Top Draft Prospects

Geno Smith

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EJ Manuel

 

Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel

Luke Joeckel

 

 

Brett Davis/US Presswire

Star Lotuelei

 

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Shariff Floyd

 

Kim Klement/US Presswire

Jarvis Jones

 

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Dee Milliner

 

Jim Brown/US Presswire

Urlacher and Bears Call It Quits

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It seems as though Brian Urlacher and the Chicago Bears were unable to agree on a new contract.  As a result, Urlacher will test the free agent market for the first time in his career.  If Urlacher had his way he would still be in a Chicago uniform.  "I wanted to be in Chicago. I wanted to finish here. Now that's not possible," said Urlacher via NFL.com.  


According to Urlacher's camp, he was originally seeking a two-year deal that would have amounted to $11.5 million.  When the offer was taken to the Bears it was met with a counter offer of a one-year deal for $2 million.  Urlacher left the situation disgruntled claiming "It wasn't even an offer; it was an ultimatum," according to the Tribune.

Urlacher is one of four players in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 20 interceptions.  He has eight Pro Bowl appearances and has been named an All-Pro five times.  Urlacher's presence will be missed both on and off the field for Chicago.  He has been the leader of their defense for over a decade, and I'm sure they will miss his football knowledge and leadership traits.  

Although Urlacher has been dealing with some nagging injuries over the last couple of years, he is still a quality middle linebacker.  His knowledge and experience will undoubtedly help him find a new team to play for and after the incident with Chicago, Urlacher may have something to prove.  Whichever team signs Brian Urlacher is going to get an outstanding leader and a great teammate.  Couple those traits with his ability to read offenses and it's hard to believe that Chicago wasn't willing to negotiate further.

Free Agent Frenzy is Upon the NFL

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The NFL’s free agency signing period begins Tuesday, March 12, 2013, and there are a plethora of impact players that are waiting to be signed by a new team. 

 On the offensive side of the ball there are quite a few players that could be a key addition to a contenders roster including numerous players at skill positions like wide receiver and running back.  Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, Wes Welker, and Danny Amendola are the prize receivers this year in free agency.

Wallace will most likely demand the highest salary of the four wide outs.  He’s only 26 years old, he’s one of the fastest players in the NFL, and he’s in the prime of his career.  Although Jennings and Welker are older, they would be excellent additions to contending teams and provide a reliable target for their quarterbacks.  Amendola’s situation is quite interesting.  Although he is a very productive player, his history of injuries may hurt his upcoming contract negotiations. 

 Organizations that are in search of a veteran running back this offseason have a decent pool of applicants to choose from as well.  Ahmad Bradshaw, Steven Jackson, Reggie Bush, and Michael Turner are all available and ready to make a run at a championship. 

 There are also a number of players on the defensive side of the ball that are capable of having an impact on the field, particularly in the secondary.  Some quality cornerbacks include: Brent Grimes, Aqib Talib, Chris Houston, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  There are also some very talented safeties available including: Ed Reed, Glover Quin, Dashon Goldson, and Laron Landry.

 NFL fans can expect a whirlwind of activity Tuesday as their favorite teams try to obtain some of these talented free agents.  These players have the ability to make a number of teams instant contenders over night.  We’ll just have to wait until Tuesday to see what happens!