Sean Jensen reports for the Chicago Sun-Times that the Bears have extended the contracts of Matt Toeaina and Patrick Mannelly giving us three more years to struggle spelling Toeaina’s name . (Its actually not that hard. Just use every vowel in the alphabet in random order until it looks right.)
Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune points out that the Bears have quite a list of players who could be next including Olin Kreutz, Anthony Adams, Danieal Manning and Brad Maynard:
“Signing Toeaina before starting nose tackle Anthony Adams was an interesting move. One source said the team has tried to sign Adams and safety Danieal Manning to extensions, but the Bears have asked all parties in contract talks to be silent, and with the team heading to the playoffs, it’s taboo for players to talk personal finances in the locker room.
“Early money for Toeaina is another indication veteran Tommie Harris, who has started the last three games, could be on his way out. He’s owed a $2.5 million roster bonus June 1.
Adams hesitation might be justified. He’s an under rated player might command as much or more than the Bears are offering on the open market. He’s 30 and this might be his last change to cash in.
Manning is a different story. He’s a reasonably good kick returner and someone might pay him to do that. But the odds are that the offer won’t be more than the Bears. Manning has had a solid season but his history indicates that he’s prone to mistakes. For instance, he bit on a short route last Sunday leading to a Jets touchdown.
Manning has an inflated idea of what he’s worth that was demonstrated when decided to stay away from offseason workouts in an effort to get more money from the Bears. He was unhappy with the offers he got as a restricted free agent. My guess is that Manning’s destined to be very disappointed this year as well.