Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery isn't dwelling on how the Brian Urlacher situation was handled.
Bears GM has no regrets about handling of Brian Urlacher
Phil Emery is ready to move on from the past as he tries to build a championship team.
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Emery offered the long-time star a one year, $2 million deal which Urlacher turned down. From there, Chicago meade it clear Urlacher was no longer a part of its plans, moving in the direction of younger players.
Looking back, Emery has no regrets on how the negotiations went down, according to CSNChicago.com.
"Absolutely not. It was a very straight-forward process. We had a very honest and open exchange between Brian’s representatives. There was no lack of clarity. No surprises. Brian’s been a great player, a Hall of Fame player. He’s done great things for the Chicago Bears. We’ve committed more resources to Brian than any Bear in the history of the organization. We were willing to commit more. In the end, we just couldn’t agree to what that amount was, and it’s no more than that."
Emery acknowledged it was a tough spot and the players aren’t exactly happy about it, but they are moving on as well.
“Obviously, they have some sadness, and I’d be shocked if they didn’t,” Emery continued. “I’d be concerned if they didn’t. Brian was a great player, a great person. I see that as a normal part of it. I think they’ve done a great job of re-gathering themselves and moving forward.”
In 2012, Urlacher made 68 tackles in 12 games, his lowest total outside of 2009 when he played in only the season opener. At 34 years old, Urlacher has compiled 41.5 sacks and 22 interceptions as the lynch pin in the Bears 4-3 system.
Urlacher is still a free agent and has already stated he might have to accept the reality of retirement, although he wants to continue playing.
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