Jerry Angelo: 'Multi-year Deal for Briggs Unlikely'

Hmm. Bears general manager Jerry Angelo says he wants linebacker Lance Briggs back in Chicago ... but a mult-year deal ain't likely.

"I'm not ruling it out 100 percent, but in all probability, that's not likely to happen," Angelo said

So, basically, nothing's changed ... at least from Briggs' perspective. The Bears franchised him earlier this off-season and the linebacker balked at the one-year contract. Now, the two sides are at an impasse. It's curious the front office isn't interested in a long-term deal. Essentially, the club is saying if Briggs returns for 2007, they will franchise him again in 2008.

Of course, it's not like the team didn't make him an offer last off-season: "Briggs reportedly turned down a six-year, $33 million deal. He said it was for seven years, and was 'below market value.' Either way, Angelo warned him that the Bears might use the franchise tag."

So this isn't a total surprise. Chicago doesn't often overpay for players and Drew Rosenhaus, Briggs' agent, isn't known for his meekness. One alternative has the Redskins trading for Briggs, who would then sign him to a shiny new contract.

It's easy to see both sides of the issue: the Bears are working under the constraints of the salary cap, and Briggs, rightfully, wants to get paid. And it looks like that will happen. Now the only question is which team will be writing the check.