Lance Briggs Wants Out of Chicago
 

[url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2796645]ESPN.com - NFL - 'Looking for a fair deal,' Bears' Briggs may sit[/url]

He turned down 7 yrs., $33mil & wants to be "the man" somewhere. I don't see us going after him but the Danny may be tempted to work something out.

More likely, if the Bears look to trade him, it could impact our dealings w/Houston & Denver close to draft day. I imagine a lot of teams will be interested in him at a pretty high price.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

We traded up to draft Rocky in last years draft, we signed Fletcher to a $25M contract two weeks ago, we already have Marcus Washington, and if we signed Briggs this year without the Bears rescinding his franchise tag, he would cost us a minimum of $7+ million in '07. It's a non-issue. He is not even close to on our radar.

Denver has the fastest set of LB's in the league and hasn't been able to move Al Wilson, and Houston got themselves a gem in Demeco Ryans in the 2nd round last year. I don't see Briggs affecting our offseason at all.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

im not too sure about briggs. if i am not mistaken the dude had a breakout year after 3 so-so years and is now looking for a long term lucrative contract. not sure hes worth all of that money yet i'd have to see him in another year.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

Not playin another game in thewindy city huh.? He'd get just what he wanted out. He'd be watching the games from his 1000 inch HD plasma at home, minus about 7 mil! BIG BABY!

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

he wants a market deal, but a market deal for a guy that refuses to play and sits out a year is NOT going to be 7years/33mill... he's already missed the big money too, so unless green bay wants him, there aren't a ton of options.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=GMScud;287666]We traded up to draft Rocky in last years draft, we signed Fletcher to a $25M contract two weeks ago, we already have Marcus Washington, and if we signed Briggs this year without the Bears rescinding his franchise tag, he would cost us a minimum of $7+ million in '07. It's a non-issue. He is not even close to on our radar.

Denver has the fastest set of LB's in the league and hasn't been able to move Al Wilson, and Houston got themselves a gem in Demeco Ryans in the 2nd round last year. I don't see Briggs affecting our offseason at all.[/quote]

I would hope for the sake of fiscal discipline he's not on our radar.

As for other teams out there, there's no telling who might trade w/another team in the draft, 3-way trade, etc. We're starting to see how some free agent signings could impact the top picks in the draft, e.g. Cleveland signed J. Lewis. They may still draft A. Peterson but it's not as much the sure thing everyone thought a few weeks ago.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

i love briggs but dont want him on the redskins. does that make sense? too much money, and we dont need any more linebackers

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

Briggs is a last-season type of move.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

I think this guy is a great LB but he also is a whinning little byotch! I don't want him here in DC with that kind of attitude and he certainly isn't worth more than $7mill a year he will get as a franchised player in 07.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

Just to play devil's advocate for a moment. When the Bears decided to franchise Briggs, they made it about money as do so many other teams when they franchise their players.

While it seems like he's crying over $7MM, he's really asking for what he believes he's worth. That figure sticks out to us because chances are, none of us make that figure. Furthermore, I think the thing that has rubbed Briggs the wrong way is the culture that exists within the front office of the Bears.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=jbcjr14;287697]I think this guy is a great LB but he also is a whinning little byotch! I don't want him here in DC with that kind of attitude and he certainly isn't worth more than $7mill a year he will get as a franchised player in 07.[/quote]

I saw him crying like a little bitch on NFL Network yesterday. What a freaking baby. So his dumb ass is going to turn down a raise from 700k to 7 mill? Do some of these guys realize that these are the rules? If they don't like it do something else. I understand he wants a long term deal and he's frustrated but why take it to the media? He needs some diapers and a pass a fire.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=12thMan;287703]Just to play devil's advocate for a moment. When the Bears decided to franchise Briggs, they made it about money as do so many other teams when they franchise their players.

While it seems like he's crying over $7MM, he's really asking for what he believes he's worth. Furthermore, I think the thing that has rubbed Briggs the wrong way is the culture that exists within the front office of the Bears.[/quote]

Then he can go do something else with his life. These are the rules of the NFL. No one is forcing him to play football. Leave the 7 mil on the table and retire.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

To be honest, I don't blame Briggs. I know a lot of people say that he shouldn't complain about getting a $7M salary when the average household income is $40,000, but that argument doesn't fly with me. The simple fact is that people try to get paid what they think they are worth, whether they are currently earning $15,000 per year, $150,000 per year, $1.5M per year, etc. I haven't met a single guy yet who has turned down a high paying job because they said, "ya know, I'm making a lot of money, but I'm not going to seek what I am worth because some households make a lot less than me."

