Bears need to give Urlacher an extension

Image from DallasNews.com

Brian Urlacher is suddenly not a happy man, and not in the unhappy way he hits opposing offenses who dare to come over the middle, but in the disgruntled form of unhappy. Urlacher is reportedly wanting a multi-year extension to his contract with the Chicago Bears. Urlacher is currently wrapped up in a nine-year deal that he signed in 2003 for $56 million.

While Urlacher still has several years left on the deal and received a hefty $13 million signing bonus at the time the deal was signed, he is claiming that he has outperformed the deal. And while the deal was a big one, he has a good argument. In 2007 Urlacher had a quiet season by his standards and still had 123 tackles, 5 sacks and 5 INTs with 1 TD. Urlacher also has won a defensive player of the year award in 2005 and has amassed 6 pro bowls in only 8 seasons.

Chicago proved difficult to deal with in the Lance Briggs contract situation and threatened holdout and again has not been quick to deal with Urlacher. According to ESPN.com a one-year extension has been offered, but Urlacher's agents are seeking more. While there may be concerns about his health, Urlacher has missed only 7 games in 8 seasons, all in 2004.

Needless to say, Brian Urlacher is one of the best players in the NFL and the most marketable person in Chicago sports. While I rarely side with a player seeking more money when they are getting paid millions already, the Chicago Bears should throw stacks of cash at the person who keeps Chicago interesting. Without Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester, Chicago would be a 3-win team with unsold tickets by the barrel load. Just like New England is stingy with pay but paid Tom Brady well, Chicago needs to do the same for its star player.

Brian Urlacher is an irreplaceable player. Are there five defenders you'd rather have to start a team?