ESPN

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher remained a spectator as the club began organized team activities on Tuesday but the veteran expects to be completely healthy when the team opens up training camp in late July.

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The Chicago Bears secured the services of veteran linebacker Lance Briggs, and will likely try just as hard in the coming months to lock up franchise stalwart Brian Urlacher, who has a year remaining on his contract.

The team still needs to prepare for life after Briggs and Urlacher, and could start the process of adding potential successors during the NFL Draft. Urlacher will be 34 once the 2012 season starts and Briggs turns 32 in November, but Bears coach Lovie Smith laughs off the suggestion his star players are aging.


“Every time I bring up getting younger with Brian… I mean, he gets a big chuckle when someone like you bring[s] it up,” Smith said at the NFL Combine. “Just look at what those players have done. I’ve heard that about Lance Briggs getting older, Julius Peppers, [and] Charles Tillman. All four of those guys were in the Pro Bowl this year. For me, we have other concerns. That’s not one of them.”

Perhaps not, but that hasn’t stopped the club from showing interest in a few prospects from the 2012 class of linebackers. The Bears have reportedly scheduled pre-draft visits for North Carolina’s Zach Brown and Notre Dame’s Darius Fleming. Brown, who ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, could be gone by the start of the third round, while Fleming -- a former St. Rita standout -- is considered somewhat of a tweener teams could take a chance on in the fourth or fifth round.

So while the interest seems to be there for the Bears, it’s unknown whether they will actually spend a pick on a linebacker. The club selected West Virginia linebacker J.T. Thomas last year in the sixth round, and the current roster features several young players such as Dom DeCicco, Patrick Trahan and Jabara Williams.

Besides that Briggs doesn’t appear to be comfortable with the idea of the team playing without him and Urlacher.

“Hopefully we can play until we’re 49 years old if that’s possible,” Briggs joked.

The next 10: 11. OLB Sean Spence, Miami, 6-0, 231; 12. ILB James-Michael Johnson, Nevada, 6-1, 241; 13. OLB Nigel Bradham, Florida State, 6-2, 241; 14. OLB Josh Kaddu, Oregon, 6-0, 239; 15. OLB Olivier Vernon, Miami, 6-2, 261; 16. OLB Demario Davis, Arkansas State, 6-2, 235; 17. OLB Terrell Manning, North Carolina State, 6-2, 237; 18. OLB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma, 6-1, 246; 19. OLB Audie Cole, North Carolina State, 6-4, 246; 20. OLB Miles Burris, San Diego State, 6-2, 246. Note: Some of the prospects listed also project as 4-3 defensive ends.

Position grade: B-.

Analysis: Despite the criticism thrown at the Bears for executing out of the 4-3, one positive about the defense is strong linebacking prospects often fall to the club, in part because of the NFL’s current infatuation with the 3-4 look. Because so many teams have shifted to the 3-4, the talent pool for the run-and-hit types the Bears covet at linebacker opens tremendously. So if the Bears want to plan for the future at the position, plenty of options should be available in the later rounds.

In the relief and euphoria of his long-awaited contract extension, linebacker Lance Briggs described the Chicago Bears' offseason as "a miracle" and one that "on paper" has put him on the Bears' best team since he arrived in 2003. So as long as we're talking about ideal scenarios, we should consider what could be next for the NFC North's most active team this offseason.

From a contract perspective, at least, the Bears have at least two significant issues to address. One is a resolution to their increasingly stark standoff with tailback Matt Forte. The other is the expiring contract of linebacker Brian Urlacher.

Forte has not signed his franchise tag tender of $7.74 million for 2012, and without an injury waiver he'll be ineligible to participate in offseason workouts. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this week that Forte won't sign anything until he agrees to a long-term contract extension, which makes it quite possible the Bears won't see him again for a while.

One way or the other, someone will have to budge if Forte is going to be on the field when training camp begins at the end of July. By most accounts, the sides aren't close.

"He knows what his value is, and I think we all know what his value is," Briggs said, adding that he supports Forte's current stance.

Urlacher, meanwhile, is in the final year of a deal the Bears upgraded and extended in the summer of 2008. He'll earn $7.5 million in base salary with an opportunity earn a $500,000 workout bonus. It's hard to imagine the Bears doing anything other than extending him until they deem him unfit to play, and so his situation becomes a matter of timing more than anything.

