NFL: Brian Urlacher leaves over ‘insulting’ new contract offer Brian Urlacher was released by Chicago and criticized the Bears for their ‘insulting’ new contract offer.
The 34-year-old was out of contract at the end of last season – his 13th with the club – but described the offer of a new one-year deal worth $2m as ” a slap in the face”.
The eight-time Pro Bowl star was expecting a two-year deal worth around $11.
5 million, but Bears management declined and then rejected an offer from his agent.
Urlacher on a one-year deal worth $3.
5 million.
“It wasn’t even an offer, it was an ultimatum,” said Urlacher, who earned $7.
5 million last season.
“I feel like I’m still a good football player.
It was an insult, a kind of slap in the face.
“They came back with the offer and said, ‘It is what it is, take it or leave it.
‘ It was, ‘If you want to play for the Bears, you’re going to play for this.
If you don’t, then you don’t play for the Bears.
‘ Moving forward “During the season, I had a bad feeling about this situation anyway.
I want to be here.
I want to be in Chicago.
I want to finish my career here.
Now this is impossible.
“Don’t get me wrong, $2 million is a lot of money.
But I’m not going to put my body through what it has to go through during the season just for that money.
Not for anyone.
” .
Not this stage.
” highlight of my career.
It’s not worth it.
» Bears general manager Phil Emery confirmed Urlacher’s release in a statement saying: “We were unable to reach an agreement with Brian and both parties have decided to move on.
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“Brian has been an elite player for over a decade.
He has shown great leadership and helped develop a winning culture with the Bears.
We appreciate everything he has given to our team and he will always be welcome as a member of the Bears.
“
