Jul 18th 2008 1:56PM by Ryan Wilson (author feed)
Filed under: BearsTraining camp is less than two weeks away and the Bears are still a mess. Of course, no one expected the team to be magically transformed into contenders this offseason, but despite questions at just about every offensive position, there’s also plenty of uncertainty with the team’s best player, Brian Urlacher.

The Pro Bowl linebacker has been looking for a new deal for some time, and while the organization is interested in keeping Urlacher in Chicago, it’ll require some compromise. Which could be a problem. Meanwhile, the Bears might have to be concerned with Brian Urlacher’s status. The star linebacker still wants more than the one-year contract extension the Bears have offered on top of the nine-year, $57 million deal he signed in 2003. The extension through 2012 includes $5 million up front. This could be a lingering issue, or it could mean nothing. Last year, Lance Briggs did all sorts of arm-waving before finally signing his franchise tender, playing the season, and re-signing for much less than he originally thought he was worth. For all the bluster about holding out, players usually opt for a paycheck over making a point on principle.

In less depressing news, first-round pick Chris Williams is close to signing with the team. He’s already one of the Bears’ best offensive players, which should tell you everything you need to know about the Bears’ offense.