Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert
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| | Brian Urlacher's new deal should keep the middle linebacker focused on football. |
The Chicago Bears will be carrying some tangible momentum when they report to training camp Tuesday in Bourbonnais, Ill.: The heart and soul of their team should be happy.
The Bears and middle linebacker Brian Urlacher have reached common ground in their ongoing contract dialogue, agreeing to an extended deal that gives Urlacher a $6 million signing bonus, a $1 million bump in his base salary and a chance to earn a total of $18 million in new money through the 2012 season, according to ESPN.com's Michael Smith.
Urlacher had skipped part of the Bears' offseason strength and conditioning program but reported on time for mandatory minicamp. He did not plan to hold out from training camp, and there are some observers who suggest Urlacher's skills are eroding. But the Bears nevertheless recognized that it wouldn't have been a healthy situation for Urlacher to enter camp stewing about his contract.
The Bears protected themselves by tying much of Urlacher's raise to his continued presence on the roster; he gets a $1 million "bonus" for every season he plays under the deal and would receive $7.5 million in salary if he is with the Bears in 2012 -- when he will be 34 years old.
The agreement is the latest example in the Bears' continuing attempt to wipe their business slate clean in time for training camp. They have signed 11 of their 12 draft choices and reportedly are close to an agreement with first-round offensive lineman Chris Williams. Just as important, they signed linebacker Lance Briggs and defensive tackle Tommie Harris to market-level extensions earlier this offseason.
The final piece of the contract puzzle is kick returner/wide receiver Devin Hester, who is signed through 2009 but is seeking an upgrade. Hester's unique skills make it difficult to establish his market value, but the Bears have explored the possibility of upgrading his deal as well.
