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Ok, all you Swerskis who want Urlacher traded because he wants a fair market salary need to sit down for a minute. Heres where the money makes sense:
1. Tommy Kelly just got a contract almost equivalent to Urlacher's money over less years. Who is Tommy Kelly? I thought he was an 1940's Irish gangster, but evidently he is a underacheiving D-lineman for the Raiders.
2. Brian Urlacher had the 11th highest cap number for LB in 2007. Can you name 10 LB's that you would rather have play for your team than #54? Anyone naming Lofa Tatupu or Patrick Willis because they made the Pro Bowl needs to watch some NFC West football. Tatupu and Willis' tackle numbers were inflated by tackles made 10 yards from the line of scrimmage. Which LB had the most impact plays (Int, FF, FR, Sack) in 2007? Brian Urlacher. So the "his play is declining due to injury" does not hold water.
3. Urlacher has earned it. Here are the 10 linebackers with a higher cap number in 2007 than Urlacher. Ray Lewis, Zach Thomas, Keith Brooking, Nick Barnett, Keith Bulluck, Lance Briggs, Daryl Smith, Rosie Colvin, Julian Peterson and Marcus Washington. Point out the LB that outperforms Urlacher every year. I couldn't find him either.
4. McCaskey Money. Chicago Bear #54 jersey were the most popular NFL jersey across the nation last year. A popular player tranlates to more peripheral interest (not diehards, i.e. women, men who like tennis, etc.). These people invest in game tickets or contribute to higher TV viewership in addition to the static fan base (you and I). This all contributes to the Bear organization making additional money on stadium merchandise, concessions, advertising revenue from exclusive t.v. show contracts about the Bears, etc. In essence, the organization can expect additional revenue by paying more money to a popular player. Expect the organization to go to great lengths to retain Urlacher.
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