Bears Offseason: Did Angelo give Briggs' money to Hillenmeyer?
The Bears have been busy little beavers lately with some recent signings. They propped up Special Teams with the signing of flyer Alex Bannister (Pro Bowl, 2003) and Adrian Peterson's extension. They also signed five of their top seven draft picks, far more than the NFL average at this point. The most interesting signing, though, was the signing of Hunter Hillenmeyer to a rather large extension. Five years, up to $13 million total with a $5 million bonus. It's by no means Urlacher money, but it's a lotta scratch for a guy who could best be described as "adequate".
The question now is, does this signing signify the end of Lance Briggs long-term future in Chicago? Briggs is still under contract for 2006, of course, but he's free as a bird after this season. The Bears tried to get an extension for him but the sides were reportedly too far apart to get anything done. Then Briggs skipped out on mini-camp and the Bears pulled the offer from the table. So yeah, I think Briggs is a goner after this season. It's still possible to re-sign him after the season, but the "Hunter" insurance is there to ensure the Bears won't have to enter a bidding war. What a shame, Briggs is a Player and I'd really hate to see him go.
Training camp is less than four weeks away, and I'm ready. The North Siders have left me with little to cheer for lately, so it's time for a pickmeup. Football is just enough of a bone-crushing pickmeup to make me forget about the sorrows at Wrigley. Bring it on! Go Bears!