[CBFF] Bears Cap Numbers

[Tom]

 Sent to you by Tom via Google Reader: Bears Cap Numbers via Windy City
Gridiron by WCG on 1/7/08 The Bears have around 20 million in cap
space, here is a look at the top 15 cap numbers.
1. LB Lance Briggs, $7,206,000: Franchise player earned a big payday
for the first time in his career and wants more. The Bears will have to
outpay the marketplace for his services. He already turned down a
big-money offer and wants out of the shadow of Brian Urlacher.

- LB Brian Urlacher, $5,850,510: Played like he was worth every penny
in games down the stretch. If he can vie for defensive player of the
year honors next season at 30, the defense easily will be back in the
top 10.
- C Olin Kreutz, $5,666,670: Six-time Pro Bowl center is the captain of
a line in transition. Curiously, Angelo made reference to the
center-quarterback exchange in his news conference Thursday, which
seems irrelevant to team's current position.
- DE Adewale Ogunleye, $5,563,055: Coming off his best season with the
Bears, he was likely the most consistent player on defense and just
about a bargain at this price relative to his production.
- CB Charles Tillman, $5,432,386: New deal secured Tillman for the long
term. He played well in a secondary that was otherwise nothing but
musical chairs. A building block moving forward.
- S Adam Archuleta, $5,098,600: The good news, if coach Lovie Smith
wants to keep him, is that the Bears already have given him the bulk of
his money. Second time in two years with two teams he really struggled.
- LT John Tait, $5,000,000: Sure, he might wind up back on the right
side, but ankle injuries made the season trying for Tait, who has been
a good soldier. He's making what veterans command at left tackle.
- RT Fred Miller, $4,704,560: A huge drop-off in performance makes
Miller's future iffy. It's hard to imagine they would bring him back at
anywhere near this price.
- CB Ricky Manning Jr., $3,365,000: Fell out of favor with the coaching
staff and remained at his nickel spot even when he was needed as a
starter.
- S Mike Brown, $3,156,666: Earned his salary based on years served,
not performance, after another injury-ruined season. If he's back, look
for the club to seek protection.
- RB Cedric Benson, $3,133,680: Bears are unwilling at this point to
admit missing with the No. 4 pick from 2005. This represents a fraction
of the $13.8 million he has pocketed so far.
- WR Muhsin Muhammad, $3,119,080: Combination of age, production and
salary might put him in line for a restructuring.
- CB Nathan Vasher, $2,868,726: Got a true sense of his value during
the second game against the Vikings. Figure is likely to go up based on
new contract.
- DT Tommie Harris, $2,650,450: After the dust settles from free
agency, it will be interesting to see how the Bears proceed with the
three-time Pro Bowl performer who was dominating on a bad left leg at
the end of the season.
- QB Brian Griese, $2,500,000: It's a fair price for a backup with
experience. Unfair has been the treatment he has been subjected to
around here.















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