If you are like me and have become sick of Lance Briggs being a very effective linebacker for the Chicago Bears, then we'll be sharing in our frustration a little longer. Pro Football Talk reports that Briggs received a one-year contract extension today, which keeps him in Chicago through the 2014 season.
Briggs has frequently been unhappy with his contract in recent years. It seems likely that Briggs is getting a substantial batch of cash up-front, as guaranteed money has been a sticking point in the past. Briggs' productivity has remained steady over the last several years, and the 31-year-old has earned consideration as one of the better outside backers in the NFC. While making the Pro Bowl isn't as big a deal as it should be, Briggs has made seven straight. In five games against Green Bay in 2010 and 2011 (including the playoffs), Briggs has made 40 tackles and intercepted two of Aaron Rodgers' passes.
This looks like a smart move by new Bears GM Phil Emery. While Jerry Angelo refused to give in to Briggs' requests for new contracts, Emery sees Briggs as a vital piece to his defense for at least another few years and made an effort to keep him happy during that time. I wish we could go back to the days when we could rely on the Bears' front office to shoot themselves in the foot, but it's looking more and more evident that those times are over.