Seeking new deal, Bears LB Urlacher might skip voluntary workouts

CHICAGO -- Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher might skip the team's voluntary offseason workouts while he seeks a contract extension.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Urlacher planned to miss the first day Monday and perhaps the rest of the workouts, which include organized team activities. The Bears declined to disclose whether Urlacher participated Monday, and the workouts are closed to the media.

Urlacher can't be fined since the workouts are voluntary. But when linebacker Lance Briggs and former running back Thomas Jones skipped voluntary offseason workouts in 2006, the team demoted them from starting roles for a brief time.

Urlacher has a contract that runs through 2011. He made $3.95 million last season and is slated to make the same amount this season.