Watch CBS News

Lance Briggs Hopes For A Call From John Fox

(CBS) Veteran linebacker and soon-to-be free agent Lance Briggs' 12-year career with the Bears is likely over, for many reasons. The Chicago defense needs to get younger, and Briggs has lost a step.

Briggs has even hinted at the end himself, saying late in the season that he and veteran defensive back Charles Tillman "had a great ride together."

And yet, Briggs still holds out hope that the new Bears regime -- under general manager Ryan Pace and coach John Fox -- may have interest.

"In my opinion, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't want to do that," Briggs said Monday on CSN Chicago after he was asked if the Bears should consider bringing him back for a veteran presence and depth at linebacker. "Obviously, in the draft, that's probably going to be one of the focal points is getting a linebacker, but even so, a guy who's been around, a guy who understands football, who's a great football player and can play at a high level still is, to me, is enticing. So a guy like John Fox — love the hire — and hopefully, you know, I get a call and I get an opportunity to come back and play in Chicago, where I'm supposed to be."

Briggs, 34, made seven Pro Bowls in his Bears career. He missed the final five games of the 2014 season with a groin injury. In 11 games, he had 35 tackles.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.