Super Bowl. Ask yourself this: If he says he won't play 10 games just to make a point and so he can "avoid risking injury" (I believe that's an idle threat by the way, is he really retarded enough to throw away a guaranteed 4 million or so?), do you think he'll play in the playoffs, where there's no big money involved? Two words: Hell and no. I used to be a big fan of his, but now from a fan's point of view, he disgusts me. He's not a team player anymore. I can't root for him anymore.
Do this deal... do it ASAP before Snyder changes his mind. I don't care how good Briggs is. It doesn't do anything if he's not playing. For those of you that think the Bears wouldn't be getting enough... bear in mind that Briggs was an unrestricted free agent before the tag and will be next year too, so the Bears stand to gain absolutely nothing otherwise. I know the saying "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" but that doesn't apply when the bird is crapping in your hand.
The #6 pick can be used to draft an impact player (by the way stop the pipe dreams about CJ, the only way to be sure to get him is to have the 1st overall pick) and that'd greatly extend Briggs's value to the team (which he is voluntarily limiting). Or they can trade down a few picks and go for a guy like Willis, another LB with Urlacher-type speed. In my opinion the Bears have everything to gain and nothing to lose by pulling the trigger here.
I almost forgot to add that this trade would make no sense whatsoever for the Skins, as they are already stacked with LBs, but that's neither here nor there... common sense has never stood in the way of them before, so hurry up and pull the trigger before they realize how stupid it is!
Ditka didn't blow up the 86 team and Lovie shouldn't be faulted if players get traded. Briggs is a good player. He's better than you guys want to give him credit for but Kris hit the nail in regard to Urlacher covering a lot of ground for HH and there's one thing that no one has mentioned yet: Urlacher isn't getting any younger. He's closing in on 30 pretty fast and he isn't the player he was a few years ago. I know those words are blasphme but it's gospel. Urlacher is already underpaid when you compare his salary with a lot of players that have signed recently. Just because the BEARS hold his contract up and say that this is the limit doesn't make it a fair market contract. Don't think for a minute that it is. He's been doing great money wise in regard to what's out there but he knows that we can't exactly repeat taking chances on things that have happened in the past with replacing players who got richer contracts than the BEARS care to match. Don't bring up Colvin and Holdman because at least we had a Briggs to take their place. I don't know what Jamar Williams has shown anyone to expect him to be a viable candidate because I must have missed those games that he was looking good with the first team. Don't let the BEARS sucker you into believing that they are better now than when the season ended. That remark about Jones not giving anyone faith before he got here is a load of bull. When Jones was a bust with others teams that made him an anomoly. At least he wasn't our bust like Benson may shape up being. Briggs isn't worth all the money his agent is insisting on. And the NFL need to gang up and make all Drew's clients off limit just to show him that they mean business. A guy like him is the worst cancer that a team can get. Stop giving in to his demands. He's not a sports fan. He's the reason that players act the way they do when it comes to these contracts. Stop pussyfooting around with guys like that and maybe players will curb that greed they have. NNNAAAWWWW!!! They will always be greedy. If the BEARS give him up for just a swap in draft picks you can forget about breaking even this year. You might as well give away every player whose contact is coming up. If the weather is good this weekend I might go to Swaparama on 130th. I wouldn't be surprised to see a a few BEARS players there dirt cheap.
I am a die hard Bears fan myself. After seeing this situation unfold, I have to say that Briggs should be traded for the 6th pick. But I too believe they need to get further compensation for Briggs. Another draft pick say a 3rd rounder would be realistic. A 2nd rounder would be nice. Anyways, they should take the 6th pick and draft either LaRon Landry, or Calvin Johnson if he should fall to them. If these 2 players aren't available trade down for more picks and get a TE (Greg Olsen). Either way the Bears still win because Urlacher is the man in the middle. Last time I checked, teams game plan for him not Briggs. If all you get to do on Defense is run around without being blocked, (because the person who is supposed to be blocking you (Briggs) is triple teaming Urlacher), then of course you are great enough to not get the most tackles in the league. Your running freedom didn't produce more tackles than a guy is focused upon when offenses game plan. So trade him. Much like how the Ravens plug anyone into that defense and are still fearsome, the Bears can easliy replace Briggs. He is a SYSTEM LINEBACKER. He will be slightly above average anywhere else. If a team focuses on him, it will probably result in the downward spiraling of his career. But what would he care? He got paid anyways, and thats all he wants. So say good by to him, he is not as great as he thinks he is. If he was he would have been drafted higher. The Bears should draft either of the mentioned players with there new found pick or trade it for more picks. Teams want Landry badly. Heck trade the pick to Buffalo and move to 12, for the 6th pick and recoupe another draft pick from them so they could draft Adrian Peterson. Buffalo needs a back and the Bears could get plenty of steals in this draft to offset the major contracts they will be facing on defense in the next few years. Point is, is that Briggs will not determine the future of the team. The team will win without him. Just watch and see..............
