BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (AP) - Six-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher signed a one-year contract extension Tuesday with the Chicago Bears on the eve of the team's first training camp practice.
The team did not reveal terms of the deal but reports say it is worth $18 million, including a $6 million signing bonus, a $1 million raise in base salary from 2008 through 2011 and then $8 million in the final year of the deal.
"It's good to get Brian Urlacher signed," Bears coach Lovie Smith said.
Urlacher had initially signed a nine-year, $56.65 million deal in 2003 but wanted an extension. He underwent minor neck surgery this past offseason and has been bothered by a sore back.
In 121 games, including 119 as a starter, Urlacher has 1,299 tackles, 37 1/2 sacks, 15 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. He has led the team in tackles seven times.
He was the Bears' first-round pick in the 2000 draft out of New Mexico and has evolved in their most well-known player with his speed and hard-hitting ability.
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