NY Jets Guy Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- The Chicago Bears acquired defensive tackle Darwin Walker in a trade with Buffalo on Sunday, landing a veteran to replace Tank Johnson. The Bills, meanwhile, acquired a conditional fifth-round draft pick in return, and dropped a player who refused to report to Buffalo in a contract dispute. The Bills obtained Walker in March in a trade that sent linebacker Takeo Spikes and backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb to Philadelphia. Darwin Walker Defensive Tackle Chicago Bears Profile 2006 Season Stats Tot SoloAstFFSackInt36279161 Walker, however, refused to report to Buffalo until the team renegotiated the remaining two years on his contract. He was scheduled to make $1.3 million this year and $1.4 million next season. "When he didn't show up to begin camp, it looked like it would drag on," Bills general manager Marv Levy said. "The opportunity presented itself for us to make this deal with the Bears, so it seemed like the best thing to do. We did it and we're moving on." Levy added the draft pick the Bills receive will depend on Walker's playing time in Chicago this season. The Bills would've been forced to return Walker to Philadelphia in exchange for a sixth-round pick if the player had not reported by Aug. 5. Bears general manger Jerry Angelo said Sunday the deadline no longer applies. Walker had no trouble getting to Bears training camp in Bourbonnais, Ill. Shortly after the trade was announced, the seven-year veteran was taking a physical during the team's afternoon practice. "Philly, I have no regrets. I enjoyed myself in Philadelphia," Walker said. "I'll always have those years, championship years, to remember. But I'm extremely excited to be here." He said it's a whole new situation with a team he thinks is a Super Bowl contender. Walker's agent, Albert Irby, said his client was eager to join the Bears and planned to negotiate a new contract with Chicago. "Darwin's old deal is gone. The new deal will be talked about tomorrow," Irby said. "We'll take a one-year deal. We'll do whatever it takes. We're not going to hold out." The Bills offered Walker a one-year contract, but for the same money he was scheduled to make this season. The offer, however, was immediately rejected. Asked if he thought the Bills misled him, Walker said, "I'm not going to go there. I think that situation is now behind me, and I'm looking forward to being a Chicago Bear." Walker fills an immediate need in Chicago, after the defending NFC champions released Johnson in June because of the player's constant run-ins with the law. "Losing Tank, we were one defensive lineman down," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "We feel we filled that need." Walker has 26 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 The Ills would only have gotten a 6th if they sent him back to Philly. Good deal for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 The Ills would only have gotten a 6th if they sent him back to Philly. Good deal for them. You can look it as a good deal, but when it's all over what exactly did they net for Spikes and Holcomb? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 You can look it as a good deal, but when it's all over what exactly did they net for Spikes and Holcomb? a 5th and a 6th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 a 5th and a 6th Ouch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BleedinGreenNC Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 I love how this happened, our division rival doesnt get to keep a good DT, and they net only a 5th!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.thumb.jpg.05f3dc52804d5fd84cf09ccfcd7bd10b.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.