124 Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Briggs to Bears: Rescind the tag or trade me By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com Under the right circumstances, two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs could play his entire career with the Chicago Bears, and be a happy man. Under the restrictive terms of the franchise designation with which the Bears have marked him, though, and with the defending NFC champions apparently offering him nothing more than the one-year option it entails, Briggs said Sunday evening that he doesn't want to play another day for the club that brought him into the league in 2003. "There's a difference between the Chicago Bears team and the Chicago Bears organization," Briggs told ESPN.com, when reached Sunday evening at his home in suburban Chicago. "The Chicago Bears team? The coaches, players, city and fans? Yeah, I could stay there forever. I love it. But the Chicago Bears organization? I don't want to be there anymore. I won't play for them and I'll do everything in my power to keep from playing there." In a 30-minute conversation by phone, Briggs -- distressed by the restrictions of the NFL franchise tag, by his inability to shop himself in the free agent market, and by the recent departure of defensive coordinator Ron Rivera -- offered his first insights into his current situation. And he offered, Briggs said, what is the only truly viable solution to an untenable circumstance. "They need to either [rescind] the franchise tag, and let me move on, or trade me to another team," Briggs said. "Because that's about the only way this thing can have any kind of a positive resolution." Having failed last spring to consummate a long-term contract with Briggs -- reportedly a six-year, $33 million deal on which both sides worked for several weeks before the negotiations collapsed -- the Bears employed the franchise tag last week to keep the four-year veteran off the open market. It marked the first time under the stewardship of general manager Jerry Angelo, who in the past has acknowledged the potential acrimony that accompanies the franchise marker, the Bears have used the restriction. The qualifying offer for a franchise linebacker is $7.206 million, the average of the top five highest paid players at the position. But only three days into free agency, top defenders such as cornerback Nate Clements (with San Francisco), edge rusher Adalius Thomas (New England) and middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker (Washington) have signed lucrative contracts with new teams. Sitting at home, watching the free agency parade pass him by, Briggs became, he acknowledged, increasingly frustrated by his lot. And not just, he emphasized, by the financial implications of the situation. "You hate to get into that whole 'lack of respect' thing," Briggs said. "But you play four years for a team, do your best, exceed their expectations, right? And every year, it's like, 'You played great, Lance.' And they kind of dangle the carrot, like they're going to take care of you, and then it doesn't happen. I mean, I was a middle-round pick and I've played well for them. Four years and at just middle-round salaries. I haven't caused any kinds of problems. I've done everything they asked and them some. And I don't know if I ever really knew where I stood with them until they put the tag on me." A former Arizona standout, Briggs was chosen by the Bears in the third round of the 2003 draft. He earned a starting job as a rookie, emerged by his third seasons as one of the NFL's top young weakside 'backers, and was chosen for the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons. Even playing in the lengthy shadow of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, with whom he has become close friends, Briggs is regarded leaguewide as a top defender and playmaker. He did sit out the voluntary portion of the team's offseason workouts last spring, it should be noted, but reported for the mandatory workouts and was in training camp on time. There is little doubt that if Briggs was in the unrestricted pool right now, he would be a coveted player. But the Bears seem inclined to force him to play for the one-year franchise offer and there have been no discussions on a long-term deal since last spring. Under the current rules, Chicago has until July 16 to sign Briggs to a longer deal or he must play 2007 for the franchise number. Which is something, Briggs said Sunday night, he won't do. "It's a great bunch of guys with a great future, but I can't see myself as being part of that future anymore," Briggs said. "Whatever options are available to me, I'll take advantage of them. But going back and playing for the Bears again, no, I don't see that as an option. Not one more day. Not at all." Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4HCrew Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 the guy is going to want huge cash and does not want to play in the 3-4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetCane Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Good to see today's players arent spoiled or anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECURB Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Good to see today's players arent spoiled or anything. Yeah if he was smart he would have made a contract up that prevented him from being franchised... oh wait he never thought he would be that good... now he is and he is upset... boohoo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I wish someone would insult me by forcing me to play football for $7.2M for one season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Columbia Jet Fan Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Interesting from an NFL perspective but as a Jet fan its no news. He doesnt want to play in a 3-4 so hes not of interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drago Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I wish someone would insult me by forcing me to play football for $7.2M for one season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECURB Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I