Will the Bears let Urlacher play out the season with the understanding he will get a new contract next winter? Or will they move to extend sometime in the next five months before the 2012 season begins? For obvious reasons, players prefer security rather than waiting, especially for someone like Urlacher, who has no desire to play elsewhere.

"I think the Bears will do right by him," Briggs said. "He's coming off a great year. Hopefully we can play until we're 49 years old, if that's possible."

Hey Lance, we're talking about the ideal scenario, not fantasy.

DES PLAINES -- Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said Tuesday he is neither worried about his knee, unsigned running back Matt Forte nor the NFL's bounty scandal.

Speaking before a luncheon at Maryville Academy, where he was to receive the team's annual Ed Block Courage Award, voted on by his teammates, Urlacher said it is not up to the league's players to make the game safer.

"That's not our job to protect other players," Urlacher said. "It's the NFL's job and the refs' job to protect the players. ... If they think it's illegal, they'll throw a flag or they'll fine you. It's not our job to regulate that.

"I'm not worried about it. It's always touchy and I'm sure it will be even worse after all this stuff went down. You just have to go out there to do the best you can with the rules in place."

As the team looks to its first voluntary offseason workouts on Monday, Urlacher, who damaged ligaments in his knee during last season's final game at Minnesota but did not require surgery, said it "feels good."

"I've had so much time in the offseason to get it right," he said. "I still have four months [until training camp]. I'm definitely not in a big hurry. I've done everything to this point I've been asked to do. I'm sure when the time's right, I'll be ready to play. I have six months before the season starts to get ready. I'll be good to go when the time is right."

In the meantime, Urlacher is not likely to see Forte at Halas Hall as the disgruntled running back cannot participate in team activities until he signs the team's one-year franchise tender that would pay him $7.742 million, a raise of more than $7.1 million over last season.

"[Free agent acquisition] Michael Bush will get a lot of reps then if Matt's not there, and he'll get to know the offense," Urlacher said. "Matt takes care of himself. He knows the offense, he's a smart guy, he's always in shape. He's the least of my concerns. He'll be at training camp when he needs to be. Either way, he'll be there."

Urlacher also commented on the team's somewhat controversial trade for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, saying "Brandon is a good guy. I know he's had some issues. Everyone says that. I've been around him a couple times. Jay (Cutler is) going to handle that situation, so I'm not worried about it.

"Jay is a straightforward guy. He's been around Brandon. I don't think it will be an issue. He's coming to a good situation, he's got a great quarterback, good offensive line, good running game, decent defense, great coaching staff, so I think it's a good situation for him to be in. He's going to get a lot of balls thrown at him, so that should keep him happy."

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler remains confident that Brandon Marshall won't miss any time resulting from the incident in a New York City nightclub in which he was accused of striking a woman.

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Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said Tuesday he hopes to see disgruntled running back Matt Forte during the summer, although it doesn't sound like he expects to see him Monday at the first voluntary offseason conditioning workout.

Forte can't attend the workouts if he doesn't sign the tender he received after being designated as the team's franchise player, or if he can't get an extension worked out.

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CHICAGO -- Chicago Bears eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Brian Urlacher will be presented with the Ed Block Courage Award on Tuesday during a ceremony at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, Ill., the team announced on Monday.

The Ed Block Courage Award is given out each year to one member of every NFL team and is awarded to the players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. The recipients of the award are selected solely by the vote of their teammates.

Former Bears defensive tackle Anthony Adams was presented with the honor last summer.

Urlacher is also a two-time winner of the Brian Piccolo Award.

Bears coach Lovie Smith is also scheduled to be in attendance.

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is a fan of the NFL's new Nike jerseys, which were unveiled Tuesday.

Urlacher tweeted: "new jerseys are sweet...Classic Chicago Bears look."

From The Associated Press: The league and Nike showed off the new look in grand style Tuesday with a gridiron-styled fashion show at a Brooklyn film studio. Uniforms for all 32 teams were on display.

Commissioner Roger Goodell was on hand, along with New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz.

Nike is a new NFL partner, taking over uniform and gear design from Reebok.

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher isn't concerned about how Brandon Marshall is going to fit into the locker room, in fact he praised the acquisition, but Urlacher is a little worried that Marshall's debut with the Bears might be delayed by a suspension.

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Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher revealed his knee isn't yet completely healed from a collision sustained in the season finale at Minnesota, but he expects to be able to participate fully in the team's offseason conditioning program.

