[bears9]

Here's the bottom line for the Bears' attempt to re-sign wide receiver Bernard Berrian: Their most recent offer -- $8 million in bonus money in a five-year, $25 million package -- wasn't enough to get a deal done.

Free agency begins at 11 tonight, and Berrian is seeking a payday well in excess of that -- $24.5 million in the first three years of a contract -- though general manager Jerry Angelo last week called the Bears' offers to Berrian and linebacker Lance Briggs ''aggressive.''

It's unknown how much room the Bears have to improve that offer for Berrian, who is expected to be courted by the Minnesota Vikings. It's also unclear whether Berrian and agent Drew Rosenhaus will be able to get another team -- the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers also are thought to be interested -- to meet his asking price, which probably would require a signing bonus of more than $12 million.

Berrian is aiming to top the six-year, $39 million deal former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch received from the Seattle Seahawks last fall. That contract pays Branch $23 million in the first three years.

Berrian eyes more than Bears have offered :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears

[ThePundit]

I think Berrian is a terrific receiver but is he out of his mind?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

I think Berrian is a terrific receiver but is he out of his mind?

Maybe he thinks he is "Ocho Ze'ro"...the Bears version of Chad Johnson...

[bears9]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

I think Berrian is a terrific receiver but is he out of his mind?

Berrian is a great receiver but, he isn't worth that mcuh. If he wants that much cash they should let him walk.

[vincesanity82]

hes just seeing if anyone will bite, after no one does he will go back to the bears..

[Be Da Bear]

From what I heard today was that Tampa has more cap room than any team, around 44 Million. They need a WR or two in a bad way. I look for the Buc's to go after Berrian. And you can't blame Berrian for wanting to leave. With Grossman and Orton looking like your #1 and #2 QB, I'd be getting out of town as well.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Be Da Bear

From what I heard today was that Tampa has more cap room than any team, around 44 Million. They need a WR or two in a bad way. I look for the Buc's to go after Berrian. And you can't blame Berrian for wanting to leave. With Grossman and Orton looking like your #1 and #2 QB, I'd be getting out of town as well.

Your points don't ad up, yes Tampa has cap room but they aren't much better off at QB.

[Be Da Bear]

Originally Posted by bears9

Your points don't ad up, yes Tampa has cap room but they aren't much better off at QB.

Maybe it's just not the QB but the system. Gruden runs a pass happy system, so did the Bears last season, but there are a lot of other factors that play into playing in Florida. No state Tax's, great weather, plus getting paid.

Look, everyone knows Garcia is not going to be the #1 guy after this season and Gruden is known for going after QB's. Look how many they had this past season, and we don't even know who he may pick up in this offseason. It won't bother Gruden one bit to get say, McNabb. Believe me Garcia would be #2 in a second. Garcia is just a bridge for the next QB to take over in Tampa and Gruden likes to bring in the vet QB, not someone they have to start all over with. Like what the Bears will have to do after this season.

[Weird harold]

Originally Posted by bears9

Berrian is a great receiver but, he isn't worth that mcuh. If he wants that much cash they should let him walk.

Two people here calling Berrian a great receiver. Did you guys catch any of the Bears games last season? He may be a great receiver, but I wish he CAUGHT THE BALL MORE OFTEN. Most great receivers don't have the ball bounce off the numbers on their chest, over, and over again. I think if the Bears offered him $100.00 it would be too much. Save the salary cap money for somebody else, and save the roster spot for someone who CATCH THE BALL.

[Dusty]

This is too much for Berrian, I mean he's not Plaxico Burress or Chad Johnson! Still with Moose gone who is gonna catch passes for the Bears?

[Lefty Noob]

It was too much money for Branch, and he was coming off the Super Bowl MVP when he signed that deal. It's DEFINITELY too much for Berrian!

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

It was too much money for Branch, and he was coming off the Super Bowl MVP when he signed that deal. It's DEFINITELY too much for Berrian!

That was my first thought too. Branch was coming off a Superbowl MVP season. Berrian is an OK receiver...he can run fast and catch a deep ball every now and again. There is a big difference between the two, so the pay should be a big difference too.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Be Da Bear

Maybe it's just not the QB but the system. Gruden runs a pass happy system, so did the Bears last season, but there are a lot of other factors that play into playing in Florida. No state Tax's, great weather, plus getting paid.

Look, everyone knows Garcia is not going to be the #1 guy after this season and Gruden is known for going after QB's. Look how many they had this past season, and we don't even know who he may pick up in this offseason. It won't bother Gruden one bit to get say, McNabb. Believe me Garcia would be #2 in a second. Garcia is just a bridge for the next QB to take over in Tampa and Gruden likes to bring in the vet QB, not someone they have to start all over with. Like what the Bears will have to do after this season.

Okay maybe Berrian a great receiver is a bit of a stretch. He does of have problems catching the ball, but if he fixes that. Wow

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

It was too much money for Branch, and he was coming off the Super Bowl MVP when he signed that deal. It's DEFINITELY too much for Berrian!

I wonder if this is coming form the receiver himself or from those around him who give him an over inflated opinion of himself?

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

I wonder if this is coming form the receiver himself or from those around him who give him an over inflated opinion of himself?

Rosenhaus is his agent so you never know.