Cesar Tordesillas

Brian Urlacher was caught by surprise by the Bears' announcement that he has been removed from the team.

The eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker and future Hall of Famer never voiced a desire to move on, although the Bears' news release labeled it a mutual decision.

The Bears have decided to hold firm on a one-year contract offer to Urlacher that maxed out at $2 million and included $1 million guaranteed. Urlacher, a free agent for the first time after 13 seasons, initially sought a two-year, $11.5 million deal and figured the sides would reach a middle ground, but no negotiations were made.

After Urlacher's agents presented their initial proposal, the Bears took a few weeks to mull it over before sending an email Thursday with the one-year, $2 million offer. Urlacher made $7.5 million last season.

"It wasn't even an offer, it was an ultimatum," Urlacher told the Tribune. "I feel like I'm a decent football player still. It was insulting, somewhat of a slap in the face.

Urlacher described the Bears' offer as 'take it or leave it.'

His agents, Pat Dye Jr. and Bill Johnson, responded with another proposal to play for one year at about $3.5 million.

Although general manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman had voiced their support of Urlacher and expressed a desire to have him back, the Bears wouldn't budge.

"I just wish they would have said, 'We don't want you back.' I think this whole thing is just about them saving face and trying to say that they made a run at me," said Urlacher, who insited he wanted to stay at Chicago.

"I thought the organization would at least have a little bit more respect for the man, pay him what he's worth and not try to lowball him said Urlacher's teammate, Pro Bowl cornerback Tim Jennings. .

Urlacher recorded 13 tackles and a sack in his first NFL start after being drafted in the first round out of New Mexico.

In thirteen seasons he posted a franchise-record 1,776 tackles.

His agents have been in contact with the Cowboys, Vikings and Cardinals.

Chicago Bears Part Ways with Brian Urlacher - NFL 2013