Urlacher for league min?
 

A free agent for the first time in his 13-year career, former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said Friday he's not sure if teams will be interested in him, but he's looking forward to finding out.

"I'm disappointed, but I'm also excited," Urlacher told "The Dan Patrick Show." "I get a chance to kind of look around and see what's out there, if there is anything out there at all. I don't know. Maybe nobody wants me. Who knows? But we're going to find out; I know that much."

Brian Urlacher -- We'll find out if anyone wants me - ESPN Chicago

No more League Minimums please. If the player can not play at a level where we are willing to pay him above league minimum then he is not something we NEED.

We have youth, we have veterans, we have talent, we can pick up depth in the draft.

What would Urlacker provide that we do not have?

Urlacker and these league minimum players would be better suited as pick ups if we have an injury, not primary reliability.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Urlacher's leadership alone would be worth it to me... This defense lacked motivation last season.... No identity... And alot of youth... Urlacher is a stand up guy, with leadership both on and off the field... Would love to have James Harrison, but i would take Urlacher... Im sure he would love to prove his critics wrong... Look what the Patriots did with Junior Seaou....

Then you need to chose. We are holding on to Vilma for leadership, as he has been the leader of our defense. Do you want to have both of them and create confusion as to whom the leader of the defense is?

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Who is Vilma's backup again in the middle? Can Urlacher provide depth and leadership at the same time?

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Urlacher called a $2-3Million offer a slap in the face. What makes you think he would take a league minimum for us? Since he's pissed, he would only take money like that to play for a division rival as a big "F You" to the Bears. If we were still a 4-3, I'd say take a look. He's slower now but still plays the run like a beast. But he would be a liability against athletic tight ends like Ray Lewis was the last few years. Check out what PFF (the Moneyball site for football) has to say about Urlacher:

2. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears

2012 Cap Hit: $9.7m
2012 Performance Based Value: $1.3m
Value Differential: -$8.4m

Age may finally be catching up to Brian Urlacher. The 34-year-old linebacker was one of the worst run defending middle linebackers in the league last year. His -13.6 run defense grade was second worst among his peers, and his 8.0 Tackling Efficiency was 29th out of 35 middle linebackers. Urlacher hasn’t lost his elite coverage skills, however. His +6.7 coverage grade was third among inside linebackers. The Bears were still eighth-best in the NFL in run defense with Urlacher’s lackluster play, and his coverage presence in the Tampa 2 is invaluable. Urlacher is a free agent this offseason and at his age it’s hard to imagine there is much of a market for him outside of Chicago.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Urlacher has never played in a 3-4 scheme in his entire career has he?

He could probably do OK, but no thanks.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

So yeah, I contradicted myself with PFF's posting. When I saw Bears games he was tenacious, flying around, filling the gaps, and attacking the ball carrier. But maybe I saw his best 2 games or maybe he has a bad play or two for every good play he makes? Bottom line: some team may be able to squeeze one or two years out of him at 4-3 MLB if they have good linemen to keep the guards off of him and use safeties to cover him in space (or take him out for nickel packages). But that's too much hassle - we need players who can cover their own responsibilities without Rob having to scheme to cover their deficiencies!

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

after awhile you need to pay guys... you can't have everyone for league min...

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I know they play different positions but I would totally take him over Shanle. Then again, I would take anyone over Shanle.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

The Vikes need a MLB they're running a 4-3 and already poached Jennings from the Packers..? ;-)

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

as far as leadership goes . . VILMA is the CAPTAIN of the defensive ship but CURTIS LOFTON kinda relieved him of some of the duties . . . we need solid INDIANS . . we have enough CHIEFS! ! PASS ON URLACHER . . . can't win with him . . can't play with him . . (in mike singletary voice) . LOL

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Yeah, low pay, new scheme, I think he'd pass on us even if we wanted him.
BTW isn't Shanle gone?

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I can't explain why . . .. but they signed shanle AGAIN ! !!

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Sigh. I'm tellin' ya, he's got pictures of something.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Source?!

I don't believe that for a second!

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I wouldn't mind bringing in the "giant infant" for a tryout. You can never under-estimate a player with something to prove.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I'll recap everything that's already been said. He's a prototype 4-3 middle. He's never played a 3-4. He won't take league min. He's overpaid for what he will want compared to what he can do. He won't come here and if he takes a discount it will be to play the Bears twice a year. He's just not a fit in every respect. I love his leadership but at this stage Vilma is a better player.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

As much as I love Urlacher, the truth is he appears to be washed up. His game was all about quickness and speed, appears he isn't all that quick and fast anymore.

Urlacher has NEVER played in the 3-4 system... Pass

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

He's been losing it for awhile now.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I wouldn't mind but we aren't going to pay him what he wants. Actually if Vilma can play a 3-4 (or so the Saints say) so could Urlacher. But he's going to ask for too much.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Someone will sign him if he can still play and he can, otherwise they would not even have put it on the table. The issue is pride. Once that really has a chance to sink in he'll come around if he wants to get on the field. Being in the PB 8 times kinda does that to people.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Good point. If I remember correctly, we signed Vilma because he largely regressed when New York moved to a 3-4 scheme. How much of an impact is he going to make now that we're running a 3-4 and he's lost more than a step?

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Its not the same 3-4 the Jets ran. Vilma will be playing the equivalent of a WLB in a 4-3.

Lofton is playing that SILB spot similar to what Vilma played in NY's 2-gap 3-4.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Since Urlacher is a 4-3 guy, does that mean your statement above is also applicable to him?

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Hmm....idk.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I'd much rather have him than the money they completely wasted on Herring. Plug him beside Lofton, a vet like him can play any scheme, slide Vilma outside, and play football. If you don't think he could help the WORST defense in the NFL, and be a huge upgrade to the roster, then you don't know football.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I think that Urlacher on another team would sell some jerseys and put some butts in seats, for a team that's really desperate...some team could use that, but the Saints have no need for selling tickets or jerseys right now.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I thought they literally removed his knees they were so bad. He runs like the tin man now.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

If he were sound, he would make the 34 transition easier by being an enforcer. And he probably wants a ring more than a salary. Only a physical will tell.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

I doubt it was that bad, they did make him an offer. That doesn't happen if there's no hope. He can still make some plays but you're right, he won't be comeback player of the year. Maybe get half a dozen games out of him before the wheels fall off.

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

Not interested

Re: Urlacher for league min?
 

old rusty broken sqaure peg for a round hole...only at league min would i want him...if he wants a ring, he should take any offer the saints put on the table