[CBFF] [Fwd: Bears sign Rashied Davis to multi-year deal]

[Tom Shannon]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/911103,davis042308.article


  Bears sign Rashied Davis to multi-year deal

April 23, 2008

BY BRAD BIGGS <mailto:bbiggs at suntimes.com> bbiggs at suntimes.com

The Bears signed a player to a multiyear extension, though it wasn't any 
of the ones making news.

No, the stalemate with Brian Urlacher has not ended, and Tommie Harris, 
Devin Hester and Robbie Gould still are seeking long-term deals. But 
wide receiver Rashied Davis has a contract through 2010 after reaching 
agreement with the team Wednesday afternoon.

"There's been a lot of talk about contracts lately," Davis said. "No one 
was expecting me. That's OK. I like to be unexpected.

"I'm really excited because I wanted to stay in Chicago, and my wife and 
I didn't want to have to pack up and move again. We're just getting 
settled. I'm elated."

A former Arena League star turned versatile NFL utility man, Davis 
remains a model for those playing the indoor game after signing a 
three-year contract with a base value of $3.87 million. Escalators can 
push the deal to $5.87 million.

Davis is a slot receiver whose value was enhanced on special teams last 
season, and the Bears hope his role will expand as the offense turns around.

He has been a clutch performer in the past with a touchdown in the 
closing minutes to beat Minnesota in 2006 and a long third-down catch in 
overtime to help defeat Seattle in the playoffs. But in an offense that 
puttered along with the hazard lights on all last season, he made only 
17 receptions for 165 yards.

Davis, 28, turned down an offer from the Bears last season, and waiting 
paid off. He receives a $1.1 million signing bonus and base pay of 
$520,000 this season. There's a $400,000 roster bonus for 2009, and the 
deal includes an annual workout bonus worth $50,000. He'll be paid 
$765,000 in 2009 and $935,000 in 2010.

Not bad for a restricted free agent who signed his one-year tender for 
$927,000 five days earlier. His escalators are in three tiers tied to 
receptions. He has to make 45 to trigger the lowest escalator. It might 
seem like a lot for a guy with 39 career catches, but he's planning to 
be more involved.

"I've been working to get back and have my best year yet," Davis said.

"I've been in the offense two years, and I know where I'm going. 
Hopefully, things will work out the way I plan because the way we have 
been talking, my reps are supposed to increase." While Davis hoped to 
find a lucrative offer as a restricted free agent -- a few teams showed 
interest, including Kansas City -- ultimately he wanted to stay in 
Chicago. One reason other teams didn¹t sign him for similar money is 
they figured the Bears would match.

"The Bears were willing to give me a fair shot [coming from Arena 
ball]," he said. "If I had gone somewhere else, I might not have gotten 
the same fair shot. I have always been appreciative of them for that."