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Where they stand: The Chicago Bears lead the NFC North in available cap room, sitting on approximately $30 million. But it’s important to note that cap room shouldn’t be viewed as a blank check; especially when considering the Bears would likely be looking to extend several of their core players with contracts ending in the next couple of years. While upgrades on offense seem most logical of potential Bears moves during free agency, given the need to surround quarterback Jay Cutler with more weapons, it’s believed that coach Lovie Smith wants to revamp a defense led by four Pro Bowl players -- linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher, cornerback Charles Tillman and defensive end Julius Peppers -- older than 30.

NEED-METER

Receiver: 10. To be fair, the position didn’t appear as much of an area of need when the team ripped off a 7-3 start. Obviously, Cutler played a significant role in that. Over the first 10 games, Chicago’s receiving corps averaged 11 catches per outing. Once Cutler and running back Matt Forte suffered injuries that took them out of the lineup, the receivers’ production dipped to eight catches per game.

A dominant slot receiver, Earl Bennett became the club’s go-to option in the passing game with Cutler out of commission. Teams quickly recognized, and adjusted coverage accordingly, leading to Bennett catching one pass or fewer in five of his last six games. Johnny Knox’s horrific back injury against the Seattle Seahawks further exposed this team’s deficiencies at receiver.

So with a major need clearly defined at the position, the question now is how the team proceeds in free agency and the draft.

It’s believed the Bears plan on making a run at San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson in free agency, and sources have confirmed as much. But if Jackson commands what several agents expect to be a salary in the $12 million-per-season range, it’s unlikely new general manager Phil Emery would continue the team’s pursuit, based on his stated preference of building through the draft, which signifies he’s not a proponent of spending lavishly in free agency.

So surely the team has a few secondary and less-expensive options in mind, such as New Orleans Saints receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem, or Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon of the Indianapolis Colts. Given their youth and physical attributes, Meachem (just 11 dropped balls over four seasons) and Garcon would appear to be the best fits. Colston averaged just 3.2 yards after catch in 2011, according to Pro Football Focus. That doesn’t necessarily jibe with the explosive passing game the Bears envision in 2012. Wayne, meanwhile, is coming off his first season since 2003 in which he didn’t gain 1,000 yards receiving.

According to a source, just Wednesday, seven teams (the Bears weren't one of them) expressed interest in Meachem; a list sure to grow as free agency approaches.

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» AFC Free-Agency Primer: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET

Chicago Bears

Key free agents: Tight end Kellen Davis, running back Matt Forte (franchise), cornerback Corey Graham, quarterback Caleb Hanie, defensive end Israel Idonije, cornerback Tim Jennings, quarterback Josh McCown, safety Brandon Meriweather and receiver Roy Williams.

Where they stand: The Bears will have the most salary-cap space among NFC North teams, upwards of $30 million, and have plenty of potential uses for it. Quarterback Jay Cutler needs more targets in the downfield passing game, whether it's at the receiver or tight end position. And new general manager Phil Emery must start restocking a defense led by four players more than 30 years old: Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, defensive end Julius Peppers and cornerback Charles Tillman.

What to expect: It's widely believed the Bears will be in the running for free-agent receiver Vincent Jackson. But Jackson's price tag could be steep and no one knows if Emery will prove to be a big spender. It seems likely he will re-sign Davis, and Emery should also save some of his cap space to extend Forte's contract. Secondary receiver targets could include Marques Colston. Bears fans are hoping the team will pursue defensive end Mario Williams, but it's hard to imagine the Bears budgeting for Williams two years after breaking their bank on Peppers.

Detroit Lions

Key free agents: Defensive end Cliff Avril (franchise), left tackle Jeff Backus, safety Chris Harris, quarterback Shaun Hill, linebacker DeAndre Levy (restricted), running back Maurice Morris, running back Kevin Smith, quarterback Drew Stanton, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and cornerback Eric Wright.

Where they stand: The Lions are tight against the salary cap after franchising Avril and aren't likely to be big spenders on the free-agent market. They could relieve the situation by reaching long-term agreements with Avril and/or receiver Calvin Johnson, who has a $22 million cap figure for 2012. Tulloch made a big impact last season after signing a one-year deal, but so far the Lions' attention has turned elsewhere.

