I'm guessing it's columns like this that prompted Brian Urlacher to quit talking to the media. In today's Chicago Tribune, David Haugh writes that Urlacher's influence in the locker room, coupled with his money-grubbing desires, could influence others to seek new contracts.
Extending contracts for key players before they expire represents a standard business practice for NFL teams that signifies respect, reward and commitment. But it has reached the point where not only do players expect those negotiations as a matter of course, they also carry unrealistic financial expectations into those talks that often leave them dissatisfied.I'll never begrudge a player for trying to squeeze every penny he can from an organization. NFL careers are notoriously short-lived and unlike other professional sports, contracts generally aren't guaranteed.
That said, you can't have a locker room full of guys looking for more money. But I'm not sure the Bears are any different than other NFL teams: players are forever wanting to re-work existing deals. Just because Devin Hester and Tommie Harris also want new contracts doesn't mean the whole team is going to pot. Or, put differently: when Chicago misses the playoffs next season, it will have nothing to do with contract negotiations. (Well, except the one to re-sign Rex Grossman for another year.)
Just look at Lance Briggs, who spent much of last season making threats about his future with the team, and after the Bears refused to budge, Briggs signed his franchise tender, and eventually re-signed with the team for fewer bucks than he could've have a year ago if he'd skipped all the arm-waving. There's a lesson in there too, I'd think.
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