Would Briggs be happy to get paid $7M per year? Of course. But he understandably doesn't want to sign a $7M 1-year deal, suffer a career-ending injury, and never play another down when the market suggests that he should be entitled to about a $15M SB on a 7-year deal worth $45M.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;287712]To be honest, I don't blame Briggs. I know a lot of people say that he shouldn't complain about getting a $7M salary when the average household income is $40,000, but that argument doesn't fly with me. The simple fact is that people try to get paid what they think they are worth, whether they are currently earning $15,000 per year, $150,000 per year, $1.5M per year, etc. I haven't met a single guy yet who has turned down a high paying job because they said, "ya know, I'm making a lot of money, but I'm not going to seek what I am worth because some households make a lot less than me."

Would Briggs be happy to get paid $7M per year? Of course. But he understandably doesn't want to sign a $7M 1-year deal, suffer a career-ending injury, and never play another down when the market suggests that he should be entitled to about a $15M SB on a 7-year deal worth $45M.[/quote]

I agree with you 100%. But these are the rules of the NFL. Teams have a right to tag you. You don't see Asante Samuel crying to the media do you? Players need to realize this and not take it personal. The worst thing to do is go cry to every media outlet about making 7mil. That is what probably pisses off the fans that pay his salary. These are everyday working people who would love the chance to make 7 mil. It doesn't mean a long term deal can't be worked out. It's only March. They have several more months to get something done before the season starts.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;287712]To be honest, I don't blame Briggs. I know a lot of people say that he shouldn't complain about getting a $7M salary when the average household income is $40,000, but that argument doesn't fly with me. The simple fact is that people try to get paid what they think they are worth, whether they are currently earning $15,000 per year, $150,000 per year, $1.5M per year, etc. I haven't met a single guy yet who has turned down a high paying job because they said, "ya know, I'm making a lot of money, but I'm not going to seek what I am worth because some households make a lot less than me."

Would Briggs be happy to get paid $7M per year? Of course. But he understandably doesn't want to sign a $7M 1-year deal, suffer a career-ending injury, and never play another down when the market suggests that he should be entitled to about a $15M SB on a 7-year deal worth $45M.[/quote]

This is what I'm saying here. If you remove said dollar amount frm the equation, it takes on a different light. Everyone is looking at the amount and justifying their argument based solely on that.

The Bears were at the table with this guy a year ago and things broke down on both sides. They knew the following year that the franchise tag was an option. In essence, they've used the rules to work in their favor. So one could possibly say, well, they stalemated talks with the intent of franchising the guy from jump street.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan69;287717]I agree with you 100%. But these are the rules of the NFL. Teams have a right to tag you. You don't see Asante Samuel crying to the media do you? Players need to realize this and not take it personal. The worst thing to do is go cry to every media outlet about making 7mil. That is what probably pisses off the fans that pay his salary. These are everyday working people who would love the chance to make 7 mil. It doesn't mean a long term deal can't be worked out. It's only March. They have several more months to get something done before the season starts.[/QUOTE]

I definately agree that Briggs isn't helping his stock in the eyes of other teams. But, he is certainly improving the chances of a trade. I don't agree with his public whining, but I can understand why he wants to get paid.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;287722]I definately agree that Briggs isn't helping his stock in the eyes of other teams. But, he is certainly improving the chances of a trade. I don't agree with his public whining, but I can understand why he wants to get paid.[/quote]


As far as his public whining goes, he's just using the same public medium the NFL uses to market and make millions off these athletes.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

Here's my thing about that. Sure, I wouldn't turn down $70,000 to go to another job, but if I'm already making enough money to live on the rest of my life, my loyalties and attitude are going to be a bit different. When it's the difference between comfortably living life or living life in luxury, I'm going to remember where I came from and sacrifice some of that money to charity and help to better this world.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

you just used the key word that is missing in todays sports, loyalty. no one has it anymore. it is always about the money

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;287728]Here's my thing about that. Sure, I wouldn't turn down $70,000 to go to another job, but if I'm already making enough money to live on the rest of my life, my loyalties and attitude are going to be a bit different. When it's the difference between comfortably living life or living life in luxury, I'm going to remember where I came from and sacrifice some of that money to charity and help to better this world.[/quote]


You're right, TMC. I agree with you, but...the culture of the NFL is very unique and different from ours. And in fact, it's a money and greed driven culture that exists because of the owners.