I think the Bears are smart enough to hold out for more picks than another trade up. C'mon-look at another trade up as gambling-how many guys drafted in the second-third and forth rounds have out performed first rounders. The Bears give up two high performing players to pay out to a highly regarded college player that has yet to prove himself worthy of the NFL. We could be trading up for another bust-David Terrell-Curtis Enis-Mike Haynes-oh yeah and what was that QB-#8. I know a new regime is in place but we are gambling - and that's for losers in Green Bay and Detroit !!!
Triple teaming Urlacher? Are you serious? All they have to do is run a guard right at him and that's it. I've seen plenty of plays where he was blocked completely out of the play by a pulling guard. He's the best player on the team when the defensive tackles occupy more than one b
Comments
Told you all about Drew Rosenhaus! Bitting the Bears right on the pockets like a pit bull! And he should shake until all of Lance's money falls out! It appears to me to be a problem that Stevie wonder could have seen coming. Bears could have let this man go and get his money a long time ago, or they could have given him his market value. They chose to challenge Drew Rosenhaus??? I don't understand what the Bears stand to gain but negative press?
Roman I am interested to hear if you guys believe the Bears anticipated this. If so, why? If not, why?
Roman responds: I'm sure they did. Rosenhaus isn't going to stop until he gets what he wants. The Bears have to decide whether Lance is worth it, and whether he'll follow through on the threats. It's like a poker game.
Posted by: Keith - Lifetime Southsider | March 27, 2007 08:54 AM
I am confused because dealing with Drew Rosenhaus is like playing poker with Phil Ivey. Bears should have folded.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | March 27, 2007 10:11 AM
Done deal...trade this loud-mouth baby...then trade down 10 spots to get more picks and the TE from Miamai, Greg Olsen.
Posted by: Mark W | March 27, 2007 10:20 AM
I disagree completely. This trade would allow the bears to move up to pick an impact player. Pick an OLB in the 2nd round then. And get over the distraction. Who needs it? Urlacher is the Derrick Brooks in this defense. He makes Briggs better, and he can do that for someone else. I'll enjoy watching Briggs suffer in Washington for the next 5-6 years...
Posted by: Chirag | March 27, 2007 10:31 AM
Looking at this from a Bear perspective, losing Briggs is huge. While Tank Johnson will be back for the start of the season, there is no way he will start the season in playing shape, although prison is the best gym so I hear. This whole situation is insane and the Bears should just pay Briggs to keep that fearful line backing core intact. The secondary is not what is has been and losing Briggs makes it all the more susceptible. Moving up in the draft is a monster gain though, so holding on to Briggs for this draft pick swap works out well, maybe they have a shot at Calvin Johnson, Brady Quinn, or LaRon Landry. Bears fan need to be more concerned about the fact that Grossman is not the answer and that you’re trusting your running game to Benson who has not shown he's capable of being a feature back.
Posted by: Alex - Diehard Packer Fan | March 27, 2007 10:43 AM
TRADE BRIGGS..lets see him rot with the redskins.
Enjoy no prob bowls without mr urlacher (THE MAN)
I mean, heck I can roam around an make plays if the opposing O focuses on THE MAN (yes not you briggs)
I guarantee you Briggs does not make the pro bowl next year.
Take the #6 pick and move up to get WR Calvin Johnson...one of the few rookies that could help the Bears this year.
Brandon (Chicago)
Posted by: Brandon | March 27, 2007 10:44 AM
Snyder and the Redskins are hoping that Angelo and the Bears are still suffering from the same dumbness that afflicted them when they "gave away"
Thomas Jones. Snyder wants to offer the 'Skins #6 pick in the first round for
the Bears' Briggs and their #31 pick in the first round. How generous of Snyder!!! Angelo ought to demand, and get both the Redskins #6 AND their 2nd round pick for Briggs and Briggs alone. If that doesn't fly, let Briggs sit out the '07 season or, perhaps, 10 games. If he wants to come back for the final 6 games, the Bears can find some reason to keep him off the field.