wish someone would insult me by forcing me to play football for $7.2M for one season. Madmike will sign you, he is throwing a ton of money around to everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I just have no tolerance for these guys getting "disrespected" like this. There are kids in college, playing for tuition money or less, with the same long-term injury risk, and who have no shot whatsoever of making it in the pro's. And this jackass is yammering on about "lack of respect" from the one team who took a shot on him, now offering him $7.2M to play for 1 season, and barring injury he'll make even more next year? What an a-hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmike1 Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Madmike will sign you, he is throwing a ton of money around to everyone! Good job putting words in my mouth as usual. Briggs doesn't fit in this system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I wish someone would insult me by forcing me to play football for $7.2M for one season. yea we went through that with John Abraham complaing about being "forced" to play a season for 6.6 mil 2 years ago.I hope this nips the "I hope we can get him" crap we're sure to hear in the bud.I f we didn't want that kind of attitude here last year we won't stand for it this one for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmike1 Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I wish someone would insult me by forcing me to play football for $7.2M for one season. If you were as good at football as Lance Briggs is and had to play for one year in a sport where you can get injured and end your career on ANY PLAY you would want more job security then one year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewilly Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I just have no tolerance for these guys getting "disrespected" like this. There are kids in college, playing for tuition money or less, with the same long-term injury risk, and who have no shot whatsoever of making it in the pro's. And this jackass is yammering on about "lack of respect" from the one team who took a shot on him, now offering him $7.2M to play for 1 season, and barring injury he'll make even more next year? What an a-hole. not sure I agree with you here sperm. I think briggs' beef is chicago not extending him last year. I don't think he's bitchin bout 7.2 mil to be made. I know of zero players in the nfl who enjoy the franchise tag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 If you were as good at football as Lance Briggs is and had to play for one year in a sport where you can get injured and end your career on ANY PLAY you would want more job security then one year. Hey, he's not getting tagged for $300K. He's getting taggged for 1 season for more money than >99% of the population see in a lifetime. Instead of being grateful that he is skilled at something that pays so handsomely in the country he happens to have been born in, and at this particular point in time, he's complaining. I've got no tears for a guy slated to make millions to play a game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Hey, he's not getting tagged for $300K. He's getting taggged for 1 season for more money than >99% of the population see in a lifetime. Instead of being grateful that he is skilled at something that pays so handsomely in the country he happens to have been born in, and at this particular point in time, he's complaining. I've got no tears for a guy slated to make millions to play a game. DING DING DING Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmike1 Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Hey, he's not getting tagged for $300K. He's getting taggged for 1 season for more money than >99% of the population see in a lifetime. Instead of being grateful that he is skilled at something that pays so handsomely in the country he happens to have been born in, and at this particular point in time, he's complaining. I've got no tears for a guy slated to make millions to play a game.When you only have 6-7 years of peak earning potential like most NFL players i have no problem with guys trying to get the most money they possibly can. 7.2 isn't really 7.2 million when you count taxes and stuff and he's gonna have to live on his football earnings for the rest of his life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted March 5, 2007 Author Share Posted March 5, 2007 When you only have 6-7 years of peak earning potential like most NFL players i have no problem with guys trying to get the most money they possibly can. 7.2 isn't really 7.2 million when you count taxes and stuff and he's gonna have to live on his football earnings for the rest of his life. Okay so what, he'll see around $4, 4.5 million of it? Not only that but if you're in the league 4+ years you receive a pension every year after you retire. He's made plenty of money so far (if he knows how to save it) and will in the future (including the 4-5 million from this year that he will see). Save it Briggs, you will make more money this year then most in their lifetimes. Save it and spend it wisely. There is no need for 4 houses, 17 cars and a private jet like most of these athletes get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 DING DING DING It's so stupid. I mean what if he was born in Iraq? Would he still be complaining about the lack of respect shown to him for someone willing to pay him over $7M to play a game for a year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewilly Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Hey, he's not getting tagged for $300K. He's getting taggged for 1 season for more money than >99% of the population see in a lifetime. Instead of being grateful that he is skilled at something that pays so handsomely in the country he happens to have been born in, and at this particular point in time, he's complaining. I've got no tears for a guy slated to make millions to play a game. you keep comparing the 7.2 mil to a factory worker or shoe salesman when the fact is he's in a profession that throws