Pears seem to have a few players unhappy with their current contracts and wanting to get new deals.
There's no secret that Briggs wants more compensation; however, he has very little leverage. He still has multiple years on a deal he signed in 2008 and at 31, he can't expect to get big time money. He's been a great player but it ain't going to happen.
Forte is in the final year of his rookie deal and looking to be paid like one of the top RBs in the league. He has put up very good numbers in the last couple of years and is deserving of a bigger payday. The Pears put forward an offer but doesn't seem like it is good enough for Forte as he didn't sign it. With the regular season luming, I'm sure both sides will want to get this done soon.
The new center Roberto Garza is well underpaid. There are backups being paid more or equal to what he makes. If the Pears are committed to him, they should do right by him and pay him accordingly.
Other guys that will have to be considered include Earl Bennett, Kellen Davis, and even "Jackass" Johnny Knoxville. Should these guys have big years, they will end up costing more.
6 comments:
The Bears have $19M to spend this year. They are going to work out a deal with Forte - that will get done.
I think they are waiting for the waiver wire to see who is available first before working on the other guys you are referring to.
That said, there really aren't any distrations and all of the guys are in camp and working, so I'm not really sure what "contract issues" you are referring to.
There isn't anything happening in Chicago that doesn't happen to every other team all the time. A "contract issue" would be something like CJ and the Titans.
David Haugh wrote a decent piece on what appears to be unhappiness among a growing number of players at Halas Hall.
He writes "Fair or not, Briggs believes he represented a growing number of teammates unhappy with the way the Bears organization deals with players. To hear some insiders other than Briggs describe morale at various times this preseason, the Bears could become the first NFL team to use the Disenfranchised Tag for players.
It really doesn't matter if it's true. If players go to Halas Hall every day believing they are unappreciated then inevitably, eventually, it affects them. A player thinking about his contract is more prone to mental lapses. They're not football robots."
Additionally, "One player has asked me why I haven't criticized the Bears for not trying harder to keep free-agent free safety Danieal Manning, now a Texan, given they have ample salary-cap space and an inexperienced replacement in Major Wright. The trade of tight end Greg Olsen, who wanted a new contract too, remains curious to some. And you don't have to go far down the roster to find a Bears player still befuddled Angelo didn't re-sign center Olin Kreutz.
The confusion over Chester Taylor's status Monday merely reflected the poor communication at Halas Hall several players have complained about privately to the Tribune."
Now this may be a bunch of hub bub but the fact that the Pears are $19M under the cap probably adds to the players frustrations.
Angelo may know what he is doing and I don't believe Briggs should get any new deal but feel that Forte and Garza should certainly be compensated.
Other guys don't care too much about as they still have to prove something.
The concern is that the number of players not being thrilled with the GM/organization does not increase. Briggs has been vocal and Forte has been happy that Briggs backed him up. Satisfying Forte might go a long way in appeasing the players.
So?
There are other stories (a number of them) about how Briggs is crazy for wanting more.
Like I said, no distractions, everyone is in camp, the Bears have been very good about re-signing the guys they want. I fully expect Forte, Davis, and Bennett to get new deals. Knox has to improve. As for Briggs, they may give him a bonus if there is money, but he is fairly compensated.
Manning had very obvious coverage issues - primarily w/breakdowns in responsibility. I have no trouble with moving Olsen.
This is a complete non-story. You are just trying to brew something up unnecessarily.
SINCE YOU ARE WRITING THIS. What would you do different than the Bears. Be specific. Otherwise you are just blowing smoke out of your arse.
I said in the previous post, "I don't believe Briggs should get any new deal but feel that Forte and Garza should certainly be compensated."
I believe that would quell any real OR non-real resentment brewing in the locker room.
This is not bashing. It is more of interest in what may possibly be happening at Halas Hall.
And I say there aren't ANY contract issues. They are working on extending Forte, the Bears always work stuff out after the season starts for other guys, and of course no one is holding out or causing any distractions.
Good for you and the Pears.
Hopefully there is no discord with players on your beloved team.
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