If you can pull yourself away from the hand-wringing going on over Brian Urlachers contract demands, the Bears have turned their business focus to another player, Devin Hester.
The team and representatives for the returner/receiver have plans to discuss their situation this week, and a face-to-face meeting involving agent Eugene Parker is possible. The team got serious with the Rosenhaus brothers two weeks ago when they came to town to work on a deal for defensive tackle Tommie Harris. When those efforts stalled, the decision was made to move forward and laying the groundwork for a longterm extension for Hester, who is signed for two more seasons, is a top priority.
The sides have had talks since the combine but negotiations have yet to become serious. The Bears are motivated to get Hester, Harris and kicker Robbie Gould inked. The uglier the Urlacher situation turns, the more interesting it will be to see how general manager Jerry Angelo proceeds. The team holds all the leverage with Urlacher having four years remaining on his existing contract and desiring multiple years be tacked onto it.
Reaching an agreement for Hester isnt going to be simple. But if he goes out and has a productive season as a receiver while continuing his assault on the record books as a returner, its going to be even more difficult a year from now.
Stay tuned.