Posted by: Wendall Salton | March 27, 2007 10:50 AM
lets see, a player that sits for 10 games and plays the last 6...hmmm im sure many teams will be vying for your services...NOT!!!!! hasta la vista Briggs!
Posted by: Anonymous | March 27, 2007 10:55 AM
If Lance Briggs and Drew Rosenhaus feels this is the only alternative to playing for the Bears then by all means. Just make sure the player the Bears pick is not represented by Drew Rosenhaus.
Posted by: Jason | March 27, 2007 11:00 AM
I believe that trading Briggs now is the answer. BUT, I would NOT do it for a swap of 1st round picks. I just don't think there's equal value in swaping 1st roung picks and giving the Redskins a Pro Bowl linebacker. I'd take a swap of 1st round picks, and a 2nd or 3rd round pick as well (even if one of those is next year). The franchise tag states that if someone makes an offer to someone you've franchised, and the team refuses to match the offer, then they'd be compensated with two 1st rounders. I think that may be a little high, but there's no need to give him away to rid themselves of Briggs' situation. The Bears' have the upper hand here, and shouldn't give in to his whining. Trade him for market value, or let him sit out and receive nothing for being a stubborn brat.
Posted by: Drew | March 27, 2007 11:12 AM
While I'm excited to hear the Bears are trying to move up in the draft (having the 6th and 37th picks is much nicer than the 31st), I'm worried Angelo's just going to select yet another safety and completely waste the pick. As for whether or not it's enough compensation for Briggs--while no draft pick justifies the amount of production he's given the Bears, a top-10 pick comes pretty close. Why they couldn't have packaged this with the Adam Archuleta trade, we'll never know, but I'm not going to nitpick.
I hope this works out. Briggs will get his chance to be the man, and the Bears will get a good draft pick. NOW IF THEY WOULD JUST SIGN DAVID EFFING CARR...
Posted by: darryl m | March 27, 2007 11:35 AM
Why not trade up to the #2 slot with Detroit? I know they are in the same division and might not want to swap but is Detroit really going to take Calvin Johnson knowing they tanked on so many drafted WRs. Wouldnt they take the our 1st rounder and Briggs who is already established instead of taking another chance? CJ will be an immediate impact offensive player which is what the Bears will need with Muhammed aging. He would be a great 3rd receiver for now..I couldnt imagine a Calvin Johnson Bernard Berrian tandum in a couple years. That would be an insane duo.
Posted by: Ryan Zapata | March 27, 2007 11:36 AM
I think this whole mess is drew "greedy" rosheblah's fault. The bears did pony up and attempt to sign him long term, so get it staright Lance. It's about not over paying or a mid grade talent. Thats called cap managment. The way I see it let Lance not play Fine the hell out of him, when he comes back dont let him play, franchise him the next 2 years keep him off the field again, and then lets see how much he's worth after not touching a NFL field for 3 years, we need to get tough with these over paid babies, I mean come on he was given a fair deal. HE IS NOT, NOR will HE EVER BE Brian Urlacher. The system and Talent around him allow him to be a pro bowler not vice versa.
Posted by: Robert | March 27, 2007 11:38 AM
This trade would be a steal for the Skins. I agree, Chuck Johnson is an impact player - but the Bears will have no shot at him w/o giving up even more to trade up. The other impact player is Joe Thomas - who could eventually replace the most overrated Bear - John Tait. He'll be gone too. Briggs, is acting like a child, but he's also a key member of a team w/ a shrinking window at a Super Bowl. They should demand 2 picks (and not a swap!) for Briggs - who, btw, is the Derrick Brooks of this defense.
Posted by: Matt C | March 27, 2007 11:43 AM
You could see this coming since the beginning of last season. It's 1986 all over again. Bears go to the Superbowl, 2nd best LB on the team covets the money and the limelight and he shuffles off to Washington, yet again. I understand that he should be compensated fairly(which I believe they have) but he's dreaming if he wants to be paid more than Urlacher. I say move him to Washington or any other team willing to pay an outrageous salary for a 'good' LB, take their trade up offer, include another pick or two & plan on Patrick Willis(Ole Miss)filling in admirably. Or take your high pick and use it on OT Joe Thomas(Wisconsin) or, if he falls, WR Calvin Johnson, with Jamar Williams filling Briggs' spot. Bears saw this coming. Congrats to them for being a step ahead. Now, just don't get hosed for his value like you did with Thomas Jones.