What to expect: The Lions' best-case scenario is to keep their 2011 core together without mortgaging their future relative to the salary cap. That would mean getting Tulloch re-signed to preserve the linebacker group they upgraded last season by signing him and veteran Justin Durant, moves that allowed Levy to play on the outside. Hill seems likely to re-sign as Matthew Stafford's backup, while Stanton might test the free-agent waters to see if he has a chance to do better than third on a team's depth chart.

Green Bay Packers

Key free agents: Cornerback Jarrett Bush, quarterback Matt Flynn, running back Ryan Grant and center Scott Wells.

Where they stand: The Packers took care of a big challenge by signing tight end Jermichael Finley to a two-year contract last month. They will let Flynn depart for a possible starting job elsewhere and it appears Grant will test the free-agent market. Discussions with Wells haven't led to an agreement, but the Packers often go to the final moments before reaching a deal. There are no obvious internal replacements for Wells, making his return a priority.

What to expect: The Packers will have some flexibility with the salary cap, but general manager Ted Thompson's aversion to veteran free agency is well known. It's been three years since he signed a veteran unrestricted free agent in the offseason. The Packers have needs at defensive line, outside linebacker and possibly at center if Wells leaves. But let's put it this way: Thompson's strong preference is to find depth and future replacements in the draft, not on other teams' rosters.

Minnesota Vikings

Key free agents: Safety Husain Abdullah, receiver Devin Aromashodu, receiver Greg Camarillo, defensive lineman Fred Evans, defensive lineman Letroy Guion, linebacker E.J. Henderson, linebacker Erin Henderson, safety Tyrell Johnson, quarterback Sage Rosenfels, cornerback Benny Sapp and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

Where they stand: The Vikings seem poised for a major roster overhaul in their first offseason since Rick Spielman was promoted to general manager. Players like Shiancoe, E.J. Henderson, Camarillo and Johnson all seem poised to move on. There aren't many positions on the team that appear secure.

What to expect: If the Vikings don't plan to draft USC left tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3 overall next month, the first clue will be if they pursue a free-agent left tackle. That seems unlikely. But they'll need to combine their draft with at least a few veteran free agents if they intend to compete for a playoff spot in 2012. Cornerback could be a point of focus, where Brandon Carr and Cortland Finnegan are among those available. Another could be receiver. The Vikings had major interest in Jackson two years ago.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith updated the condition of quarterback Jay Cutler and linebacker Brian Urlacher from the NFL Combine on Thursday, saying both were completely healthy and expected to participate in the team's April offseason conditioning program.

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LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey says Brian Urlacher was simply being honest when he told HBO he would hide concussion symptoms from team doctors.

He also was quick to point out his star linebacker didn't say that was the right thing to do.

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This is the eighth installment of a 10-part series that reviews every Bears position group on offense and defense, while also taking a quick look at potential free-agent targets and the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft.

When Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey, president Ted Phillips or new general manager Phil Emery speaks about the team’s situation at linebacker they’re usually working to pry off the hourglass always attached to the discussion.

Age isn’t a factor they say. The duo of Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs -- 33 and 31, respectively -- only serve as evidence of the brass’ assertion.

“I’ve heard the rumblings that there’s a lot of age on our roster, defensively,” Emery said when asked specifically about Urlacher and the linebacker position. “I kind of look at it this way: it’s not a numerical number we’re looking at [when determining whether a player is getting too old to contribute]. It’s the way you’re making plays. Are you being a productive player? If it was just a miracle number, and the number of gray hairs, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Urlacher and Briggs combined in 2011 for 282 tackles, four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and 11 quarterback pressures in being named to their eighth and seventh Pro Bowls. Briggs eclipsed 100 tackles for the eighth consecutive season while Urlacher accomplished the feat for a franchise-record 11th time.

Are they slowing down? Maybe, but the duo continues to find ways to compensate for physical limitations by sharpening the mental sides of their games. Still, at some point, the Bears need to find the duo’s eventual replacements.

Emery has made it clear he’d prefer to replenish the talent pool through the draft. But it’s unlikely the Bears will use a high pick in April to draft a linebacker.

The new GM will also have to at some point address Briggs’ demands for a new contract.

THE CURRENT ROSTER

•Brian Urlacher: Enters the final season of a five-year extension signed in 2008, and is set to receive $7.5 million in base salary ($9.7 million cap charge). Still one of the NFL’s best middle linebackers, Urlacher hasn’t discussed his contract status. But surely Urlacher would like to finish his career in Chicago and appears healthy -- and skilled -- enough to play at a high level for multiple years beyond 2012. Urlacher tied for third in interceptions (3) in 2011, and is one of just four players in NFL history to post more than 40 (41.5) career sacks and 20 (21) INTs. Urlacher sprained the MCL in his left knee in the season finale, but the injury won’t require surgery or a lengthy rehabilitation process that would put his availability for 2012 in question.