ridiculous $$$ at key employees. He is a key employee in his field so 7.2 bears relevance to his coworkers. having said that I don't think he feels cheated by only earning 7.2, I think it boils down to the fact he feels he has proven himself to his boss and is not being rewarded with a long term deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmike1 Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 It's so stupid. I mean what if he was born in Iraq? Would he still be complaining about the lack of respect shown to him for someone willing to pay him over $7M to play a game for a year?If someone who was born in Iraq could play football like he can they deserve the money too. He has a marketable skill and there is NOTHING wrong with him trying to maximize that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 It's so stupid. I mean what if he was born in Iraq? Would he still be complaining about the lack of respect shown to him for someone willing to pay him over $7M to play a game for a year? hey what if he was ME? never mind a guy born in Iraq....the other night at the bar these 3 guys from a band called Carolina Rain got up and did 3 songs on my system and truth be told they have a top 40 country hit and they or the hit song they played was not that much better than what I was doing-not to be concieted or nothing. Also a few years a go I was playing in the VIP tent for a gig that 98 Degrees was playing and those guys weren't even friggin singing...put things into perspective and count your blessings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 He should be thanking his lucky stars that at this particular time, in this particular country, playing football at his level is rewarded with millions of dollars. You'd think he was saving lives on a daily basis. Not that paramedics make 1% of that anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewilly Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 bless me father for I have sinned. It seems I am taking madmikes side on an argument which is very similar to picking forbidden fruit in your garden. i'm up against the other most knowledgeable poster who happens to be a moderator in the garden of jetnation. kinda of like one of your deciples I guess father. Anyways, i'm gonna go ahead & say 10 hail mary's til you instruct me otherwise. please give my best to peter. thanks father Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmike1 Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 He should be thanking his lucky stars that at this particular time, in this particular country, playing football at his level is rewarded with millions of dollars. You'd think he was saving lives on a daily basis. Not that paramedics make 1% of that anyway. If i was a football player i wouldn't think like that so for me to expect other men to think like that would be dishonest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 bless me father for I have sinned. It seems I am taking madmikes side on an argument which is very similar to picking forbidden fruit in your garden. i'm up against the other most knowledgeable poster who happens to be a moderator in the garden of jetnation. kinda of like one of your deciples I guess father. Anyways, i'm gonna go ahead & say 10 hail mary's til you instruct me otherwise. please give my best to peter. thanks father hahaha. You're a pisser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetCane Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I know of zero players in the nfl who enjoy the franchise tag. Yes, but they dont all give ultimatums and demand trades when they are franchised. He's acting like a douche. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewilly Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Yes, but they dont all give ultimatums and demand trades when they are franchised. He's acting like a douche. i guess you're right cane, maybe he is acting like a douche. I read it as briggs feelin like he has worked his ass off for the bears & more than excelled at his position & he's pissed that he not only got passed up for a promotion, he didn't get the raise he asked for & has been put on probation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetCane Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 i guess you're right cane, maybe he is acting like a douche. I read it as briggs feelin like he has worked his ass off for the bears & more than excelled at his position & he's pissed that he not only got passed up for a promotion, he didn't get the raise he asked for & has been put on probation. I agree, he's pissed now. But it's not like they are doing something underhanded to him. Maybe he will change his mind and negotiate a long term deal by July. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DefenseWinsChampionships Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I dont know why but I think he could make a nice fit in the 3-4... But as an ILB with Vilma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Link? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smizzy Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I dont know why but I think he could make a nice fit in the 3-4... But as an ILB with Vilma He said he didn't want to play in the 3-4. He was looking for something new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted March 6, 2007 Author Share Posted March 6, 2007 Bump. DefenseWinsChampionships, go look through a few pages before posting "new" articles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DefenseWinsChampionships Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Link? Watch ESPN... He said something like... "The city of Chicago, the Fans, the Players, the Coaches... He loves it all, but as far as the Chicago Bears Orgination goesm he wants nothing to do with it, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I wish someone would insult me by forcing me to play football for $7.2M for one season. HAHAHA he has a chance of cashing in big time and the Bears ORGANIZATION is holding that from him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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