Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs signs new deal with franchise - NFL News
Chicago Bears are finally making moves to secure the contracts of their free agents. On Wednesday the franchise gave veteran linebacker and Pro-Bowler, Lance Briggs a one year contract extension which will keep him in Chicago till 2014.
Briggs with Brian Urlacher makes up the backbone of the Bears defensive roster and the linebacker was pleased with signing the deal and securing his future at the franchise.
Speaking to the media, Briggs said.
"I'm grateful, just very appreciative right now that the work has been recognized and that it got handled as fast as it did."
One player on the Bears roster will not be too pleased with the news though.
Running back, Matt Forte who was slapped with the franchise tag by Chicago this offseason continues to wait for his new deal.
Forte has lately been angered by what he sees as the Bears foot dragging over his contract and has still refused to sign the franchise tag tender.
Briggs though said during his press conference that his and Forte’s contract situation is completely different and he hopes that the running back gets the deal he deserves soon.
"Me and him are in two different types of situation. We're dealing with two different types of money and two different types of deals. I'm hoping his situation gets resolved soon, and I want him to be happy."
General Manager, Phil Emery praised Briggs’ contributions over the years to the franchise and said that he is excited for him in a statement released after the signing of the new deal.
"We're very excited for Lance and for the Bears. Lance has been a very valuable and productive member of our team; seven straight Pro Bowls is quite a record of success. This is a very positive step for our team in our efforts to win championships."
The linebacker made 105 tackles last season and forced two fumbles and an interception.
The Bears missed out on the playoffs last year after the offence crumbled in the final games of the season. This year though with the addition of big names in the roster the franchise is looking to get back in the playoffs and Briggs will play a big role
along with Urlacher in achieving that feat.
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