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Urlacher Takes To Media To Sell Himself While Bears Sign LB Williams

By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 22, 2013 8:50PM

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New Bears linebacker D.J. Williams.
The Bears moved fast to fill the hole left by their decision part ways with Brian Urlacher by signing former Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams to a one-year deal Friday.

The nine-year veteran has experience at both middle and outside linebacker and recorded a record 141 tackles in 2007 but had a very uneventful 2012, according to the Tribune’s Dan Pompei.

”Williams, 30, was cut by the Broncos after a season in which he faced two suspensions, a six game suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing policy, and a three game suspension for his second arrest for driving under the influence.”

This may explain why the Bears only offered Williams an incentive-laden deal. He’ll earn a base salary of $900,000 and could earn $1.75 million if he meets his incentive goals. None of the contract is guaranteed. Scouts do like his skill set, particularly his speed. So this is a good signing by the Bears if Williams toes the straight and narrow. Bears GM Phil Emery, in a statement announcing the signing, said it gives the team flexibility heading into the NFL Draft.

Urlacher, meanwhile, has suddenly become chatty and is making the media rounds to discuss his departure from the Bears and sell himself to NFL teams, not exactly in that order. Urlacher confirmed to Dan Patrick reports his agent spoke with Minnesota, Arizona and Dallas, and that he would have no problem playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme. “We’ll see if anyone wants me,” he said.

Right now, it appears no one does.