When teams were first allowed to talk to free agents from other teams, we heard that the Vikings had spoken to linebacker Brian Urlacher about trading in his Bears helmet for one emblazoned with their logo.
At the time, their interest was reportedly tempered by the fact that they believed Urlacher and the Bears would eventually come up with an agreement that kept Urlacher in the only NFL uniform he’s ever worn. We found out Wednesday that their prediction was incorrect and that the Bears and Urlacher will be parting ways.
So, does that mean the Vikings will swoop in to grab a player away from their rivals? If they do, it probably won’t happen right away. Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com reports that the Vikings aren’t interested in Urlacher at the moment and that the only way that would change is if his salary demands come “way, way down” in the future.
Urlacher said Wednesday that the offer from the Bears -- one year for up to $2 million -- wasn’t enough for him to go through the physical battering of a 14th NFL season. We wonder whether his decision might be different if it came with the chance to suit up for one of the Bears’ biggest rivals and take out any bad feelings about his exit on Chicago twice next season.