If the Dan Snyders or Jerry Jones aren't turning away dollars or opportunities to pack stadiums to generate more revenue, I think it's unfair to ask the players, who are in fact the product, to turn away their portion of that revenue too.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

none of this is new news, and briggs is not on our radar. nothing to worry about

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

this isn't about $7M. This is about more like $20M. If he gets hurt next year and never plays the same again then he is out the extra guaranteed money he would get from a long term. I would be more inclined to side with the Bears if they hadn't displayed on several occasions the desire to simply be cheap. Also if they proceeded to negotaite in good faith after they designated him then I'd understand a little more. But to make an offer, have it refused and then franchise the guy and basically say "screw you". Well they're getting what they deserve.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection;287728]Here's my thing about that. Sure, I wouldn't turn down $70,000 to go to another job, but if I'm already making enough money to live on the rest of my life, my loyalties and attitude are going to be a bit different. When it's the difference between comfortably living life or living life in luxury, I'm going to remember where I came from and sacrifice some of that money to charity and help to better this world.[/QUOTE]

You're certainly a better man than most. I think I am a very loyal guy. I've never cheated on my girlfriend, I went to jail one night for my best friend because I refused to rat him out and say a small baggie of weed was his (even though he didn't man up and admit it was his), and I've always been very loyal to my employers.

However, if I had worked for pennies for years for my employer despite being one of its best employees and, when my employment contract was up, my employer offered me a bad deal, I'd be pissed and be forced to re-evaluate my loyalties.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

Right, as would I.

My point is that half a million dollars isn't pennies. He'll make his money and I think they offered him a pretty fair deal of thirty-three million. If he didn't talk about money and talked more about his passion for the game and wanting to be "the man" I think less people would be pissed at him.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

I think another thing to take into consideration is that Briggs was being paid $700K while performing at a franchise level.

So I think in hindsight, he's saying, hey, this just isn't just about what I want, but look at what I did for you guys in the past too.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection;287742]Right, as would I.

My point is that half a million dollars isn't pennies. He'll make his money and I think they offered him a pretty fair deal of thirty-three million. If he didn't talk about money and talked more about his passion for the game and wanting to be "the man" I think less people would be pissed at him.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I definately think his whining is hurting his image in the eyes of the public and other teams. He should keep his mouth shut in public, tell the Bears he wants a trade, and that's that. I also certainly agree that he was offered a ton of money, certainly not "pennies." I guess I simply meant to say that he was offered a contract that was probably well-below market value (even if the market is inflated).

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;287742]Right, as would I.

My point is that half a million dollars isn't pennies. He'll make his money and I think they offered him a pretty fair deal of thirty-three million. If he didn't talk about money and talked more about his passion for the game and wanting to be "the man" I think less people would be pissed at him.[/quote]

I think you're right. It seems like a lot of his ego is in the way. That's the flip side of the coin. This all may be about him getting his 'props' more than anything else.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

SGG, now that I'm reading what I wrote, I'm playing devil's advocate on myself. Even though I might be a millionaire, I feel like a lot of the poorer people can better their situations, so why should I be giving them my hard-earned money? LOL.

I know, that makes me sound like a giant douche. However, I'd still donate to charities.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

The whining might be hurting his image but in the end it is facilitating him getting paid. Either Chicago will man up and give him a fair market deal or they'll dump him and he'll get paid somewhere else. He is just playing the game of NFL free agency.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

You don't think that teams will see this incessant whining and think of that as a red flag for the future?

Say he goes somewhere and isn't "the man"? He'd probably still be unhappy.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

He can play. Someone will pay him. If whining or any other raising of red flags really mattered would TO be in the league? Probably not. I think it may hurt his public image but as far as teams go it won't matter.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection;287750]You don't think that teams will see this incessant whining and think of that as a red flag for the future?

Say he goes somewhere and isn't "the man"? He'd probably still be unhappy.[/QUOTE]

Ya know, I'm wondering who his agent is. I would think that he would want to screen his client's comments/thoughts before he makes them public.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

He want's out because he's "OVERSHADOWED" by the URCH MAN, there's a reason for that URCH is a much better linebacker! Go home and suck your thumb, minus 7 mil........you big wus!

