Bears fans

[gocubs2118]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2788148
It looks like Lance Briggs has demanded a trade and says he will never play another down for the Bears. What do we do? Do we trade him and try to get a first round pick from someone or do we hope this is just a way to get the Bears to pay up. I think this is just really stupid on Briggs' part. If I were him, I would just play out this year at 7 million a year and then be a free agent next year.

[HILLCYD]

Trade him for a pick and get decent QB for the first time in franchise history.

[clone52]

Not a Bears fan but what is up? Rivera leaves to become a LB coach and one of your top defenders wants a trade.

[ISUFan22]

I'd venture to guess this trade request has something to do with how Rivera was "treated". Who knows for sure...

[acrozier22]

Screw Briggs, he is just mad because he is never going to get Urlacher money from the bears. Trade him and get a solid draft pick.

[cycloneworld]

Players HATE the franchise tag. They want long-term deals with guarantees. I can't say I blame them. Sure Briggs will make $7+ million this year but what if he gets badly injured which could jeopardize him getting guaranteed money like he would have before the injury.

I have no idea what happened in the Ron Rivera thing either. I do know that a rumor that he wasn't getting any head coaching jobs is because its widely know that Lovie runs the defense and Rivera just "manages" it. (Similar to Jay Norvell at Nebraska where Billy calls all the plays)

So who is going to start a "Vikings Fans" or "Lions Fans" thread. :)

[247cy]

I hope this is posturing on the part of Briggs and his agent. I know that Urlacher had stated during the season that he'd be willing to re-structure his deal to get Lance more money.

Briggs will be missed greatly if he leaves. The Bears went through this once when they lost Colvin to free-agency (Patriots), and it took a bit to get back on track (03 - 05).

Oh, and I don't think that Rivera had as much to do with the D as some on the outside think. Lovie Smith knows a thing or two about defense, I think whoever the Bears move to Ron's position, they'll be ok. I can't say the same about losing quality talent like Briggs.

[isuarch80]

They already replaced Rivera with the LB coach, can't remember his name... guess he's considered better than Rivera by lots... we'll see though.

I'm getting tired of hearing all of the players complain about the franchise tag. Obviously the Bears are willing to pay him, because how many businesses do you see paying an employee an average of the top 5 salaries in that profession if they didn't want that person? Could you imagine if any of us got "franchised" in the real world? You'd love it!!! I understand the injury risk, but I'm also guessing the Bears make him an offer that pays him slightly more than A Thomas got from the Pats this weekend. The other Briggs or the media is talking about is how the salary cap is going up even more next year than it did this year, so if he plays this good again, he'll be in line for even MORE money.
Sorry, but stop b!tching about getting paid to play a game that we all love talking about and glorify each of the players...if he sits out, he's going to come off like T.O. IMO

[cycfan1]

Bears just traded Thomas Jones to the Jets for a second round pick. They gave up their second round pick as well, so all the Bears got was an improvement in second round picks.

['Clones Fan]

Good Trade for the Bears. They have built their team by grabing players in the middle to late rounds of the draft. Based upon their track record, they will probably land a solid, young player with the pick.

[clones_jer]

Bears just traded Thomas Jones to the Jets for a second round pick. They gave up their second round pick as well, so all the Bears got was an improvement in second round picks.

that is sad - I almost hope Benson is a bust so they realize what Jones has been for them the last couple years.