Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher may test free-agent waters

Chicago, IL, United States (AHN Sports) – Chicago Bears Pro-Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher said Friday he is intrigued of the possibility of testing the free agency market when his contract expires at the end of the 2012-2013 season.

Entering his 13th season as a Bear, the 34-year-old Urlacher insisted there’s no doubt he wants to end his career in Chicago but admitted the chance of becoming a free-agent for the first time in his career intrigues him.

“It’s kind of exciting [free agency]. I’ve never been a free agent. So if I can get to free agency we’ll see what happens. I no doubt want to finish my career here. There’s no doubt about that. But you bring in free agency and all that you just never know what’s gonna happen,” Urlacher told ESPN Friday.

The 8-time Pro Bowl linebacker will be playing the final year of a five-year extension he inked in 2008. He’s bound to receive a base salary of $7.5 million with a cap hit of $9.7 million in 2012.

Urlacher is still an intimidating force on the defensive end, collecting 135 stops for a franchise best 11th 100-tackle season.

The Bears are unlikely to begin contract negotiations with Urlacher until the end of the 2012 season.

“The Bears know I want to be here. I’ve told them that. I’ve said it publicly, and that’s not gonna change,” Urlacher added Friday. “Whatever happens during the season or after the season, we’ll address it then. But they know I want to be here, and I think they want me here.”

---

---