Chicago Bears "Final Offer"
As you can probably tell, I'm a Bears fan. They drafted Cedric Benson with the 4th pick in the NFL draft in April. He remains the only player unsigned for the season with Bears training camp entering its 27th day tomorrow. They have two preseason games remaining after this weekend and I believe it was with this in mind that Jerry Angelo, the GM of the Bears, made this statement this afternoon:
"After missing all of training camp, we want to make it abundantly clear that the Chicago Bears have made their best and final offer to Cedric Benson. No dollars are left on the bargaining table, and at this point the only contract discussions that will be entertained will be reflective of the considerable loss of value to the club created by the player's extended absence.
"We will not provide details regarding contract negotiations, however, in an effort to move forward and focus solely on preparing for a winning football season, we believe it is important for everyone to know our position on Benson's contract situation as his holdout enters Day 26 and now is the NFL's only unsigned first-round draft choice.
"The Chicago Bears have always placed a premium on having our players in camp on time, and recent history reflects our excellent track record. Our last four number one draft picks have been signed on time for the opening of training camp. Two of those picks, Rex Grossman and Tommie Harris, were also represented by Benson's agent, Eugene Parker.
"The failure to reach an agreement on a fair and reasonable contract has been a huge disappointment. We look forward to having Cedric end his holdout and join his coaches and teammates as they prepare for the upcoming season."
I believe this to be a wise move. While you never want to get to the point of issuing ultimatums while negotiating, sometimes it's necessary. I think the Bears have reached this point with Cedric. I expect this will get the discussions moving again but if not, I expect the Bears may be willing to let Benson sit out the entire year. If that happens, Benson will have given up a signing bonus estimated at $17 million on the gamble that he'll improve on that next season. He won't. Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Suntimes had a great article on this subject today.
GO BEARS!!!
"After missing all of training camp, we want to make it abundantly clear that the Chicago Bears have made their best and final offer to Cedric Benson. No dollars are left on the bargaining table, and at this point the only contract discussions that will be entertained will be reflective of the considerable loss of value to the club created by the player's extended absence.
"We will not provide details regarding contract negotiations, however, in an effort to move forward and focus solely on preparing for a winning football season, we believe it is important for everyone to know our position on Benson's contract situation as his holdout enters Day 26 and now is the NFL's only unsigned first-round draft choice.
"The Chicago Bears have always placed a premium on having our players in camp on time, and recent history reflects our excellent track record. Our last four number one draft picks have been signed on time for the opening of training camp. Two of those picks, Rex Grossman and Tommie Harris, were also represented by Benson's agent, Eugene Parker.
"The failure to reach an agreement on a fair and reasonable contract has been a huge disappointment. We look forward to having Cedric end his holdout and join his coaches and teammates as they prepare for the upcoming season."
I believe this to be a wise move. While you never want to get to the point of issuing ultimatums while negotiating, sometimes it's necessary. I think the Bears have reached this point with Cedric. I expect this will get the discussions moving again but if not, I expect the Bears may be willing to let Benson sit out the entire year. If that happens, Benson will have given up a signing bonus estimated at $17 million on the gamble that he'll improve on that next season. He won't. Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Suntimes had a great article on this subject today.
GO BEARS!!!
posted by crackerdog at 7:33 PM
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