Bernard Berrians contract is considered by league insiders to be the third- or fourth-best deal in the league for wide receivers. Drew Rosenhaus is not one of those league insiders. Hed rank the deal No. 1.
But in talking to sources from multiple organizations, they said the numbers land Berrian in elite class. You can play Twister with contract numbers and make them say about anything you want, but when you examine the $23 million Berrian will pocket over the first three years of the contract, and the $7 million he will average annually with the Vikings, its right up there. Berrian’s deal has $16 million guaranteed and totals $42 million over six seasons.
The agent did say he was happy to keep at least one of his UFAs — Brendon Ayanbadejo is still a free agent — in Chicago.
“Im glad one of my clients [Lance Briggs]was able to remain a Bear, Rosenhaus said. “There was so much talk, `All three are going to leave, and that was never the stance any of us had.
Does Ayanbadejo want to remain a Bear?
“Sure, he would like to, Rosenhaus replied. “This is a deal that is going to take some time to work out. The key with the deal is we would like to find a place where Brendon can get a chance to play some linebackers. Were very realistic and were not going to wait forever, but we will be patient to find an opportunity.
Of course, Ayanbadejo would like to play linebacker. Spending some time on defense would make him more money. Ayanbadejo is seeking to be the highest-paid special teams player in the league. Hes identified Giants wide receiver David Tyree as that person currently. Tyree proved his value as an offensive player in that game they played in Glendale, Ariz., last month.