Posted by: Kuup-Mokena | March 27, 2007 12:07 PM
Take the trade and trade that #6 pick to Cleveland for the #3 pick and get Calvin Johnson... He is a can't miss and is a combo of R. Moss./TO/M. Harrison all in one. Calvin Johnson and Mush with Berrian in the slot is a good offense. Lance is replaceable, Calvin Johnson could be the best ever!!
Posted by: Anonymous | March 27, 2007 12:39 PM
The Bears have every right to protect their players, product, and feasibility they offered a long term contract before this season which Briggs declined;(fortunately Briggs wasn't injured)as both team(s) and players play at a great risk.
This entire situation seems reminiscent of the Wilbur Marshall era, except there was no franchise tags, it was simply an offer sheet that the Bears didn't match. Marshall was never the same in a Redskins uniform.
I am a die-hard Bears fan: Briggs stands to make 7 mil. this season, take the money - shut-up and work out a long term deal. My question is: Do the Bears have to play him for the remaining 6 games? What about the team? Team chemistry? A number 6 pick?? and what else do we get if he's trade?
Posted by: Ericjack | March 27, 2007 12:46 PM
Briggs for the sixth pick is awesome as long as we do not have to give up the 31st, two first round and a high second round makes the loss easy to swallow. Package the sixth and the second round to get a higher first round and pick Calvin Johnson, use the 31st on offensive lineman and we will be alright.
Posted by: Brian | March 27, 2007 01:12 PM
This is indeed a mess ! Briggs is a great player but so far all he and Rosenhaus have done is blow a lot of hot air. If they can present the Bears with a scenario as to what he is being offered by other teams then the BEARS would have a chance to "match" or as the tag goes let him walk for the two draft picks....The Bears should not cave in here ! I love Lance but $7.2 mil guaranteed for I year......s_it ! Where do I sign ! Lance get real, the team and the town love you and your production, tell the Bears what you want and be reasonable you just might get it $$$$$
I just hope Lovie does not allow his team to Blow up like Ditka did!
Posted by: Craig | March 27, 2007 01:30 PM
The opportunity to get rid of a giant headache and his weasel of an agent for the #6 overall pick in the draft sounds very attractive. There are many worthwhile players in the draft pool this year, as just about everyone has already pointed out. The Bears should get this deal done fast before Daniel Syner changes his mind. I would like to read something positive about the Bears this offseason (aside from Rex's structurally sound shoulder) and getting rid of Briggs would be a step in that direction.
Posted by: Julie B. | March 27, 2007 01:53 PM
At the 6 spot, they would have a shot at grabbing outside linebackers John Beason or safety Laron Landry. They are not going to be able to trade up to get one of the big 3...Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, or Adrian Peterson. And I highly doubt they'd consider Brady Quinn if we was to fall to them. So my next question is, will an unproven rookie or reserve linebacker be able to fill a huge hole at outside linebacker? Urlacher already covers up for alot of mistakes that Hunter Hillenmeyer makes, how will he be able to cover up the 100 plus tackles that Lance Briggs would give the Bears? I don't see this move improving the Bears.
Posted by: Kris | March 27, 2007 01:56 PM
This is indeed a mess ! Briggs is a great player but so far all he and Rosenhaus have done is blow a lot of hot air. If they can present the Bears with a scenario as to what he is being offered by other teams then the BEARS would have a chance to "match" or as the tag goes let him walk for the two draft picks....The Bears should not cave in here ! I love Lance but $7.2 mil guaranteed for I year......s_it ! Where do I sign ! Lance get real, the team and the town love you and your production, tell the Bears what you want and be reasonable you just might get it $$$$$
I just hope Lovie does not allow his team to Blow up like Ditka did!
Posted by: Craig | March 27, 2007 01:59 PM
Yes! Jump all over it. Briggs is almost completely useless to the Bears as a player on the field now. Get that high pick. Someone will want it to get "their" guy and will trade their 1st round pick plus another pick or two. Maybe even their 1st round pick next year. This is how you build a champion that has staying power. Do the deal now!
