With the biggest contract Jerry Angelo has ever helped negotiate out of the way, the Bears general manager wants to keep the momentum rolling.
Next up is free safety Mike Brown, and Angelo said he expects something to happen ''sooner rather than later.'' Brown, who is out of town on his honeymoon, will become a free agent after the season. According to a source, the ''ball is in Brown's court,'' and progress has been made since an initial offer of less than $12million for six seasons.
With Urlacher on board through 2011 and Brown expected to be done before training camp, six of the projected starters on defense will be signed through 2005. When considering that the club can control defensive end Alex Brown through that year and with the knowledge that first-round pick Michael Haynes will likely sign a five-year deal, that means more than just the core of the defense will be secure for at least three seasons.
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Next up is free safety Mike Brown, and Angelo said he expects something to happen ''sooner rather than later.'' Brown, who is out of town on his honeymoon, will become a free agent after the season. According to a source, the ''ball is in Brown's court,'' and progress has been made since an initial offer of less than $12million for six seasons.
With Urlacher on board through 2011 and Brown expected to be done before training camp, six of the projected starters on defense will be signed through 2005. When considering that the club can control defensive end Alex Brown through that year and with the knowledge that first-round pick Michael Haynes will likely sign a five-year deal, that means more than just the core of the defense will be secure for at least three seasons.
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