Brian Urlacher spent 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears and became one of the most popular players in the great history of the organization.
Following the end of the 2012 season however, it was announced that the 34-year-old linebacker and the Bears would part ways since they were unable to come to an agreement on a contract. Urlacher began looking for a new home once he knew he'd never wear a Chicago jersey again.
According to Michael Sneed of the Chicago Sun Times, two teams very much interested in the services of Urlacher are the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. The potential acquisition of Urlacher by either of these teams would make perfect sense considering both have needs at the middle linebacker position.
RELATED: Texans impressed with Collin Klein, Remains Unsigned
As the situation continues to develop, many people believe the linebacker will in fact sign with one of Chicago's biggest rivals.
"It's getting close to happening, but Brian is leaning toward heading to Minnesota and is talking a one to two year contract," a source close to Urlacher said.
The Vikings have solid pieces within their linebacker corps including productive veterans Chad Greenway and Erin Henderson. Adding a player like Urlacher would provide the Vikings with a leader on the field and a ferocious ball hawk up the middle, deepening a talented yet thin Minnesota unit. The duo of Greenway and Henderson combined for 228 total tackles last season, helping the Vikings to a 10-6 record and trip to the playoffs.
RELATED: Tim Tebow Is a 'Great Kid,' Not a Great Quarterback
Appearing in 12 contests last season for the Bears, Urlacher finished with 53 total tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. Despite the low number of tackles, Minnesota would be wise to give strong consideration toward signing the veteran.
While Minnesota is interested in Urlacher, the Denver Broncos appear to be in play as well. The Broncos fell to the eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in last year's playoffs and despite having solid linebackers in Von Miller, Stewart Bradley and Joe Mays, Denver could surely use a talented player like Urlacher to continue the success of the defense, especially since Pro Bowl defensive end Elvis Dumervil signed with Baltimore this offseason.
Even though the 8-time Pro Bowler had a down season in 2012, whoever signs Brian Urlacher will be getting a tremendous football player with a strong love and passion for the game.
Along with playing in multiple Pro Bowls, the former University of New Mexico standout has been named an All-Pro 5 times and was the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.
Since being selected with the ninth pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Urlacher has accumulated well-over 1,300 tackles while recording 41 ½ sacks and 22 interceptions.
WATCH Brian Urlacher Return An Interception 85-yards For A Touchdown Against Green Bay:
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