Posted by: BBB | March 27, 2007 02:35 PM
First, if Briggs does sit out for ten games and plays six, he'll meet the obligations of the franchise tag. However, can the bears do something similar to what the eagles did to TO a couple of years ago and suspend him for up to four games? I'm not sure if this violates the terms of franchise tag, but if LB and DR want to play hardball, the bears should too.
Secondly, the trade doesn't make much sense to me if it is the 6th for Briggs and the 31st. If memory serves me correctly, the redskins have a tendency of trading next years picks. I think they only have few picks this year because they signed restricted free agents, but it shows they don't place alot of emphasis on draft picks. Why not the 6th and next years 1st or 2nd round pick for Briggs and the 31st? If I had to guess, the redskins will not be very good this year, making their next years' pick more valuable.
The only other thing to realize is that the 6th pick doesn't have as much value this year. There are five highly sought after players: Thomas, C. Johnson, Brady, Russell, and Peterson. after those five, the value drops off. If the Bears can trade down from the 6th, it makes more sense. Only Thomas and Johnson make sense to me for the Bears to take. From there, the 6th pick might be a difficult spot to trade out of without much demand for one of the top five players.
Posted by: Tim | March 27, 2007 02:36 PM
To Kuup-Mokena or others who keep comparing Briggs' situation to Wilber Marshall's. Marshall DID NOT leave the Bears after they won the superbowl in 1985. Marshall played two more seasons on the Bears after 1985 and left the Bears after the 1987 season. Now for Briggs, part of me says teach him a lesson and prove a point that some street walking agent can't dictate to the organization how they should operate. Call his bluff and let him sit out the first ten games. Because if he does he will only get paid for six games, which according to my calculation means he will make roughly 2.5 million next year. So if Briggs does that he will make about 4.5 million less than he would if he played the full season. Even a dimwit like Briggs could see the difference in that. So I say come on Briggs and Rosenhaus, be men for the first time in your lives and honor your words. You will only be doing the Bears a favor by saving them 4.5 million bucks in salary next year.
Posted by: Jeff | March 27, 2007 03:06 PM
The trade would make a great deal of sense if the Bears manage to trade back down to get extra picks. At the 6th slot, they can easily accomplish this if someone like Quinn or Peterson is still available, and there may be a shot to trade down more than once.
The Bears top upgrade areas worthy of first-round consideration are (with or without Briggs) LB, OT, OG, DT, TE, WR.
At six, the top WR, OT and DT -- sure things, are gone. I don't support moving up.
Yet, players like Posluzny, Patrick Willis and Levi Brown -- all solid players who could likely step in immediately, could still be around in the early teens, especially the former.
One or two trades down, especially for Quinn or Peterson, could land possibly a No. 1 next year, if not multiple picks from the 2-5 range this year.
Given that I really do believe that Briggs will seriously sit out several games, this would make the most sense for this franchise.
Posted by: turk142 | March 27, 2007 03:15 PM
ESPN also reported this. Bears offered 7.2 for one year, BUT Lance Briggs is worth 20 million guaranteed on the open market - with a long term contract. We all can do math right? I believe 20 is bigger than 7. Hypothetical - the Bears who have raised ticket prices - are asked by Chicago to take a 3rd of their income next year in order to accomodate the olympics. If the olympics dont work out, then they don't get anything. What do you think the Bears answer will be to that offer? Let me guess???
"Hello Mr. Rosenhaus...this is Jerry and Ted, yeah we have a real problem with Mayor Daley. He wants us to accept a 3rd of what we can get. Doesn't he know we just went to the Superbowl?"
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | March 27, 2007 03:17 PM
I say call Rosenhaus' bluff and let the greedy jackass sit for 10 games, and rot on the bench for the remaining 6. Then hit him with the Franchise tag again and repeat the scenario in 2008. How much moeny would he stand to lose then? Who is going to sign a linebacker that hasn't played a down in 2 years for BIG money?
Posted by: Matt | March 27, 2007 03:41 PM
Just trade him but realistically they're not gonna trade him for a 1st and a 2nd round to washington. Maybe a 1st and 3rd would still be good. Calvin Johnson would be a big boost anyways. Did everyone forget about Jamarr Williams? The Bears drafted him to replace Briggs cause they knew this was gonna happen (Briggs leaving the Bears). Like Briggs, Williams was drafted in the 3rd round and was coveted a lot by the staff until his injury. Remember Warrick Holdman? Roosevelt Colvin? They were all products of what the opposing defense gives the Bears when they are too focused on Brian Urlacher. Maybe Briggs is too. Just think about that. Trade his spoiled butt.
