SmashMouth

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

TheOak

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.

SaintPauly

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....

TheOak

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?

SmashMouth

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

Torfino

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.

Danno

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

He could probably do OK, but no thanks.

Torfino

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!

Jamessr

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

Beastmode

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