Bears Will Have to Step Up Their Game To Keep Kreutz

In the waning days of the lockout, a lot of talk turned to each team’s priorities in Free Agency.  For the Bears, almost everyone covering the team agreed that re-signing center Olin Kreutz should be their top priority.  He’s the glue of the offensive line and the one making all of the last-second adjustments to the “protection” schemes (and I’m using the air quotes because “protection” for Jay Cutler has been about as reliable as that Trojan that’s been in your wallet since 2003).

The Free Agent Frenzy has started and it’s become clear that the Bears are going to have to bring it with a solid offer to keep Kreutz in the navy and orange in 2011.  According to Brad Biggs, at least 4 teams are in hot pursuit of Kreutz.  I’ve heard San Fran among them, though none are specifically listed in his post.

Kreutz wants to the stay in Chicago, but it doesn’t seem like he’s offering any hometown discounts to stick around.  In what is almost certainly his last payday, Kreutz wants to get paid what he deserves with a fair market value deal.  It’s up to Jerry Angelo and the Bears to oblige and keep the anchor of their line in tact.

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