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[QUOTE=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;287780]Ya know, I'm wondering who his agent is. I would think that he would want to screen his client's comments/thoughts before he makes them public.[/QUOTE]I'll give you one guess who his agent is.
They were talking about this on PTI the other day, and I doubt his agent really cares if he makes a fuss.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=skinsfan69;287706]I saw him crying like a little bitch on NFL Network yesterday. What a freaking baby. So his dumb ass is going to turn down a raise from 700k to 7 mill? Do some of these guys realize that these are the rules? If they don't like it do something else. I understand he wants a long term deal and he's frustrated but why take it to the media? He needs some diapers and a pass a fire.[/quote]That's what irks me. It's not like slapping the franchise tag on someone is a dirty move that teams use. It's written into the contract of the CBA.

Now from the players' view, you'd much rather have the big money SB. And I know with the Franchise tender the liability for injury lies with the player. But my god, from a team standpoint, how can a franchise player EVER feel like he's not wanted? How is that possible? You're the damn franchise player, be a leader!

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=GTripp0012;287824]That's what irks me. It's not like slapping the franchise tag on someone is a dirty move that teams use. It's written into the contract of the CBA.

Now from the players' view, you'd much rather have the big money SB. And I know with the Franchise tender the liability for injury lies with the player. But my god, from a team standpoint, how can a franchise player EVER feel like he's not wanted? How is that possible? You're the damn franchise player, be a leader![/quote]

Well that's one aspect of the CBA some players really don't like; The Franchise Tag.

As far as some players are concerned, the term 'Franchise' means nothing to them. It's really a tool to allow the teams to buy more time.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=12thMan;287828]Well that's one aspect of the CBA some players really don't like; The Franchise Tag.

As far as some players are concerned, the term 'Franchise' means nothing to them. It's really a tool to allow the teams to buy more time.[/quote]Well, again, until Briggs puts his name on that contract tender, he has a right to sit out.

But a real man would stop hiding behind his rights and honor his responsibility to the team to help them get back to the super bowl. It's not like 7 mil is chump change no matter how crazy the market is.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=GTripp0012;287831]Well, again, until Briggs puts his name on that contract tender, he has a right to sit out.

But a real man would stop hiding behind his rights and honor his responsibility to the team to help them get back to the super bowl. It's not like 7 mil is chump change no matter how crazy the market is.[/quote]


True, true. I don't know, GT. Briggs' ego aside, my thing is the owners have essentially created this market and the cut-throat culture that exists. Owners and GMs hack players left and right like it's [I]nobody's [/I]business. In ten years no one will hardly remember who Lance Briggs was, but that same owner will still be raking in even more in the millions.

The whole honor your word and be a man thing is a two way street as far as I'm concerned.

If you want me to honor my word when it's convenient for your business, then honor yours when I blow out my ACL.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

[quote=12thMan;287837]True, true. I don't know, GT. Briggs' ego aside, my thing is the owners have essentially created this market and the cut-throat culture that exists. Owners and GMs hack players left and right like it's [I]nobody's [/I]business. In ten years no one will hardly remember who Lance Briggs was, but that same owner will still be raking in even more in the millions.

The whole honor your word and be a man thing is a two way street as far as I'm concerned.

If you want me to honor my word when it's convient for your business, then honor yours when I blow out my ACL.[/quote]Briggs doesn't owe the McCaskey's (owners of the Bears) anything. He certainly does owe Lovie Smith and 52 other guys in that locker room his football ability as they try to defend their NFC title.

Briggs is trying to claim theres a seperation between the two. There isn't. He's been offered numerous long term extentions and has declined. There's a difference between future financial security, which the Bears have offered him, and greed which is what is causing him to turn down their offers. Sure, players inferrior to him are getting the big bucks. But because the Bears slapped the tag on him, he is responsible to play his next season in Chicago. He has a right to not play anywhere, but he's letting his team down if he does so.

Bottom line is that if another team had chosen him, he might have ended up buried somewhere on a depth chart. So I would expect him to play for my team if I'm Lovie Smith.

Re: Lance Briggs Wants OUt of Chicago
 

Ever notice how the Franchise Tag is always "slapped" on a player? It's never placed, tapped, set, or designated.

Always [B]slapped[/B].

Interesting.