Posted by: CESAR | March 27, 2007 04:02 PM
1st - I would let Briggs sit and rot. If $7 MM isn't enough money - then let him collect nothing for the year. That is $7 MM he'll never get back. Think Al Harris & Todd Bell.
2nd - If they do trade him then Washington should come up with some more late round picks this year or picks next year say a 2 or a 3. He is a all pro and they would still be getting a #1.
3rd - if we did get the # 6 pick I would trade back down and start restocking the lines. D line is thin & O line getting old.
4th - With Archuletta in the Defensive back field. That is one area we don't have to address.
Posted by: Kurt | March 27, 2007 04:19 PM
Who cares?!? As long as Grossman is the starter next season, it doesn't matter who the linebackers are, the Bears will not win anything.
Posted by: JohnF | March 27, 2007 04:26 PM
First of all, The swapping of picks for Thomas Jones was not a waste. Yes, he ran for over 2500 yards in the past two seasons, but in the NFL, he was in not in the L. Tomlinson mold, untradeable. But as for Briggs, I was not a fan until this year. No, he is not better than Urlacher, because as I recall, teams gameplan to stop Urlacher first or, Tommie Harris first, not L. Briggs. He's a better player than me so I can't dis the man too much, but, the deal is not enough. We need to see a 3rd or 4th rounder as well, and give us one of their linebackers, or their backup R.B. and exchange out
Posted by: Charles Curry | March 27, 2007 04:49 PM
I think you let Briggs stay at home. Why does he get to decide if he is going ot come back. Take a page from the Ottawa Senators of the NHL when Alexi Yahsin said he wasn't playing. The senators said stay home & be a baby then, He still had to play out the contract. Make him earn the money. These players who always want more. Keep him off the field and at home, see how good he does then. Further more this is just heightened by greedy agents like Drew Rosehouse. Look at what great things Terrell Owens did since the gunieness told him to stay at Home with Philly, Ownes isn't making near the money he would hae if he played the contract out that he signed. Just goes to show you Greed does NOT PAY
Posted by: Sean L. Aubry | March 27, 2007 04:49 PM
So, if the truth was a little hazy before, Briggs's situation should be crystal clear right about now. Lance Briggs only cares about Lance Briggs, not the Bears, not the fans, not winning, not even the Super Bowl. Ask yourself this: If he says he won't play 10 games just to make a point and so he can "avoid risking injury" (I believe that's an idle threat by the way, is he really retarded enough to throw away a guaranteed 4 million or so?), do you think he'll play in the playoffs, where there's no big money involved? Two words: Hell and no. I used to be a big fan of his, but now from a fan's point of view, he disgusts me. He's not a team player anymore. I can't root for him anymore.
Do this deal... do it ASAP before Snyder changes his mind. I don't care how good Briggs is. It doesn't do anything if he's not playing. For those of you that think the Bears wouldn't be getting enough... bear in mind that Briggs was an unrestricted free agent before the tag and will be next year too, so the Bears stand to gain absolutely nothing otherwise. I know the saying "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" but that doesn't apply when the bird is crapping in your hand.
The #6 pick can be used to draft an impact player (by the way stop the pipe dreams about CJ, the only way to be sure to get him is to have the 1st overall pick) and that'd greatly extend Briggs's value to the team (which he is voluntarily limiting). Or they can trade down a few picks and go for a guy like Willis, another LB with Urlacher-type speed. In my opinion the Bears have everything to gain and nothing to lose by pulling the trigger here.
/rant
Posted by: Keith Sowa | March 27, 2007 04:57 PM
I almost forgot to add that this trade would make no sense whatsoever for the Skins, as they are already stacked with LBs, but that's neither here nor there... common sense has never stood in the way of them before, so hurry up and pull the trigger before they realize how stupid it is!
Posted by: Keithsowa | March 27, 2007 05:05 PM
Hey, Roman--congrats on getting moved to the top of the Blog list! Much love and respect.
Roman responds: Thank you. It's the proudest day of my life, even though I have no idea to what you're referring.
