[bears9]

The sting of losing wide receiver Bernard Berrian to the rival Minnesota Vikings did not last long for the Bears, who followed up a free-agent loss with a win in securing the future of linebacker Lance Briggs.

By keeping the three-time Pro Bowler, the Bears ensured their starting corps of linebackers will remain in place for a fifth season. The club was able to bring him back at its price, one he was happy with. A market never developed for him as teams he expected to be bidding for his services did not come calling.

Briggs admitted being somewhat surprised that he's returning.

''There were certain things that happened,'' he said. ''I thought San Francisco was going to be a place I was going to be. New Orleans was another place that was high on me. But they traded for Jonathan Vilma, got a linebacker. Those are kind of the setbacks as far as free agency went.''

Surprised Briggs 'happy' with deal :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears

[Be Da Bear]

I saw where it came down to Washington or Chicago for Briggs. I bet he was shocked to be signing back with the Bears. I think also that if he would have went to SF the Bears would have went after SF for tampering, that may have killed that deal. If I'm N.O I would take Briggs over Vilma but money may have been the issue there. I'm glad to have Briggs back, but I'd rather have Berrian. There is nothing that can be done about it now, I just hope Bradley can step up.