Bears, Bulls: Signs, Signs, Everywhere there's Signs
There was a few big signings in Chicago sports this week. Starting with the most recent, the Bulls signed Andres Nocioni to a five year deal worth $38 million. It's a good deal for both the Bulls and Noce. Noce had a pretty awful playoffs this past year, but that was more due to his foot injury than anything else. He was pretty stellar in the previous two playoffs, and he always seems to bring his "A" game in the big ones. He's not a star, but he's a great role player that you need when trying to get to the next level.
The Bears made a big signing this week by inking their number one draft pick, Greg Olsen, to a five year deal. I was worried about the Bears ability to sign G-Reg, with Drew Rosenhaus being his agent and all. But he's the first number one pick to sign, so kudos to Drew and the Bears for not letting the Lance Briggs situation creep into the Olsen negotiations.
Speaking of Briggs, the NFL Network is reporting that the Bears have contacted him about signing a long-term deal. Where the heck did this come from? I can't find any confirmation on suntimes.com, but the Trib has an interesting article by David Haugh that implies that Rosenhaus contacted the Bears. It seems that they may be working on a one-year deal with a higher salary than the $7.2M guaranteed by the franchise tag, or they may be working on a multi-year deal worth more than $20 million. Who knows? All I know is, keeping Briggs would be a great way to help prevent a "post-championship collapse." Without Briggs, they are one key defensive injury away from 8-8.
Speaking of key defensive injuries, Tommie Harris is recovering nicely. And as that article above correctly pointed out, Harris, too, is a Rosenhaus client. Yippee! Advice to Angelo: better get your checkbook ready!
Bear Down!