Posted by: darryl m | March 27, 2007 05:06 PM
Ditka didn't blow up the 86 team and Lovie shouldn't be faulted if players get traded. Briggs is a good player. He's better than you guys want to give him credit for but Kris hit the nail in regard to Urlacher covering a lot of ground for HH and there's one thing that no one has mentioned yet: Urlacher isn't getting any younger. He's closing in on 30 pretty fast and he isn't the player he was a few years ago. I know those words are blasphme but it's gospel. Urlacher is already underpaid when you compare his salary with a lot of players that have signed recently. Just because the BEARS hold his contract up and say that this is the limit doesn't make it a fair market contract. Don't think for a minute that it is. He's been doing great money wise in regard to what's out there but he knows that we can't exactly repeat taking chances on things that have happened in the past with replacing players who got richer contracts than the BEARS care to match. Don't bring up Colvin and Holdman because at least we had a Briggs to take their place. I don't know what Jamar Williams has shown anyone to expect him to be a viable candidate because I must have missed those games that he was looking good with the first team. Don't let the BEARS sucker you into believing that they are better now than when the season ended. That remark about Jones not giving anyone faith before he got here is a load of bull. When Jones was a bust with others teams that made him an anomoly. At least he wasn't our bust like Benson may shape up being. Briggs isn't worth all the money his agent is insisting on. And the NFL need to gang up and make all Drew's clients off limit just to show him that they mean business. A guy like him is the worst cancer that a team can get. Stop giving in to his demands. He's not a sports fan. He's the reason that players act the way they do when it comes to these contracts. Stop pussyfooting around with guys like that and maybe players will curb that greed they have. NNNAAAWWWW!!! They will always be greedy. If the BEARS give him up for just a swap in draft picks you can forget about breaking even this year. You might as well give away every player whose contact is coming up. If the weather is good this weekend I might go to Swaparama on 130th. I wouldn't be surprised to see a a few BEARS players there dirt cheap.
Posted by: William R. Donald | March 27, 2007 05:47 PM
I am a die hard Bears fan myself. After seeing this situation unfold, I have to say that Briggs should be traded for the 6th pick. But I too believe they need to get further compensation for Briggs. Another draft pick say a 3rd rounder would be realistic. A 2nd rounder would be nice. Anyways, they should take the 6th pick and draft either LaRon Landry, or Calvin Johnson if he should fall to them. If these 2 players aren't available trade down for more picks and get a TE (Greg Olsen). Either way the Bears still win because Urlacher is the man in the middle. Last time I checked, teams game plan for him not Briggs. If all you get to do on Defense is run around without being blocked, (because the person who is supposed to be blocking you (Briggs) is triple teaming Urlacher), then of course you are great enough to not get the most tackles in the league. Your running freedom didn't produce more tackles than a guy is focused upon when offenses game plan. So trade him. Much like how the Ravens plug anyone into that defense and are still fearsome, the Bears can easliy replace Briggs. He is a SYSTEM LINEBACKER. He will be slightly above average anywhere else. If a team focuses on him, it will probably result in the downward spiraling of his career. But what would he care? He got paid anyways, and thats all he wants. So say good by to him, he is not as great as he thinks he is. If he was he would have been drafted higher. The Bears should draft either of the mentioned players with there new found pick or trade it for more picks. Teams want Landry badly. Heck trade the pick to Buffalo and move to 12, for the 6th pick and recoupe another draft pick from them so they could draft Adrian Peterson. Buffalo needs a back and the Bears could get plenty of steals in this draft to offset the major contracts they will be facing on defense in the next few years. Point is, is that Briggs will not determine the future of the team. The team will win without him. Just watch and see..............
Posted by: Reesie | March 27, 2007 06:00 PM
I think the Bears are smart enough to hold out for more picks than another trade up. C'mon-look at another trade up as gambling-how many guys drafted in the second-third and forth rounds have out performed first rounders. The Bears give up two high performing players to pay out to a highly regarded college player that has yet to prove himself worthy of the NFL. We could be trading up for another bust-David Terrell-Curtis Enis-Mike Haynes-oh yeah and what was that QB-#8. I know a new regime is in place but we are gambling - and that's for losers in Green Bay and Detroit !!!
Posted by: kevin | March 27, 2007 07:27 PM
Triple teaming Urlacher? Are you serious? All they have to do is run a guard right at him and that's it. I've seen plenty of plays where he was blocked completely out of the play by a pulling guard. He's the best player on the team when the defensive tackles occupy more than one b