•Lance Briggs: Was vocal prior to the 2011 season about the desire to receive a raise, or at least have the team flip the base salaries for 2012 ($3.75 million) and 2013 ($6.25 million). Given that two years remain on the deal, Briggs doesn’t appear to have much leverage in this situation and the Bears won’t be inclined to succumb to the linebacker’s demands. Briggs has said that he’d like to be traded if the Bears can’t accommodate his request. But he’s made such statements in the past, and ultimately returned to the team. Before the start of last season, there were rumblings about a potential trade between the Bears and New York Giants involving Briggs and defensive end Osi Umenyiora. But former general manager Jerry Angelo told ESPNChicago.com at the time that while logical given the needs of both teams, those rumors were untrue.

•Nick Roach: Signed a two-year contract worth approximately $4 million prior to training camp in 2011, and will receive $1.715 million in base salary for 2012. Roach started 15 games at strong side linebacker last season, and contributed 61 tackles to go with three pass breakups. Interestingly, there were rumblings the Bears were considering bringing in players such as Pisa Tinoisamoa and Lofa Tatupu last season to man Roach’s spot. Tinoisamoa’s health remains an issue, but there’s a chance the team could still be eyeing Tatupu, who reportedly visited the New Orleans Saints on Monday.

•Dom DeCicco: An undrafted free agent, DeCicco played in all 16 games as a rookie and tied for second on the team in special teams tackles (17). He is No. 2 on the depth chart at middle linebacker behind Urlacher. It’s still too early to tell whether DeCicco might be Urlacher’s future replacement at the position. He needs a full offseason to improve strength while learning all the nuances of the team’s system.

•J.T. Thomas: A sixth-round pick in 2011, Thomas received essentially a red-shirt season when the Bears placed him on the injured reserve on Sept. 3 because of a back injury. Sources said the team was somewhat unpleased with Thomas’ physicality, and wanted him to improve in that area. Thomas further muddled his situation early Monday when he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.

•Patrick Trahan: Signed to the active roster on Nov. 29, Trahan played five games and contributed five tackles on special teams. Prior to joining the Bears for training camp, Trahan spent 2010 on the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans. Trahan possesses the traits of the run-and-hit linebacker the Bears covet, but needs more seasoning to become a legitimate threat to crack the lineup.

•Jabara Williams: Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Rams on Oct. 17, and played five games for the Bears, making five stops on special teams. The Rams drafted Williams in the seventh round, and he played two games with the club before his release. Also fits the run-and-hit mold.

Bears free agents: None

POTENTIAL FREE AGENT TARGETS

•MLB/OLB David Hawthorne, Seattle Seahawks, unrestricted
•OLB Leroy Hill, Seattle Seahawks, unrestricted
•OLB Manny Lawson, Cincinnati Bengals, unrestricted

WHY HAWTHORNE FITS

All three of the potential candidates listed could play SAM linebacker if the team thinks it needs an upgrade at Roach’s spot. But of the three, Hawthorne possesses the most versatility and upside. A four-year veteran, Hawthorne notched 115 tackles in 2011 to go with two sacks and three interceptions, one of which he returned 77 yards for a touchdown (with a Grade II MCL sprain). Bears coach Lovie Smith, a native of East Texas, is no doubt familiar with Hawthorne, who grew up with former safety Danieal Manning in Corsicana, Texas.

Nicknamed “Heater”, Hawthorne has posted more than 100 tackles and led the team in tackles each of the last three seasons. What’s more is he’s played all three linebacker spots. Coincidentally, Hawthorne’s first NFL start came against the Bears in 2009, and he posted 16 tackles in that contest.

Normally a middle linebacker, Hawthorne has also led the Seahawks in tackles from the weak side. In Chicago, Hawthorne, 26, could potentially play Roach’s spot where he’d be an upgrade against the run and in pass coverage, and simultaneously serve as the heir apparent to either Briggs on the weak side or Urlacher in the middle.

Under the last personnel regime, the Bears expressed some interest in Hawthorne. But it’s unclear now how Emery views him.