A seven-year Pro Bowler with a contract set to expire at the end of the season, Briggs turns 34 in just a week, and isn’t expecting the Bears to put an offer on the table prior to him hitting free agency.
“It’s the last year of my deal. It’s not like I’m going to magically show up after this year, and they’re going to open the gates up for you,” Briggs said. “I’ve talked to my buddy [former Bears defensive end] Alex Brown. Those gates are closing, you’re a free agent. I know the reality of it, and I’m proud of all the years I’ve had here. It’s been great.”
Having missed the team’s last three games with a rib injury, Briggs is set to make his return Sunday when the Bears play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Briggs spent practice on Wednesday taking first-team repetitions, which represents somewhat of a change for the linebacker as he worked with the scout team during recovery from the rib injury.
“Lance, it’s great to have him back,” Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said. “He’s a really good leader for us and he’s a playmaker. We need him to do his job. That’s going to be big for us.”