bears tommie harris

A very happy Tommie Harris, who is entering his fifth season with the Bears and in the NFL, has signed a new four-year $40 million deal. The tackle had been paid just under $2 million last season.

Harris, who came out of Oklahoma, was chosen 14th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2004 NFL Draft. In four seasons, the first-round draft pick has a total of 141 tackles with 111 of those being solo. Of his 19.5 sacks in that time, eight came in 2007. He also forced two of five-total fumbles in 2007. Sidelined for a bit in 2006, when he played in 12 regular-season games, Harris has played in every 2004, 2005 and 2007 contest.

Harris is known for being explosive and athletic with a high-running motor. He’s excellent at getting the jump on offensive linemen, penetrating through the gaps and putting pressure on quarterbacks. Harris is extremely tough to block or stop, using his hands, leverage and quickness to keep offenses off balance. In 2006, he suffered a serious hamstring injury, but he showed no effects of that injury in the 2007 season.

The Pro Bowl DT, who has a deal designed to keep him with the Bears through 2012, noted that Chicago handled the negations with class. His dealings with the team are much different than those experienced by linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, both of whom have been very public about their displeasure with the club. Both players have hinted that they may holdout.

The Bears are said to be interested in renegotiating new contracts with linebacker Urlacher and wide receiver Devin Hester. Both players have contracts through 2008. Urlacher, a top linebacker, has been with the Bears for eight season, which is his entire career. Hester is entering his third NFL season, all of which have been with Chicago.

Paul mroczka
Sports Pundit member

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