Jerry Jones says no to Dallas Cowboys signing Brian Urlacher
You can forget about former Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher coming out of retirement and suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys this season, according to ESPN’s Calvin Watkins.
More from Chicago Bears
- Ryan Poles’ first contract extension as Bears GM is a big one
- NFL rumors: 3 edge rushers Bears could still add to fill glaring need
- Justin Fields, self-proclaimed Top 5 rushing QB ever, eyes elusive Bears record
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL coach bashes the Bears for letting star leave
“No,” was Jerry Jones’ response Tuesday when asked if the Cowboys are working on a deal to bring in Urlacher.
The Cowboys lost starting middle linebacker Sean Lee on the first day of OTA’s to a torn left ACL that likely will sideline the former Penn State Nittany Lion for the entire 2014 season.
Following the news of Lee’s MRI results revealing the torn knee ligament, Urlacher was mentioned as a possible candidate to fill the shoes of Lee because of his familiarity of Rod Marinelli’s defense.
In recent days the Cowboys seemed inclined to find Lee’s replacement from options currently on the roster, including fourth-round pick Anthony Hitchens, 2013 sixth round pick DeVonte Holloman and eight-year veteran Justin Durant as the candidates to line up in the middle of the Cowboys defense which was among the worst in the league last year.
The Cowboys were particularly vulnerable to runs up the middle, finishing 30th in the league in average runs up the middle last season, so even with a healthy Lee, the Cowboys defense was going to be tested this season. Replacing him with an unproven rookie, second-year player who was a late pick or a journeyman would not seem to bring as much optmism as a future Hall of Famer would have.
Having said that, Urlacher was out of football last season after turning down a modest offer to remain with the Bears and found no offers on the free agent market. He has been working with Fox Sports 1 as an analyst and seems content in retirement.