Chicago Bears: Was Lance Briggs’ Trade Request a Futile Ploy to Bilk Big Money?
Published by Ryan Phillips on September 2, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Today, Lance Briggs formally asked the Chicago Bears to trade him, as they have not honored his request for a pay raise. 
This should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed his career. It is just typical behavior by Briggs, who doesn’t ever seem to be content with his financial situation.
In the spring of 2007, Briggs went public with his demands for more money after the Bears slapped the franchise tag on him. In March of that year, he claimed that he no longer considered himself a member of the Chicago Bears because he wouldn’t play for the $7.2 million he was due until the franchise designation.
He went further, claiming he would never play another down for Chicago again.
He eventually showed up, played the season and was finally rewarded with a six-year, $36 million contract in March of 2008. Now, with three years and nearly $14 million left on that deal, Briggs is demanding a trade because the Bears won’t give him a new deal.
Briggs could learn a lot from teammate Matt Forte.
The 25-year-old running back is deserving of a new contract, but rather than hold out, he has been in camp and has kept his mouth shut. He is showing through his actions, not his words, that he is a worthy part of the Bears’ future.
The 30-year-old linebacker is picking the wrong year to complain about his pay. He had a down year in 2010 and while he’s not exactly expendable, he isn’t as valuable as he was during his previous contract dispute.
Last season, Briggs totaled 89 tackles (his lowest output since his rookie year in 2003), two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Those aren’t the numbers of an elite linebacker, especially in a league where guys at the second-level are easy to replace.
If Briggs thinks he can get more money elsewhere, the Bears should tell him to go find a team that’s willing to pay him and get them to offer adequate compensation in return.
Basically, team ownership should call his bluff.
I’m willing to bet Briggs won’t be as valuable around the league as he thinks he is.
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