[bears9]

The Bears will build toward the 2008 season today with the beginning of the offseason conditioning program and will work toward securing a cornerstone of the defense well into the future Tuesday as agent Drew Rosenhaus will visit Halas Hall to work on a contract for tackle Tommie Harris.

While there have been notable absences from voluntary workouts the last two springs, no healthy players are expected to be routinely missing, although middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is seeking a new deal.

Harris, who will receive the Ed Block Courage award Tuesday at Maryville Academy, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Bears opened dialogue with Rosenhaus in February when they discussed deals for fellow clients Lance Briggs, Bernard Berrian and Brendon Ayanbadejo.

Bears' top offseason priority is Harris :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears